North Spotlight on Loch Lomond plus top day-ticket waters
“LOCH Lomond is big, it’s wild, and it’s a million miles from any commercial fishery.”
These are the words of local angler Alex Allan, who knows the loch better than most.
At an impressive 24 miles long, Lomond can be a daunting prospect, but Alex has a few tips to make things tackling it much simpler.
“On any water it is imperative to fish to features, and on Lomond shallow bays, outcrops, river mouths, jetties, marinas and moorings are all places for anglers to focus their attention.
“In terms of the species to target the loch has a claim to hold more freshwater species than anywhere else in the UK. Everything from carp to char inhabits this water, as well as the rare powan that
can only be found in three lochs in Scotland. The water is well known for its pike, and several fish to over 40lb have been caught over the years.”
However, Alex has found that the most consistent and hectic sport on offer can be found when targeting the loch’s large shoals of roach and roach/bream hybrids, that are best fished for on the feeder.
“A maggot feeder approach can work well, however, using groundbait will often bring fish into the swim quicker and will hold them there for longer.
“It is important to cast regularly and build up a bed of bait for the shoals of fish to settle over, when a maggot or corn hookbait on a size 16 or 18 hook will bring bites from quality fish.
“Hard-fighting hybrids to 4lb are a joy to catch, alongside dace, roach and bream.
“Fishing Lomond is not for those looking for a relaxing day’s fishing, however, the harder you’re prepared to work, the more you’ll reap the rewards.”
CONTACT: Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association, 0141 353 5004
PRICE: £7 day tickets, £50 yearly