Loch Fada
Isle of Skye
Loch Fada lies close to the Trotternish coast of Skye, within low ground where the catchment is largely peat. It covers ...
946
©
John Allan
·
CC
Loch Leathan
Water managed by Portree Angling Association
Type
Lake
Species
Brown trout
Low alkalinity
High alkalinity indicates water fertility and can signal the presence of larger trout. Fish in alkaline waters have a wider variety of invertebrates to feed on.
Shallow
The depth of a lake has significant impacts on its ecology. Reduced heat and light in deep lakes inhibit algal growth.
High shoreline complexity
A lake with a high shoreline complexity will have numerous bays, points and peninsulas.
Low elevation
Lakes at a higher altitude can take longer to warm up during the season and may not fish well until summer.
Large
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.
Loch Leathan lies barely half a kilometre from the sea in the low ground of northern Skye, a large loch of roughly 120 hectares set within a landscape of peaty moorland and open sky. The shoreline is highly irregular, cut by bays, headlands and small islands, with a perimeter of nearly ten kilometres despite the loch's modest fetch of around two and a half kilometres. The water is peaty and brown-tinged, with low alkalinity typical of the underlying geology, and though the depth is moderate for its size, much of it is relatively shallow.
The loch holds wild brown trout throughout, and fish can be taken all round the shore. Local anglers favour the roadside bank, though Armishadder Bay at the southern end, despite the walk to reach it, is worth the effort. A small bridge over the narrows gives access between the lochs when water levels allow. Productive drifts run along both shorelines and through Armishadder Bay, with the water around the big island also worth working. Traditional wet flies — Invicta, Black Pennell, Grouse series, Soldier Palmer and sedge imitations — all take fish, and during the mayfly hatch in early June, Claret Bumbles, Dabblers and Loch Ordie patterns come into their own. Boats are available, including a wheely boat.
Rules
Fish limits & sizes
Catch and release
All wild brown trout must be returned.
Fishery-wide rules
Fish limits & sizes
Salmon
All salmon must be returned
Club rules
Sunday fishing
Sunday fishing is reserved for members only.
Permits
A fishing permit is required before fishing any waters.
Safety warning
Life jackets
Boat hire includes 2 life jackets, which must be worn.
Season
Brown trout
15 Mar – 30 Sep
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D