Loch fishing on Islay
Islay is the perfect place for a fishing holiday. And with an array of lochs to choose from you are spoilt for choice. Surrounded by stunning scenery and history, you can cast your rod in a special place for a special day of fishing…
Set yourself up for a fishing treat with a fishing retreat on Islay!
If you are planning on a holiday to Islay and you enjoy fishing then you are in for a treat! In fact, you are heading to a place that offers diverse fishing possibilities! With miles of coastline, peppered with shipwrecks, Islay has witnessed a rich fishing heritage on both its interior freshwater lochs and the sea lochs that populate its fractal coast. Fishing on Islay is something you will never forget and is something you need to add to your things to-do list.
Steeped in history, where fishing goes back to nomadic days, you will swap the dated flint arrowhead for a modern fishing rod. What is more, in 2003, Islay hosted the biggest fishing event in Scotland, fishing five of its lochs!
Book NowOur Lochs
So you are packed and ready to go. Now you need to choose where to go fishing. Gorm, Skerrols and Finlaggan are the main lochs to fish on. However, Loch Ardnahoe, a very deep loch, is known for its rather large trout. Notably, this loch fishes best after the end of May. Moreover, boats can be hired for these lochs and the key can be collected from the Islay Estates Office in Bridgend. This also includes your fishing permit. Alternatively, if you’re fishing on Loch Gorm, you can hire a boat from Ballinaby Farm, where you can also purchase permits. Call 01496 810221 for Islay Estates, or 01496 850482 for Ballinaby Farm.
And there is more…
Not only do these lochs provide fine fishing, but you are also surrounded by beauty and history. Loch Finlaggan not only promises fine brown trout fishing, it is also an important archaeological and historical site, with the ruins of Finlaggen Castle resting on its shores. If you fancy complete seclusion, why not factor in a walk through the hills to arrive on the shores of either Loch Laingedail, Loch Drolsay or Loch Leathan?
Fly Fishing Scotland
Would you rather have a little assistance? Fly Fishing Scotland can supply a professional guide service, which endeavours to take you to Islay’s best fishing spots. They can also acquaint interested groups with local knowledge and complete fishing packages.
Has this reeled you in?
Help or no help, your catch will taste just as fresh as it did when our prehistoric ancestors returned from fishing on one of Islay’s many lochs to feed the tribe. Our cottages and Georgian house, for larger groups, may boast more contemporary cooking equipment, but the experience is all the same. Call us today on 07880 706 356 or contact us online here to organise your holiday on Islay. We look forward to hearing from you.
Book NowEverything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.
The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)
There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.
Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.
