I have become fascinated by the thought of fly fishing in the far north of Scotland. I currently stream/brook fish down near Bath with the ATAA and haven;t ventured further north than the River Irfon in Mid-Wales.

Has anyone got any advice on planning a long weekend 2-3 days next year June/July time to places like Loch Assynt/Scionascaig.
Best time to go?
Accomodation?
Best lochs?
Trekking to lochs vs Parking up?
Tackle advice.
Boat/no boat?
Contacts for permits etc.
Guided/Non Guided?
What are the midges really like?

I would be really grateful for any information to help me make this trip a reality.

many thanks

Lankster

There's a new edition of Bruce Sandison's book coming out this month, that should give you a fair old help with specific destinations etc.

Start by visiting http://Assynt Tourism Group-Discover Assynt

This will give info on accomodation - book early, there isn't a lot.
Click on the 'Fishing' tab for links to websites of local angling groups; all the gen on locations, permits, boats etc.

Another useful site is http://Angling in Assynt Research

Bruce Sandison's book is essential, as is Cathel Macleod's 'Trout Fishing in Assynt'.
If you've never fished lochs you'll need to gen up on tackle, tactics, flies etc and Stan Headley's 'Loch Fisher's Bible' will be helpful.

Get the OS map and be amazed at the amount of water available, more than 200 lochs; you'll be spoilt for choice.
If you're thinking of fishing lochs Assynt and Sionascaig be advised that in the event of a cold Spring these lochs won't begin to fish until well into July, so have a few alternative plans in place. I'd advise seeking out the small sheltered lochs of North Assynt. Inevitably the weather will have an influence on your choice - it can get very windy up there.
This area is truly an angler's paradise, you'll want to return time and time again.


EDIT - sorry about the links, they don't seem to be working. Just use google.

Great choice of area- Sioansacaig is heaven. My other favourite is Veyatie.Both wild and wonderful .But take a week , not a long weekend- it's a long way from Bath and even the journey is something to savour- especially the last couple of hours. Tactics are not as important as conditions, and if you are afloat the midges are less of a problem.Don't expect big fish but be prepared for surprises. You will not regret going North - I guarantee it!

The information above should see you ok. When i go to assynt i like to do it cheaply and stay in inchnadamph lodge or youth hostels. see here http://www.assynt.info/page14.html

Hope this helps.
Tight lines
Paul

Ps...you will luv it!!!

Thanks to all for the advice, I will start to plan and maybe report my exploits on the forum next year.

we stay at inchnadamph hotel when we go up ,Richard will organize boats on some of the waters for you ,plenty to choose from.
Dave

Lankster i would suggest you invest in a few Argyle midge hoods These look the same Midge Head Net for head protection from the midge, mosquito, fly, and other annoying biting insects. . I have fished them many years ago excellent fishing.Midges are horrendous like most places in the west of scotland.

i remember fishing loch assynt many moons ago.we went for two days and camped on the island(pininsula) with the castle on it.the scenery was outstanding.would love to go back one day soon!

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fishing in scottish waters

We went back to Assynt this year, had an awesome time. Wrote up the week's activities in our blog, hope it gives you some pointers. If you get chance, climb Suilven, cracking view

2009 July Yorkshire Fly Fishing Blog