Loch Earn, Perth and Kinross, Scotland

The banks of Loch Earn encapsulate everything that is good about fishing in “bonny” Scotland.

At the right time of year wild Osprey can be seen working the shores, shoals of wild brown trout rise to the seasonal fly/midge hatches, all enclosed in the rolling mountains of the Trossachs national park.

What’s Loch Earn like?

A wild, stunning loch set in the valley of the Trossachs national park.

Anglers can catch quality brown trout from the shore or boat using either fly or bait tactics. As a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned angler, Loch Earn offers the chance to catch fish in idyllic settings.

What’s it like to fish Loch Earn?

Fly fishing from the shoreline is best tackled using chest waders, taking care at all times due to the sharp drop offs.

The bays are well worth targeting when the water heats up in the summer and trout can quickly come on the rise in shallow water at the flick of a switch.

Boat’s can be hired from the Drummond estate boat hire on the North Bank at a cost of £40 for the day (outboard engine included) which offers anglers the possibility to target deeper water and areas inaccessible form the bank. A better bet in the colder month or those looking to roam the lake.

What methods work best?

Most traditional wet/dry flies will work throughout the year so don’t get too caught up on the right or wrong place to start.

I personally find larger “bushy” type wets fished close to the surface creating disturbance will bring trout to the rise. Try a slow figure of 8 retrieve to start and speed it up from there if you’re not getting fish.

For bait fishing maggot and swim feeder tends to be the top tactic, good old garden worms under a float will also catch all year round.

3 top tips for Loch Earn

My first tip would be to ensure you work the shoreline thoroughly, moving a few yards along every 5/6 casts, if you get a fish stick around for a few more.

Don’t be afraid to fish in close especially though the warmer months as the fish will patrol the marginal shelf when the water warms up.

Try using drab (brown) bushy wets/dries that cause disturbance in the surface film, trout will freely rise to these type of patterns on the Earn regularly.

Anyone with a passion for the great outdoors will absolutely adore fishing the bank of Loch Earn, it really encapsulates that hunter gatherer vibe.

Is it busy?

It can be busy throughout the summer months but with miles of shore line to explore there’s more than enough room to accommodate everyone.

Generally, anglers are out on the boats, so I would always recommend walking the shorelines in the warmer months.

Lewis Boyd’s Verdict

Loch Earn is superb venue, one of Scotland’s jewels, offering a bit of everything. whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned pro, Loch earn has the lot and you will not be disappointed.