Country sports

Loch and river fishing near Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland

Excellent fishing opportunities exist in The Great Glen, running from Inverness to Fort William (linked by the Caledonian Canal) and encompasses the River Ness and Loch Ness and a number of smaller tributaries. The glen marks a fault line and is bordered by high mountains on either side.

Although the Ness itself is only short (6 miles), it can be very productive. It may not be long, but it is a big river.

If you intend to fish Loch Ness you should seek local assistance, not only is it a huge loch, but can be dangerous to those without experience. Special fishing guides are available locally where you will find everything you will need to have a go at fishing around Loch Ness.

Superb salmon fishing on the nearby River Findhorn, a spate river, which runs north east for 50 miles before entering the sea at Forress on the Moray Firth. It has a reputation of rising quickly because of the large catchment area.

The nearby river Spey is immortal, and there are fabulous loch and river fishing opportunities in Caithness and Sutherland - Sutherland's lochs are diverse, ranging from high acidic tarns to vast lochs over a sandstone base - and most have a good head of trout ranging from 1/2lb to some exceptionally large trout with ferox characteristics. Fly fishing is the accepted method and natural feeding is of the stonefly, midge, stickleback, caddis and snail variety. Boat or bank fly fishing with care - details with your permit.

In Caithness lochs the wild trout will average anything from half a pound to several pounds in weight. In general, traditional patterns are the most commonly used. Many lochs are shallow and some have a soft marl mud base - so always wade with caution. Boat hire is available on many of the lochs - details from permit outlets.

And Inverness-shire, the heart of the highlands offers the visitor a wonderful variety of shooting and stalking experiences, from Red, Sika & Roe deer stalking, to superb mixed and rough shooting on local estates.