Known for its oyster fishery Loch Fyne can produce some superb fishing and throw up some welcome surprises. Joe Whyte profiles some of the best marks to try and explains when, where and how to maximise your chances of success
The sea lochs of Scotland’s west coast are a rich hunting ground for skate, spurdog, rays and a myriad of other species. Some of them are less accessible than others and some of them (I’m talking about you, Loch Etive!) can be frustratingly difficult to fish for no apparent reason other than one day never being the same as the last.
One of the easiest, most picturesque and most consistent spots (albeit not for skate or spurs) is Loch Fyne, which is part of the lower Clyde system and relatively easy to get to from most of central Scotland. The head of the loch at Cairndow and around the other side, just after the famous Loch Fyne Oysters, are easy to fish and safe for those less mobile or with youngsters in tow. St Catherine’s, which is a couple of miles along the eastern side, is another safe bet, too.
MARKS TO TRY
Cairndow is a small village at the head of Loch Fyne. The mark itself is not in the village, it’s at the war memorial just as you pass Cairndow. There is ample parking for a couple of cars there and plenty of spaces back in the village itself. This is a simple hop-down-the-rocks onto the shingle beach and one can fish along that whole stretch. Please note that this is an area that sea trout inhabit and fishing for them without a permit is illegal. There is a sign at the parking area which clarifies this. Both this and the oyster bar marks are shingle into a silty bottom; there is a lot of weed which is uncovered at low water.
The main thing to note about fishing both Cairndow and the other side of the loch at this area is that they are low water marks; to be able to hit the deep channel and to avoid the endless weed and snags do not fish over high, you’ll lose loads of gear and be fishing into a shallow area and unable to reach the fish. The fish tend to sit in the deeper channel due to the food being washed down from the river entering the head of the loch.
The Oyster Bar marks across the loch are similar – two hours before and after low water is the ideal timing. There are a number of laybys along that stretch and again, it’s a two-minute stroll to the water. These are comfortable and safe marks.
ST CATHERINE’S
This is different, however, as you’re fishing from a jetty into deep water. It is a spot that only a couple of people can comfortably fish and you are well advised to avoid mackerel season as the mackie bashers are often out in force. This mark is in the village of St. Catherine’s and is pretty obvious as you travel down the hill. It’s a semi-derelict jetty with room for a couple of rods. You are fi
