Calling all Scottish Pike FF'ers!

Have already PM'd a few of you but now asking anyone who's on the forum.

I am planning a short trip to Scotland this summer or autumn with a friend. I am a keen Pike (and trout) fisherman and last year became rather addicted to fishing for Pike on the fly due to some very successful rod-bending days! It's definitely my favourite way of taking them, so that my deadbait and lure gear is now gathering dust. My friend is not an experienced fisherman but keen to try on lures - walking and photography is more his thing (both of which I like too).

Anyway, it's my first ever trip to Scotland and he has suggested somewhere around Glencoe as a nice area to base ourselves. I see that Loch Awe is not so far from there and have heard very good things about the PFF potential there. However, from some underwhelming fishing trips in the past I have realised that local knowledge is golden when it comes to a few fleeting days spent on a water that you know nothing about (especially if huge), so what I am looking for is primarily advice or tips on questions such as:

- should I avoid July/August or can good sport be had without resorting to fast sink lines and echo sounders. I'm not against using that or even big spoons/deep-diving plugs if necessary to get a bend in the rod, just prefer floating fly lines and taking them higher up or in shallower water.

- is it relatively straightforward to find the fish on Loch Awe and, if not, would you recommend another Loch or perhaps a river where a fly can be cast and the fish might not grow so big but sport is more regular? Looking at a map the number of Lochs around there is pretty mind-boggling!

- is there anything I should be aware of about permits/boat hire or other practicalities that would help me to plan in advance? Do I generally need to boat fish or is good bank fishing also available?

- any fishing info welcomed i.e. bait fish present, recommended flies, times of day, weather conditions


Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and for whatever thoughts you might have

Michael

Hi Michael,
in reply to both your pm and open forum question, will obviously depend on where you ultimately stay.
Not surprised your hill walking friend wants to stay around Glencoe!
He will be drooling at the thought of the walks and the photos!

As you say, some of the premier pike fishing waters are in reach, from Loch Awe right through to Loch Lomond.

Loch Awe Dalmally Pike, Roach, Perch, Eel 01866 833256
Loch Bad an Scalaig & Dubh Loch Gairloch Pike 01445 712458
Loch Rannoch Rannoch Moor Pike, Perch 01882 632307
Loch Lomond Helensburgh Bream, Chub, Dace, Perch, Pike, Roach, Eel 01506 655063
River Endrick from Drymen Bridge Downstream Drymen Roach, Pike, Perch 0141 781 1545

a few of the places available with contact numbers.
They can all be fished from bank, but for fly fishing would suggest you hire a boat at any of these destinations.

further info on fishing this area can be found here

Fishing in Fort William & Lochaber | Page 1 | Welcome to Scotland


As to finding the brutes, same principles apply on these massive waters as apply on smaller waters in England, reedy banks/bays with drop offs to deeper water, areas where there is structure/cover for the smaller prey fish etc, etc.
Might still be an idea to come prepared with depth finder/fish finder, cos both Loch Awe and Lomond are daunting to first timers.
Places where you can hire boats will give you best advice re hot spots and lures/baits to use.
hope you have a good stay.
Regards
Bert
P.S.
If coming in August, make sure you have an adequate supply of your favourite midgie repellant!

Bert

Thanks very much for all that information, very good of you.

I'll let you know when I decide what to do.

M

I have a very good friend who lives nearby, fishes and works on Awe. I'm more than sure he would be happy to speak to you on the phone about finding pike on Awe. If you are interested, send me a PM and I'll forward you his contact details. He's not a forum member.

that's great @GuyFromLaw, yes please do that

I'll speak to him over weekend (to okay passing on number) and send you a PM soon.