Fishing
Orkney's Brown Trout fishing is some of the finest in Britain, in lochs
which are easy to access, and offer varied conditions. Sea trout may
provide satisfying sport for the experienced angler, and may be caught
in the shallow sea bays on the east of the Orkney coastline around Mainland,
Hoy and Scapa Flow.
Loch fishing is free, but lochs are re-stocked and the loch-side riparian sites and facilities such as toilets, shelter, boat-launching, piers and car parking are maintained by the local Trout Fishing Association, which is a non-profit-making body dedicated to the enhancement of game fishing throughout the Orkney Islands. Visiting fishermen can support Orkney's brown trout fishery and show their appreciation of facilities by taking out a subscription to the Association, contact OTFA or VisitOrkney. Do request VisitOrkney's general brochure on Fishing in Orkney, and OTFA's comprehensive guide to the main trout lochs, facilities and techniques, using the links on this site.
The main lochs on Mainland Orkney are Harray, Boardhouse, Hundland, Swannay,
Stenness, Skaill and Kirbister. In the smaller Isles, OTFA has worked on
re-stocking since the 1980s on lochs such as Bea, North and Roos on Sanday,
Swartmill on Westray, and Meikle Water on Stronsay.
OTFA provides guidance on conditions, tactics and recommended flies to use, in their comprehensive brochure, which can be obtained from VisitOrkney on (01856) 872856 or direct from OTFA via their website at www.orkneytroutfishing.co.uk, which is updated weekly, and contains match reports, monthly reports, hatchery and environmental information and a guest book.
The brown trout season runs from 15th March to 6th October inclusive. Also check out for the competitions that are held throughout the year.
Sea and Shore Angling
The waters around Orkney are warmed by the North Atlantic Drift, and provide
ideal sport for the keen fisherman, whether in the shadow of The Old Man
of Hoy, or around the wrecks in Scapa Flow. If it's big game you're after,
huge common skate hunt the depths of the Flow, porbeagle shark patrol the
Pentland Firth most of the year - peaking from January to April, and halibut
are a serious possibility around the headlands bordering the Firth.
For a comprehensive guide to sea angling in Orkney visit www.seaanglingorkney.com
Sea anglers are exempt from permits under existing legislation.
Local businesses run trips and hire gear to groups of a minimum of 6, subject to weather conditions and out-with competition dates. Local knowledge is required to make a real success of your sea-angling in Orkney
Log on to www.anglingorkney.co.uk, the website of Orkney Islands Sea Angling Association, or e-mail info@anglingorkney.co.uk for details of the competition schedules.
Log on to the European Federation of Anglers website www.efsa.co.uk for Championship information.