Fishing on Lewis & Harris – Who to Contact
The Isle of Lewis and Harris is one of Scotland’s finest destinations for wild fishing. With thousands of lochs, several renowned salmon rivers and excellent sea fishing around the coastline, anglers travel from across the UK and beyond to fish these waters.
If you are planning a fishing trip while staying on Lewis or Harris, the organisations and estates below can help arrange permits, fishing beats, boat hire or guided fishing.
River Laxay and Lochs District Fishing
Soval Estate
Soval Estate manages the River Laxay, the Laxay estuary, and a large number of trout lochs in the surrounding Lochs district. The River Laxay is one of the best-known salmon rivers on the island and also produces sea trout during the summer months.
Soval also manages fishing on part of Loch Langabhat, the largest freshwater loch on Lewis.
Website: https://www.soval.co.uk
Phone: 07796 223185
Major Salmon Rivers and Estate Fisheries
Grimersta Estate
Grimersta is one of the most famous salmon fisheries on Lewis and forms part of the Langabhat river system. The estate offers salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing across its waters.
Phone: 01851 621358
Email: factor@grimersta.com
Website: https://www.grimersta.com
Uig Lodge / Fhorsa Fishery
The Fhorsa river system in Uig on the west coast of Lewis is another highly regarded salmon fishery. Fishing is organised through Uig Lodge, which manages several beats on the river as well as loch fishing in the surrounding hills.
Phone: 01851 672396
Email: info@uiglodge.co.uk
Website: https://www.uiglodge.co.uk
Morsgail Estate
Morsgail is one of the principal sporting estates on Lewis and offers excellent salmon fishing within the Langabhat system as well as brown trout fishing on numerous hill lochs.
Phone: 01851 672228
Email: info@reasortestates.co.uk
Website: https://www.reasortestates.co.uk
Scaliscro Estate
Located in Uig on the west coast of Lewis, Scaliscro Estate provides access to part of Loch Langabhat and other lochs in the area.
Phone: 07789 911161
Website: https://www.scaliscro.com
Aline Estate
Aline Estate sits on the border between Lewis and Harris and also controls fishing on part of Loch Langabhat, with opportunities for salmon and trout.
Phone: 07769 840813
Angling Clubs and Permit Fisheries
Stornoway Angling Association
One of the main angling clubs on the island, the Stornoway Angling Association provides visitor permits for the River Creed and several nearby lochs for trout fishing.
Website: https://www.syangling.com
Email: info@syangling.com
Carloway Angling Club
Carloway Angling Club manages fishing on the Carloway River and a number of lochs in west Lewis. Visitor permits are available.
Phone: 01851 643481
Permits may also be available from:
Carloway Community Shop
Carloway Community Centre
Go Fish Tackle Shop, Stornoway
Harris Fisheries
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle Estate
Amhuinnsuidhe is one of the best-known sporting estates in Harris and offers salmon and trout fishing on rivers and lochs in a spectacular setting.
Phone: 01851 672228
Email: info@reasortestates.co.uk
Finsbay Fishings
Finsbay offers trout and salmon fishing on the east coast of Harris and provides a range of lochs available to visiting anglers.
Phone: 07795 244997
Email: info@finsbaycottages.co.uk
Borve Lodge Estate
Borve Lodge Estate provides fishing on several lochs and rivers in Harris, including waters known for salmon and sea trout.
Phone: 01859 550358
Email: info@borvelodge.com
General Fishing Information and Advice
Fish Hebrides
Fish Hebrides is run by the Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust and is the best starting point for anglers planning a trip to the islands. They provide information on fisheries, permits, seasons and current catches.
Website: https://www.fishhebrides.co.uk
Phone: 01851 703434
Email: donnie@ohft.org.uk
Sea Fishing
The coastline around Lewis and Harris offers excellent shore and boat fishing, with species including mackerel, pollack, cod, ling and coalfish. Charter trips and sea-fishing excursions are available from several harbours including Stornoway, Harris and Uig.
Operators include:
Seatrek (Uig)
https://www.seatrek.co.uk
Isle of Harris Sea Tours
https://www.harrisseatours.co.uk
A Perfect Base for Your Fishing Trip
With the River Laxay and numerous trout lochs nearby, 6 Laxay provides an ideal base for anglers visiting the Isle of Lewis. After a day on the water you can return to comfortable accommodation with fast internet, Sky TV, and a fully equipped kitchen.
If you are planning a fishing trip to the island, 6 Laxay offers the perfect place to stay while you explore the outstanding fishing of Lewis and Harris.
Somewhere to stay: 6 Laxay, Isle of Lewis
Anglers often want a base near the lochs rather than in town. One option on Lewis is 6 Laxay, a three-bedroom cottage above Loch Erisort, close to the South Lochs fishing and about fifteen minutes from Stornoway. It is listed in full on our 6 Laxay page. Visit https://www.6laxay.co.uk for more info, to check availability and to book.
In short
The Isles of Lewis and Harris offer wild brown trout in thousands of hill lochs, salmon and sea trout in the rivers, and sea fishing around the coast. Almost all freshwater fishing requires a permit from the controlling estate, angling association or hotel, and permits are usually inexpensive. Sea fishing from the shore generally does not need one.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to fish on Lewis and Harris?
Yes, for almost all fishing. The salmon rivers and the better trout lochs are controlled by estates, angling associations and hotels, and permits are bought from them. Sea fishing from the shore generally does not require a permit.
What can you catch on the Isle of Lewis and Harris?
Wild brown trout in the hill lochs, salmon and sea trout in the rivers and some lochs, and a wide range of sea species from the shore and from boats around the coast.
When is the fishing season in the Outer Hebrides?
Broadly mid-March to early October for brown trout, with salmon and sea trout running mainly from summer into early autumn, though the exact dates vary by water. Check with the permit issuer before you travel.
Can you fish the hill lochs for free?
Not generally. Even remote hill lochs usually belong to an estate or an angling association, and a day permit is normally inexpensive. Always find out who controls the water before you fish it.