The Estate’s main sea-trout and salmon fishery is centred on the two lower lochs on the Laxdale River. Located at the head of Luskentyre Estuary, Loch Fincastle covers approximately 3 hectares lying just above sea-level and is only separated from the sea at high tides by the dam wall. Loch Fincastle provides the cream of the sport in the early season. With fresh run sea-trout and grilse normally arriving from late June to early July. Loch Fincastle has two boats, and being small and shallow it is easy to cover and to become familiar with the best lies. Loch Fincastle and the nearby sea-pools (Fincastle and Luskentyre) are also very fishable from the bank.
During summer spates, salmon and sea-trout travel a mile further upstream to lie in Loch Laxdale which is slightly smaller than Fincastle. This loch has one boat which is essential for covering the best areas as this water is surrounded by flowering lilies and weed beds. As the season progresses the salmon accumulate in Loch Laxdale and during the latter half of the season the fishing in Loch Laxdale can be very productive.
Like most West Coast systems, the salmon and sea-trout in the Laxdale River average about 5lbs and 1.5lbs respectively. In recent years a number of salmon over 14lbs have been caught. The record salmon is 16lb 2oz and the record sea-trout is 13lb. The salmon catches have remained steady over the years, however, 2019 saw a significant improvement in salmon/grilse numbers but unfortunately the system has had a succession of below average sea trout years similar to other fisheries in the area. The Estate has invested heavily in an effort to improve the fishery in recent years and hopefully the sea trout numbers will bounce back. Meanwhile anglers are asked to play their part by returning ALL sea trout, salmon and grilse caught.
Roadside access throughout, good facilities and ease of locating fish all make this an excellent fishery for visiting anglers, especially for those who can only manage a short break and who don’t have time to become familiar with the larger systems.
The Estate does not employ full time ghillies, however highly experienced local ghillies can be arranged when given enough notice. Details will be provided upon request.
The tariff includes use of the boat.
After a few summer spates, the majority of the large sea-trout entering the Laxdale River travel further up beyond Loch Laxdale to Loch na h-Aibhne Garbh and Loch Bearasta Mor. These upper lochs provide good opportunities for targeting wild brown trout and some of these big sea-trout. One of these lochs, Loch Bearasta Mor, has a boat available. The Estate also has similar fishing available on three other minor migratory systems. The Luskentyre System, the Borve System and the Carran System. Amounting to a further nine lochs offering bank fishing for wild brown trout and the chance of sea-trout later in the season. These lochs are rarely fished, booking is not normally necessary and permits are available directly from the Estate Office.
TACKLE
Salmon and Sea Trout are fished for in the same way from boats although success can be had from the banks and in the river system.
Modern lightweight rods from 9’ to 10’ in length will cover every aspect of fishing on Harris that you are likely to encounter. As a general rule a DT7 floating line will accommodate all your needs.
Flies
Many traditional flies will be effective on the Borve Lodge
Invicta, Silver Invicta, Claret Bumble, Golden Olive Bumble, Kate McClaren, Zulu, Blue Zulu, Claret Dabbler, Golden Olive Dabbler, Orange Dabbler, Bibio, Clan Chief, etc.
Salmon Pattern's
Hairy Mary, Ally’s Shrimp, Copper Ally’s Shrimp, Yellow Ally’s Shrimp, Stoats Tail, Silver Stoat, Cascade, General Practitioner, Garry Dog, Elver Fly, Stewart Shrimp.
Laxdale Cottage overlooks Loch Laxdale and is the perfect retreat for angling visitors. This Cottage is now available for self-catering guests. Preferential rates will be offered to guests booking the cottage and fishing.
Why you need to fish here
The Borve Lodge Estate fisheries lie amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the Outer Hebrides. The streams flow through rugged mountainous terrain and journey just a few kilometres down to the west coast and its famous white sandy beaches. Most of these streams provide excellent spawning for salmon and sea-trout and they flow in and out of numerous small lochs that provide the venues for targeting the returning adult fish.
