The Association of Scottish Stillwater Fisheries

LOCH FAD
Rothesay, Isle of Bute PA20 9PA

The Fishery.

Loch Fad

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 classed by Scottish National Heritage not only for its scenic beauty but for its huge diversity of bird life and vegetation. The loch is surrounded by wooded hills, including one of the first commercial Douglas Fir plantations, planted around the 1840’s.

With a maximum depth of 36 feet at the narrows both ends of the loch have shallower areas ideal for fly fishing and although fish can be taken from all over the south end does tend to fish better as the water warms.

The fishery is suitable for both the serious and novice angler with a large area of the loch, and the thirty boats, all with 4hp outboards, restricted to fly only. Bait and spinning is permitted from the bank at the north end of the loch.

Stocking

The loch is stocked several times each week with quality fish reared by the management. They are introduced at a minimum size of 1lb 4oz with a range up to 12lbs also being introduced.

Fishing advice.

Early on in the season most of the locals fish clear intermediate lines teamed up with patterns like the Black Zonker and Black & Green Fritz and rarely go on to full sinkers. As the water warms the fish spread out and good buzzers hatches will have the fish right on top. There is also a small hatch of Mayfly but the timing of this varies from year to year.

As summer progresses Stonefly and Sedges can be seen over most of the loch so traditionals like the Dunkeld, Mallard & Claret and the Silver Invicta are worth a try at anytime. There are numerous flies that do well towards the back-end but Damsels, Zonkers and Daddies are always good reliable patterns.

Facilities.

The facilities include a picnic area, anglers shelter, toilet, partial disabled access, tuition and ghillie and rod hire.

Fishery record rainbow 19lbs 70z

Fishery record brown 7lbs 8oz

Permit costs & bookings.

2006 Season

Fly Fishing 1st March to 22nd December
Bait/Spinning 15th March to 6th October
Opening hours 8am to 8pm or dusk, whichever is earlier.

Full day tickets £16.00 for 10 fish
Senior Citizen £11.00 6 fish
Junior £7.00 4 fish

Boats.
Full day week-end £14.00 Maximum 3 anglers
Full day week day £12.00 Maximum 3 anglers

Half day/ four hours permits £11.00 6 fish
Juniors £5.00 2 fish

Facilities at Loch Fad

This season Loch Fad Fisheries Limited can offer fly fishing for wild and stocked brown trout on the beautiful Loch Quien which is much quieter and has four rowing boats. It has fished well so far this season with small traditional flies on floating lines being the most effective.

Season 15^th March to 6^th October
Opening hours Dawn to dusk
Adult ticket £9.00 3 fish then catch and release
Junior ticket £4.00 3 fish then catch and release

How to get Here.

Caledonian MacBraye operate their main ferry to Bute from Wemyss Bay and another from Colintraive. For further details of ferry times telephone Caledonian MacBrayne on 01700 502707. There are many excellent hotels and bed and breakfast establishments on the island and details of these can be had by contacting the Tourist Information Centre on 01700 502151.

Bookings. Week-ends tend to be extremely busy so it is well worth booking well in advance by telephoning Loch Fad Fisheries Limited on 01700 504871.

Loch Fad Fisheries Ltd
Loch Fad
Rothesay, Isle of Bute. PA20 9PA
Contact Alastair McFarlane - TEL 01700 504871
FAX 01700 505127
Email Lochfad@btopenworld.com