Description
To begin, there is a diverse range of fishing near Oban. For example, you can target trout, salmon, pike and sea fishing. Whether you are a beginner or experienced angler looking to improve, there are options throughout Oban, Argyll and Glencoe.
Your guide is a multi species angler and highly skilled in both freshwater game angling and sea fishing from boat and shore. In fact he’s spent years researching the various shore marks around Oban and Argyll. Furthermore, he has identified where the best trout lochs are in Oban, Argyll, Glencoe and Fort William.
Pike and Trout Fishing Loch Awe
Without doubt Loch Awe is one Scotlands best fishing lochs. In fact, the longest freshwater loch in Scotland, measuring 41 kilometres (25 mi) from end to end. Due to its size, Loch Awe offers a diverse species of fish. Firstly, it offers superb pike fishing, from shore and boat. In winter, fishing tends to be dead bait. However in warmer weather, you can target pike on the fly rod or spinning rod. Furthermore, you can enjoy top of the water action, with floating lures, when conditions are right.
Equally, trout fishing in Loch Awe is as the lochs name suggests, Awe-some. Many big trout are caught, including the current record brown trout was caught in Loch Awe, a ferox trout weighing 31lb 12 ounces. As a result, early spring see a determined effort by anglers to target Ferox (predatory brown trout).
Additionally, anglers may encounter Pike, Perch, and Arctic Char.
Trout fishing near Oban
There are numerous trout lochs near Oban and Argyll area. These include lochs in Glencoe and further North in the Fort William area. We can offer trout fishing to suit all abilities, including lochs that are safe for kids.
In addition, some of the lochs allow spin casting, which is ideal for beginners or kids.
Finally, all of these lochs contain a population of wild brown trout
For those interested in freshwater fishing, Inverawe Fisheries is a 10 minutes drive from Oban. It offers four managed fishing areas designed to suit both beginners and experienced fly fishers.
The waters are regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. In addition, two of the fishing areas provide disabled access.
Sea Fishing from shore or boat
Another excellent location is Loch Etive, a sea loch accessible from Taynuilt and the River Awe estuary. As well as boat fishing, Etive offers shore fishing, with common catches including Cod, Pollack, Whiting, and occasionally Conger Eel.
Also there are numerous shore marks near Oban, offering fantastic fishing for pollack, wrasse, cod and coalfish. In addition the summer months, the sea around Oban is abundant with mackerel and this can offer great sport on light tackle.
Salmon fishing near Oban
Lastly, there are a few salmon fishing options near Oban, such as the jewel in the crown, the River Awe. Equally the River Orchy is a good option, though not till late summer. Also if you prepared to travel North to the Fort William area, there are rivers like the Lochy, and Arkaig. It’s worth noting that salmon fishing in this area is very rain dependant. In that the rivers are spate rivers that only produce sport when they have had rainfall.
Fishing the River Awe
Guided by Over 20 Years of Local Expertise
Set in one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, the River Awe offers an unforgettable salmon fishing experience—wild, rugged, breathtakingly beautiful. Our professional guide team has fished the Awe for more than 20 years, and today we proudly offer guests access to the river’s finest water, expert tuition, and the chance to fish one of Scotland’s most characterful salmon rivers.
The River Awe – Wild, Dramatic and Steeped in History
Flowing northwest for four miles from Loch Awe to Loch Etive, the River Awe is short, powerful, and incredibly atmospheric. While the hydro barrage built in the 1960s altered the river’s natural spate cycles, the Awe remains a productive and exciting salmon fishery—especially in the right hands.
The river holds eight beats, but our team spends most of its time on the celebrated Lorne Beat, where local knowledge, tactical fishing, and an understanding of how the barrage affects water levels makes all the difference.
Seasonality – When the Awe Truly Comes Alive
While salmon can enter the river from April onwards, our long experience shows:
Best salmon fishing: September & October
Good sport with summer grilse: Throughout the summer months, especially after a high tide
Spring fishing: Possible with the right water conditions
Last-day magic: In 2023 our guide Adam landed a beautifully conditioned 9lb salmon on the final day of the season
The Awe may not produce the 50lb leviathans it was once famed for, but modern averages sit around 10lb—and in a good year more than 400 fish are recorded. In addition a 40lb fish was recently landed.
Why a Guide Makes All the Difference
The Awe is a river that rewards tactics, stealth, and precision. Controlled flows from the barrage can shift dramatically, and understanding these changes is the key to consistent success.
Our guides help you:
Choose the right sinking or floating tips for the water height
Position yourself safely using a wading stick and proven access routes
Fish each pool at the correct pace and angle
Read the river when the barrage opens or closes
Use minimal wading and a quiet approach to avoid disturbing fish
Present the fly effectively whether fishing close margins or the far bank
Common mistakes—like clumsy wading, noise, or casting too far—are easily avoided under expert guidance.
Tackle & Flies – What Works Best on the Awe
With two decades of experience on this river, we recommend:
Rods
13–15ft Spey rods
8–10 weight lines
Go-To Flies
Cascades
Ally’s Shrimp
Stoat’s Tail (especially in low light)
Collie Dogs for movement and silhouette
Effective Tactics
Match tip density to conditions:
Spring/heavy water: heavier sink tips
Summer/low water: floating lines & smaller flies
Start with short, stealthy casts and work the pool methodically
When the barrage is closed:
Target the far bank and ensure a strong, controlled swing
When the barrage is open:
Levels rise quickly—fish the margins, where salmon often take “on the dangle”
River Conditions – Our Hard-Earned Wisdom
Historically, the most productive setup for salmon is:
A water height around 4ft
Clearing water after a spate
The barrage set to “closed”
These details may seem small, but on the Awe they make the difference between a blank day and a fish of a lifetime.
Conservation & the Modern River Awe
We strongly support the Awe’s catch-and-release philosophy. With pressures such as marine bycatch and predatory birds impacting Atlantic salmon, responsible angling is essential.
Although the 2012 flow regime created steadier levels and may have helped smolt migration, salmon numbers still fluctuate due to broader environmental factors. For example:
2016: ~800 salmon passed through the barrage
2023: ~400 salmon recorded
Our team monitors these changes carefully and adapts our fishing strategies to suit the current reality of the river.
Your Visit – Let Us Take Care of Everything
We are based close to the river and offer a complete package:
Professional guiding with Adam – a world-class, locally based expert
All tackle supplied
Waders, PFD life vest and wading staff included
Advice on the best accommodation in and around Oban
Access to the finest water on the Lorne Beat
Instruction tailored to all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned rods
Whether it’s your first salmon or you’re returning for another crack at a River Awe classic, we make the entire experience seamless, safe, and unforgettable.
Why Fish the Awe With Us?
20+ years of daily experience on this unique river
Deep understanding of the barrage, flow regime, and changing conditions
Tactical, patient, and personalised approach
Stunning, majestic scenery and quiet, uncrowded beats
Expert tuition that improves your salmon fishing for life
As our guides often say:
“On the Awe, tactical thinking beats long casting every time.”
