Brown trout

Anglers have fished lochs in WRFT area for wild brown trout for well over 150 years. The most famous trout water in the WRFT area is the Fionn Loch where the average size of trout has remained at a remarkably consistent 2 or 3 to the lb since at least 1912. This loch also has a reputation for producing large trout.

The majority of trout fishing in Wester Ross is on smaller waters. Over the years, efforts were made by many proprietors to improve the quality of fishing. Most of the details have been lost, but the game books of some estates provide a record of some of the stocking levels that went on. Brown trout from Loch Leven were believed to have superior growth and quality to native brown trout and were introduced to several waters. The Loch Maree Wild Trout Project which is assessing the genetic diversity of trout in the River Ewe catchment area, may help to clarify whether or not any of the trout which were stocked have established local populations.

Related Downloads

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• Wester Ross Wild Trout Workshop 30th April 2019
  This workshop at Kinlochewe Village Hall will focus on the diversity of wild trout in the Wester Ross and Isle of Skye areas and on conservation and fisheries restoration. .  Posted: 15/03/2019 (429KB)
• Skye & WRFT Newsletter January 2017
  This newsletter provides a summary of activities on Skye and on the mainland during the 2016 field season, including juvenile fish surveys, sea trout sampling and education projects.  Posted: 13/01/2017 (2.57MB)
• Mamo, Sara (2013) Trophic Status and Ontogeny: An Analysis of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta, L.1758) Growth and Diet in Wester Ross, Scotland
  This thesis by Middlesex University student Sara Mamo investigates the diet and growth of brown trout in Loch Coire na h-Airigh and Loch Feur, Wester Ross.  Posted: 13/12/2013 (1.17MB)
• The Wild Trout of a Coastal Stream System in Wester Ross
  Poster showing some of the wild trout and their prey and predators found in a coastal stream system in Wester Ross.  Posted: 24/05/2011 (1.05MB)
• Little Gruinard FMP April 2011 Part 4 & 5
  Little Gruinard River FMP April 2011 Part 4 & 5.  Posted: 03/02/2011 (3.64MB)
• WRFT Stillwater Workshop & RAFTS Challenge
  First notice of workshop and RAFTS Challenge on 12-13 June.  Posted: 06/03/2009 (336KB)
• WRFT Wild Trout Project Report 2006-07
  Posted: 24/06/2008 (1.24MB)