Scotland's Top Fisheries At The GAC Autumn 2018 Open Weekend

At the GAC September 2018 Open Weekend, we are focused on the needs of today's angler. From fly casting instruction, rig tying, bait preparation, fly tying and lure demonstrations, we want to help you become a better angler. We also want to promote the huge variety of fishing on offer in Scotland's rivers and lochs. That's why this year we have invited representatives from some of Scotland's premium Trout fisheries to showcase the facilities on offer to fishermen at their respective venues.

Lake of Monteith
The Lake of Menteith, or Loch Inchmahome, is set in the Trossachs amidst magnificent scenery where the highlands meet the lowlands. The 'Lake' is 700 acres and is regarded as one of the best locations in Scotland for fly fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout.

Boat at the Lake of Monteith

Its central location (Glasgow 45 mins, Edinburgh 60 mins, Perth 50 mins) makes it ideal for meeting with friends for a day's or evening's fishing.

The Lake is stocked weekly with 1000 to 1500 quality trout, and yields an average landed fish weight of over 2lbs. In 2016 the average 2 man boat (8hr) catch was 5.9 trout for 13.9lbs. The catch and release percentage was 63%.

The 30-strong fleet of Lomond (Sweeney) Boats has recently been upgraded, and all are equipped with Yamaha or Suzuki outboards. The impressive fishery cabin, with permit office/tackle shop, Fishers Cafe and wood burning stove howff area are available to the anglers.

The Lake has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its exceptional fauna and flora. Historically, the lake has much to offer, with the impressive and tranquil ruins of the 13th century Inchmahome Priory situated on the largest of the Lake's three islands.

These attributes make the Lake an outstanding venue for some of the most prestigious fishing competitions and a great day out for all anglers.

Carron Valley
Carron Valley Reservoir, created in the nineteen thirties by the flooding of the upper valley of the River Carron, is one of the most scenic trout fisheries in Scotland. It is situated high in the Campsie Fells and is only a ten-minute drive from Stirling, half an hour from Glasgow, and forty minutes from Edinburgh. The loch offers boat and bank fly fishing for rainbow trout & wild and stocked brown trout in magnificent surroundings.

Carron Valley

Facilities at Carron Valley include a fishing lodge, an office and tackle shop where you can purchase permits, snacks, and refreshments. You can also acquire any items of tackle and life jackets from the office to ensure a safe and productive day's fishing. In addition, there is plenty of parking available, a ghillie service, tuition available on request and plenty of breathtaking scenery.

Since its completion in 1939, the 1000 acre reservoir has proved to be an ideal habitat for the Carron's indigenous wild brown trout population which have thrived on the rich feeding in the newly flooded river valley. The wild brownies of the Carron Valley Reservoir are now well and truly established, providing some of the best brown trout fly fishing in Scotland. In addition, Carron Valley Fishery stock grade A quality rainbow trout to enable the angler an all-round trout experience to remember.

The trout fishing on the loch is managed by Carron Valley Fishery Ltd. Through a careful policy of regular supplementary stocking of top quality trout, the fishery management has built on the loch's well-deserved reputation as one of Scotland's premier trout fisheries.

The area around the loch is very popular with walkers, ramblers, mountain bikers and nature lovers and boasts a wide variety of wildlife, all thriving in breathtaking surroundings. In addition to some of the best brown trout fishing in Scotland, the fishery at Carron Valley also provides a free information service to non-anglers who wish to learn about and enjoy the local area.

Loch Fad
Loch Fad, or the ‘long loch’ as it is more commonly known, 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.

Loch Fad

The loch is 175 acres with a maximum depth of 36 feet at the narrows. The ends of the loch have shallower areas which are ideal for fly fishing and although fish can be taken all over, the south end does tend to fish better as the water temperature rises.

There are two routes to loch fad: the scenic route and the principal route. The scenic route takes you along the shores of Loch Lomond and through the Arrochar Alps in the heart of Argyll - some of Scotland's most stunning scenery. You then skirt along the top of Loch Fyne and head south to Colintraive where you can make the 5-minute crossing to Rhubodach on Bute. The principal route to the Isle of Bute is by car and passenger ferry from Wemyss Bay, a crossing that takes half an hour with sailings every 45 minutes at peak times. Wemyss Bay can be reached by car or train from Glasgow and Paisley. The loch is only a ten-minute drive from Rothesay's main town centre.

There are many options available when it comes to fishing loch fad. You can fish from the boat or bank, you can spin, fish for pike, and bait fishing with maggot, worm and wasp grub is also permitted.

Carbeth
Carbeth Fishery is a family run trout fishery in Central Scotland within 15 minutes of Glasgow and 20 minutes from Stirling. Established in 1997 they specialise in providing the very best trout fishing whether you’re after a memorable family day or some serious competition.

Carbeth

Carbeth has three trout ponds which have been developed to provide great fishing for experienced anglers, beginners, families and children. You’ll also find everything you need in their well-stocked tackle shop, from very reasonable priced equipment hire to expert advice on what’s catching.

Carbeth is a family friendly fishery providing both bait and fly fishing excitement for parents and children. Their bait pond (pond 1) is particularly suitable having large grassy banks which let families spread out and relax. Excellent visibility around the pond makes it easy to keep a watch over your children. There are two wind shelters around pond one offering protection from the elements, plus the shop/ cafe area.

A complete novice can be bait fishing within 10 minutes and experienced tuition in the art of fly casting can be provided by prior arrangement. You’ll find articles on successful fishing methods employed at the fly and bait sections on-site.

Carbeth's loyal core of friendly regulars are always more than pleased to welcome and assist new faces. They pride themselves on their warm welcome and their provision of facilities caters for the more experienced angler to the complete beginner.

As highlighted, Scotland has some fantastic fishing available, some of it right on our doorstep, and at this year's autumn Open Weekend we want to make sure anglers are aware of the opportunities available to them.  Therefore we are delighted to invite the representatives from Scotland's top fisheries along to this year's event and we are excited about working in partnership to support and promote trout fishing in Scotland.