Islay’s Fishing

Wild brown trout enthusiasts could do a lot worse than to visit Islay or Jura in pursuit of their pastime with the abundance of fishing available. There are numerous lochs to fish with some by the roadside and easily accessible and some not for the faint hearted with a good hike into the hills required.

Port Ellen has a thriving angling club with members from all over the island. It now has five lochs available, four of which have boats for hire, all being easily accessible from the road.

The club enjoys a good relationship with the RSPB, and asks that care be taken not to disturb the birds, especially during the nesting season, as there are quite a few rare species native to the island.

Though the fish tend to be small, they are in abundance and a top class days sport can be had. There are also a good few bigger fish lurking around and with a bit of patience and perseverance, will come to the net.

Loch Gorm, in some people’s opinion, is the jewel in Islay’s crown with some magnificent fishing to be had from bank or boat. But there are many other lochs, too numerous to name, that can conceivably match Loch Gorm.

There are a number of estates on Islay from which to obtain permits and boat hire. A word with the gamekeeper will help, as you can’t beat local knowledge and they are always helpful in that respect.

Jura also has an abundance of trout fishing available to locals and visitors alike, with permits obtainable from the various estates.

Salmon fishing is also possible some estates, but it pays to check before booking as river levels can dictate your chances of success.

Fly fishing in the sea can also be rewarding, with sea trout or sea bass among those that can be caught.

Contact numbers for Islay are:

Port Ellen Angling Club Iain Laurie +44 (0) 1496 302264
Islay Estate +44 (0) 1496 810293
Laggan Estate +44 (0) 1496 810388
Dunlossit Estate +44 (0) 1496 840232
Ardtalla Estate +44 (0) 1496 840225

Contact numbers for Jura are:

Ardfin Estate +44 (0) 1496 820396
Ardlussa Estate +44 (0) 1496 820252
Tarbert Estate +44 (0) 1496 820207

A few hints when fishing on the islands are to let people know where you are going and if you are taking to the hills what time you expect to return, always check with the gamekeepers or the estate office if it is okay to go where you want, as stalking for deer takes place in some areas.

When out boat fishing make sure that you wear a life jacket.