Fishing at Loch Leven
Loch Leven – Perth and Kinross
Loch Leven has probably had more words written about it than any other water in Britain, certainly in Scotland. For decades now its special strain of brown trout has been revered and much transported to other waters. The great aspect of Leven and its 3,500 acre waters is how it feels remote and yet uniquely accessible. In fact, it’s just north of the great cities of Scotland, hardly a stone’s throw of the M90 and yet, when you’re out there in your boat…it’s like you’re on another world!
I can’t pretend that I’ve ever done better than moderately well on Leven. It’s a water that really does respond well to local knowledge and experience but, having said that, I’ve never ever regretted a single moment spent on its waters. I’m sure it will get you like that. There’s something totally magical about it and even if you only have a moderate bag compared with the experts, I can guarantee you’ll still have the time of your life.
Leven is a fascinating water of various depths, bottomed contours and dotted islands. What’s more you can fish until 11:30pm in the height of the summer months adding to that magical feeling. Potter back to the pier under the light of the moon with the fish still rising around you and you’ll know you’ve been part of something very special.
Both the browns and the splendidly fighting rainbows respond to the notorious moods of Leven so it pays to ring the changes through the course of the day. During good weather, it’s most exciting to fish buzzers and dry flies on the surface and really see the action. But there are times that you’ll have to use sinking lines to get deeper. The answer is to be adaptable and, if you are, you’ll really make the most of the spell-binding water.
The season starts on March 20th through to October 6th. Tickets are available from the pier at Kinross. Day and evening permits are available. There is no bag limit on browns over ten inches and you’re allowed to take twelve rainbows…if you’re that lucky!
Tags: fishing, kinross, loch leven, perth