The A to Z of Where to Fish For Wild Brown Trout in the Lochs of Scotland, Caithness

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Rivers | Lochs | Reservoirs

Caithess

Bruce Sandison's book 'Angling Lines' contains information about permits, access, best fishing spots, best flies, safe wading and boating, it's a must read for anglers looking to visit Caithness. Click HERE to read the review.

Loch Calder | Loch Heilen | Loch Tofingall, Ulbster and Loch of Yarrow | Loch Watten | St Johns Loch

Loch Calder

the largest of the lochs Calder is also deeper (up to 85 feet) consequently it holds char and ferox as well as a good head of brown trout averaging half to three quarters of a pound. Bank and boat fishing, see Hugo Ross for permit information.

Loch Heilen

a shallow loch of about 5ft max, dour to fish but offers the chance of some big trout, contact Hamish Pottinger on 01847 821210 or 07801 563510.

Loch Tofingall, Ulbster and Loch of Yarrow

smaller lochs with good trout in the three quarters of a pound range.

Loch Watten

approximately 3.5 miles long and up to half a mile wide this shallow (max 12 feet) marl loch offers boat fishing, strictly fly only, for brown trout. Watten is renowned as one of the best trout lochs in the country with fish of 2 to 3 lbs taken regularly. Permits from Dounreay Fly Angling Club, call 01847 892998 or from Hugo Ross Tackle in Wick call 01955 851270.

St Johns Loch

stocked with indigenous trout this is one of the famed alkaline lochs with a marl bottom. The most northerly mayfly hatch occurs in June when fishing can be excellent. Boat and bank fishing, there is a wheelie boat available. Prime condition wild fish up to 4 and 5 lbs are common. 4 boats available and a wheeelieboat, permits from the Northern Sands Hotel, call 01845 851270 or from Hugo Ross Fishing tackle, Wick call 01955 851270 (both bank and float tube permits are available). Run by the St Johns Loch Angling Improvement Association, call 01847 896956 email stjohnsloch@btintenet.com