A Guide to Fishing in Loch Etive
Fishing on the west coast of Scotland doesn’t get any better than Loch Etive. It’s truly a paradise for outdoors lovers, as it has stunning scenery and plenty of fish. The loch can be found just north of Oban, running from Connel Bridge in the west to Glen Etive in the northeast. Stretching for 20 miles, this picturesque loch is surrounded by foggy mountains and lush greenery. If you want to experience fishing on Loch Etive for yourself, here’s everything you need to know.
What Fish Can be Caught at Loch Etive?
This inbound sea loch is full of great catches. It’s up to a mile in width and in some places, is more than five hundred feet deep. While fishing in Loch Etive, anglers have caught:
- Large cod
- Pollack
- Mackerel
- Coley
- Whiting
- Pouting
- Spurdog
- Skate
- Thornback rays
- Hake
While it depends on the time of year, the weather, and your location, you can expect to find these species. You may even find that you’re hooking more than one of each.
The Best Bait For Loch Etive
All anglers have their preferred bait. However, on Loch Etive, the baits that seem to work best are calamari squids, and mackerel, either frozen or fresh. Using muppets or Hokai lures (particularly in the colour red,) are said to be very effective when fishing this loch. Other anglers have said that rainbow trout works well as bait from a boat.
Best Place to Fish on Loch Etive
This really depends on the weather and time of year. However, some of the best spots on Loch Etive include;
- The bottom of the hill in Bonawe by the school. It’s great on a windy day because it offers cover.
- The first bay inside the bridge on the north shore. This is especially good if you are night fishing.
- The 2nd jetty at Taynuilt.
- The Bonawe Quarry (it’s very deep so it can be a hit or miss.)
- The church before the Bonawe Quarry
- The marina just before Oban near Green Frog Pub.
Hiring a Boat For Loch Etive
Hiring a boat for Loch Etive is easy as you can get one right in Taynuilt. You can hire boats by the day or hour, and the sizes vary. A great place for boat hires is Taynuilt Fishing Club.
Where to Stay When Fishing on Loch Etive
For a multi-day fishing trip, you have the option of camping or staying overnight in Taynuilt. Taynuilt is a large village that offers a few amenities and attractions. Check out the golf course or the Bonawe Iron Furnace while visiting. And, if you’re looking for a cozy, historic cottage for your stay, check out Bonawe House, which offers stunning views over Loch Etive.
Fishing on Loch Etive is one of the top experiences on the western coast. This guide offers everything you need to know about taking the trip. Now, all that’s left is to book a stay, grab your fishing rods, and enjoy.
