Loch Meig

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Loch Meig

Loch Meig is a long, narrow reservoir lying in the River Meig valley in picturesque Strathconon. It was formed by a dam at the east end during the Conon Hydro-Electric Power Scheme development of the 1950’s. It lies at an elevation of 279 ft (85m) above sea level, is approximately 1.9 miles (3 Km) in length and just 360 yards (330m) wide at its widest point, and has a total area of 116 acres (47 hectares).

The loch is generally shallow (with the exception of near the dam at the east end), overlying the once fertile River Meig valley floor. The fishing is by fly only, and both traditional loch style fishing of wet flies and modern stillwater tactics, notably buzzer fishing in the spring, can be very productive.

The fishing on Loch Meig is controlled by the Loch Achonachie Angling Club, a friendly and well-run club, who have in recent years introduced a brown trout stocking program, so in addition to the indigenous wild brown trout stock typically ½ to ¾ lb in size, the club introduces several hundred larger locally-reared brown trout each year. The total catch returns for all brown trout from Loch Meig for 2008 was 811 fish, averaging over 1½ lbs.

 

The club have 4 boats for hire on the loch, as well as a custom built ‘Wheely Boat’ that can accommodate two wheelchairs plus helpers. The bank fishing can also be very good, particularly at the west end of the loch.

Flies to try include Bibio, Kate Maclaren, Olive Bumble, Black Pennel, Black & Peacock Spider, Loch Ordie, Hare's Ear nymph, sedges and hoppers.

The season for Loch Meig runs from 15th March to 30th September, and the angling club also permits Sunday fishing.

Permits
We can arrange your permits and boat hire for Loch Meig, and offer guided fishing on the loch, but if you are visiting the area and just want to buy a permit for bank or boat fishing, you can source them directly from Contin Filling Station (Tel: 01997 421948). Bank fishing permits in 2009 are £10/day and boat hire is £20 from dawn until 4 pm and £15 from 5 pm until dusk.