Loch Eye

Loch Eye is a relatively large, shallow, eutrophic (nutrient-rich) loch. It lies at an elevation of just 15m above sea level, and is approximately 158 hectares (390 acres) in size, with an average depth of just 1 to 2m. Bank fishing is not permitted on Loch Eye, and neither is the use of petrol or electric motors. With an east-west length of some 2.4 km (1.5 miles), this can be a large water to cover by oars alone.
The loch is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as in winter the loch acts as an important roosting site for internationally important numbers of waterfowl. In summer months, visiting ospreys are seen regularly throughout the day while fishing as well as the occasional otter.

The shallow weedy conditions are ideal for insect life and the loch has huge hatches of all the important aquatic insect groups throughout the season: buzzer and olives all season, and sedges from late June onwards. Brown trout are present in large numbers, and the rises that accompany the huge fly hatches can be spectacular. While there are preferred drifts (!), trout can be caught just about anywhere on the loch, and an average bag for a day's fishing would include several fish between 1 and 2 lbs, with larger fish up to 4 lbs caught occasionally.
Pricing for boat hire including up to 2 permits is £30/day in 2008.

A superbly conditioned 3lb brownie from Loch Eye
