Everything you need to know about the Lochy.
There are few rivers in Scotland that can rival the River Lochy and what it offers to the salmon angler.
From its majestic views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountain landscape to its choppy gravelly runs, beautiful clear deep pools and tantalising glides, it’s quite simply a fly-fisherman's paradise. If you seek variety, space, seclusion and tranquillity then it’s all here in abundance. However, salmon fishing on the Lochy is not all about relaxation and admiring the views. This river has some seriously big salmon running its course. These fresh run fish represent the greatest challenge in salmon fishing; hooking them isn’t easy but landing them is even harder. It takes skill and patience but this is what salmon fishing is all about.
It is little wonder that the late great John Ashley-Cooper crowned the Lochy the "Queen Of Scottish Rivers".
Key Information
The river is divided into 4 beats, with each beat fishing up a maximum to 4 rods. The beats are roughly 2.5 miles in length and vary greatly in character. In addition to the main beats, all anglers have access to the productive pools both below the Dam at Mucomir and the Tailrace- which is the estuary beat. Essentially you have access to the whole river which is worked on a rotational basis, with the beats changing daily.
The Tailrace beat can be particularly good in low-warm water conditions as the fish hesitate and linger in the cooler and more oxygenated flows and come in and out on the tide.
Each beat enjoys complete exclusivity and there is access to both banks via boats. Most pools are easily accessible by car and/or foot. Wading is easy but life vests and wading sticks are recommended.
The Lochy is a big river so rods between 13-15ft are recommended. For most of the season, a floating line with various sinking tip densities will suffice.
A 100% catch and release program is in place, details of which will be supplied to you on arrival.
Ghillies/Guides
The Lochy does not offer compulsory guiding, however if you wish these services then a list of local ghillies will be provided who have extensive knowledge of the river and can provide help and guidance on a daily/weekly basis.
Seasons
The Lochy season can be divided into 3 categories :
May - Mid-July
MSW salmon up to and over 30lbs are the main target. Average size is typically 13–15lbs and mostly fresh/sealiced.
Late June - August
1SW salmon (Grilse) predominate at this time averaging around 5lbs.
September and October
Resident river fish and a run of coloured but fresh salmon and grilse that have spent the late summer in the estuary and run the river late.