Rainbow & Brown
Trout Angling on the
Isle of Bute

Loch Fad - Rainbow & Brown Trout

Loch Fad (Rainbow and Brown Trout) - 175 acres, the 'long loch' is situated on the lovely Island of Bute off the west coast of Scotland and lies directly along the Highland fault line. It is classified by Scottish Natural Heritage as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) for its scenic beauty and its huge diversity of bird life and vegetation. The loch is surrounded by wooded hills, including one of the first commercial Douglas Fir plantations dating from the 1840's.
With a maximum depth of 36 feet at the narrows, the ends of the loch have shallower areas ideal for fly fishing and although fish can be taken all over, the south end does tend to fish better as the water warms.

 

A beauty from Loch Fad

The fishery is suitable for both the serious and novice angler with a large area of the loch, and the 30 boats with 4hp outboards, restricted to fly only. Bait and spinning is permitted from the bank at the north end of the loch.
The loch is stocked several times each week with quality reared fish at a minimum size of 1lb 4oz ranging up to 18lbs.
Early in the season most of the locals fish clear intermediate lines teamed up with patterns like the Black Zonker and Black & Green Fritz. As the water warms the fish spread out and good buzzer hatches will have the fish right on top. There is also a hatch of mayfly, although the timing of this varies from year to year. As summer progresses Stonefly & Sedges can be

seen over most of the loch, so traditionals like Dunkeld, Mallard and Claret and Silver Invicta are worth a try.We have a good selection of flies on sale at the Bailiffs Hut.

The facilities at the head of Loch Fad include a picnic area, anglers shelter, toilets, partial disabled access, tuition*, ghillie* and rod hire* and our staff are on hand to offer expert and helpful advice. View a Map of Loch Fad

*by prior arrangement

Another good fish is landed on Loch Fad

Loch Quien - wild & stocked Brown Trout