949
Loch Mealt

Loch Mealt

Water managed by Portree Angling Association

Type
Lake
Species
Arctic charr
Moderate 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.
Moderate 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.
Small
Larger lakes with good spawning often contain lots of smaller trout. Smaller lakes with limited spawning can produce larger trout.

Loch Mealt lies just south of Staffin on the Isle of Skye, straddling the A855 within a few hundred metres of the sea cliffs. It is a small loch of roughly 34 hectares, moderately shallow, with a shoreline of bays and points that gives it a gently irregular outline. The water is of moderate alkalinity, and the fetch across it is short, the surrounding ground offering shelter from the worst of the Atlantic weather.

The loch is notable for holding a population of Arctic char with no brown trout present — a distinction said to be unique in Europe. The char are wary fish, generally found close to the surface, and may be tempted with small trout flies or nymphs. A car park at the sea end of the loch provides ample parking.

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.

Explore nearby

13 waters within 5 miles of Loch Mealt

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Loch Cleat

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Loch Leum na Luirginn

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Loch Fada 10

Loch Fada

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Loch Fada is a very small loch of under 2 hectares, lying close to the coast on the Trotternish peninsula of Skye, less ...

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Loch Hasco 11

Loch Hasco

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Loch Langaig 12

Loch Langaig

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Loch Langaig lies very close to the coast in the low ground of northern Skye, less than a kilometre from the shore. It i ...

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Loch Droighinn 13

Loch Droighinn

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Loch Droighinn is a very small, very shallow loch of barely half a hectare, lying in the low ground close to the coast o ...

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