Stuart McPhillips tipped the scales at a solid 7lb 14oz, making him the star of the show.
Lairg Angling Club, nestled on the north side of Loch Shin just a mile west of Lairg village in Sutherland, offers a cracking time for fishing fans. You can hire a boat on six local lochs: Loch Shin, Loch Craggie, Loch Dola, Loch Beannach, Merkland and Ghriama.
Loch Shin is the biggest, stretching over 17 miles, famous for its trout. Fly fishing is popular here, but you can also spin and bait fish—just no set lines. Both boat and bank fishing are allowed, with the chance of hooking a salmon for a bit of extra buzz.
For those after a challenge, Loch Beannach is up your alley. These brown trout are tough and about three-quarters of a pound. You'll need to fly fish, and while no petrol outboards are allowed, electric ones are fine.
Loch Craggie is the club's crown jewel, but it's members-only. Located on Challenger Estate, it's a magical spot during Mayfly season, with fish about a pound or more. Bank fishing and petrol outboards are a no-go, making for a peaceful fishing trip.
Loch Dola and the recently added Loch Merkland and Loch a' Ghriama on Challenger Estate also offer brilliant fishing.
Lairg Angling Club runs various fly-fishing competitions, like the popular 1-day Highland Wild Brown Trout Challenge and the Shin Open. These events are great fun and well-sponsored by COOKE Aquaculture and Sallachy Estate.
Check out the club's social media for news, updates, and to share your fishing tales. It's a friendly community keeping everyone in the loop.
Just a heads-up, from 27th June 2023, the club won’t be hiring out outboard motors anymore, so bring your own if you need one.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Lairg Angling Club offers a brilliant fishing experience against stunning backdrops. So, join the club, hire a boat, and dive into the fishing action at Lairg’s beautiful lochs!