Fishing trips throughout Scotland

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Where are the best pike lochs in Scotland ?

Firstly, there are some fantastic pike lochs throughout Scotland. Accordingly you have the lochs in the south of Scotland like Menteith, Katrine and Lomond. Likewise you have Highland lochs like Loch Callator, which is one of the highest in the UK that contain these ancient predators.

Moreover, pike in Loch Callator are slow growing due to the short growing season. In fact water temperatures were as low as 2.0°C from November to mid-April. Also the loch was frequently iced over through winter.

Meanwhile growth rate is much higher in the warmer and shallower lochs of the south like Lomond and Menteith, . Subsequently the average size of pike are bigger. As a result, Menteith has recorded a fish up to 39lbs. 

big pike, near Edinburgh, Scotland, esop, winter fishing, fishing loch, lure fishing, fly fishing, catch and release, grosbrochet, pike lures
Bigger pike like this tend to live in lochs with a good population of trout or perch

Pike fishing near Edinburgh in private loch

we have access to a private loch, situated close to Edinburgh, in a private estate.  The best fishing is in the warmer months although fish can be caught here all year. As a result, pike can be caught on the surface, using lures, and flies.

Firstly, the loch is accessed by a path and locked gate. Gamekeepers and bailiffs, patrol the loch, so fishing pressure is low. Gamekeepers and bailiffs, patrol the loch, so fishing pressure is low. In addition, the Borders market town of Peebles is nearby, and offers accommodation close the the venue.

pike tackle, pike fly, Sakura spinning rod
Pike fishing tackle in the summer focuses on surface activity

Lomond and Katrine

The bigger lochs like Katrine and Lomond offer great sport. Likewise these lochs contain a rich diversity of species.

Loch Katrine is regarded as one of Scotland’s best pike and wild brown trout lochs. The Loch is 11 miles long, and as wide as one mile. In addition it reaches depth of up to 500ft. The surrounding area is steeped in history – Rob Roy MacGregor was born at Glengyle House at the western end of the Loch. Loch Katrine was favourite haunt of the writer and poet Sir Walter Scott.

Pike, fishing, Loch Katrine, Trossachs
The stunning beauty of Loch Katrine

Since 1859 Loch Katrine has served as the freshwater reservoir for the city of Glasgow. As a result petrol outboards are not allowed on the loch due to the risk of pollution. As a result, boats can be hired with environmentally friendly propane engines.

Loch Lomond contains some very large pike and perch. In fact the record pike stands at 47 lbs. 11 oz. It was caught in 1945 by Tommy Morgan. Meanwhile the loch contains trout, sea trout and salmon as well as roach. As a result, pike have plenty to eat and are quick growing.