Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Isle of Harris - Spring Salmon!

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle was to be the setting for Jon's first venture in search of  a Scottish Atlantic Salmon. Although Amhuinnsuidhe was not renowned for early spring Salmon, late May was to be the only opportunity in a busy 2013 calendar for Jon and his small group of family members to visit the castle.

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Located on the beautiful Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, the Amhuinnsuidhe Castle Estate boasts some 10 private lochs and its river systems with a strict "fly fish only" rule. Brown trout can always be found throughout the lochs and rivers, but the main draw for the fly fisherman or woman to visit this stunning location is the Atlantic salmon and sea trout fishing. Fishing can be from the bank of the loch's or more often than not from a boat which is expertly drifted in to the prime locations by your ghile. Fishing can also be in the mini estuaries where the fresh water streams and small rivers flowing from the lochs link with the sea. 

Loch Scourst flows to this mini estuary via a meandering stream.

This was our first morning, a couple of sightings of possible sea trout activity at this location but no takes. We moved up to Loch Scourst for the afternoon to see if any fish had moved up the system during the previous few days. Rains had lifted water levels during this period and there was a possibility of any early fish taking the opportunity to run the stream before water levels dropped back again. Fishing from the bank conditions looked good, but there was no sign of movement on the water, not even from the resident brownies. 

Loch Scourst

With another hour gone Jon was fishing the right hand bank and he was instructed by Ian his ghillie to fish in and around where some large rocks protruded from the surface of the loch. Then, a fly fisherman's dream came true! That gradual long hard tug as the line went tight, the fish turned and headed for slightly deeper water and Jon lifted his rod. It must have been a good 5 minutes before the fish came some where near enough to the surface for Ian to get a good look at the fish, and all he said was "it's a good fish". Jon thought any fish was a good fish, but then he realised Ian meant it was definitely a salmon and of a good size. The fish again went to the deeper water and stayed there before being persuaded to the surface, and that is when Ian uttered a few more words "that is a good fish". A short while later a beautiful fresh female salmon was landed, quickly measured, and returned to the water.
Both Jon and Ian forgot their camera's and did not get a photo of the fish, but the dream that came true on Loch Scourst that day will be remembered for many years by them both. On return to the castle the fishes  measurements were checked with several different charts and the estimated weight was 14.5 lbs, not only a big fish for these waters but only the second fish on record to have been caught during May! 

Ian just after returning the fish, I think he had a bigger smile than Jon!

Ian presenting Jon with a bottle of Amhuinnsuidhe whisky on the steps of the castle for the first fish of the season on the estate, which was caught on Silver Stoat # 10.

Local fishing regulations prevent fishing on a Sunday, and Monday was a day to explore some of the beautiful  Isle of Harris. 

The Callanish Stones

Tuesday morning brought more good news, Ian had landed another stunning fish the previous evening in what can only be called gale force winds, again on Loch Scourst, and successfully  returned. He conservatively estimated the fish to be just over the 8lb mark. Jon was paired up with Martin the ghillie for the Tuesday and they headed back out to Loch Scourst where they would be fishing from the boat. The morning and early afternoon were very reminiscent of  how Saturday had begun, everything looked good but not a sign of a fish anywhere. The afternoon however proved productive yet again! This time Jon did not forget his camera, and below shows another fresh Loch Scourst fish which took a Cascade #10.   

Ready for release after a quick measurement, weight calculated at 10.5 lbs.

The next days fishing took the small group out to Loch Ulladale, an absolutely stunning location (as were all the lochs we visited during our stay) and the area is well known in the climbing world for Scorn Ulladale, the largest overhanging cliff in the British Isles. It was about an hours walk to the loch down a beautiful valley, you can just make out the loch in the distance (see picture below).

  

Ian, Jon's brother with a beautifully coloured brown trout, one of many Ian caught fishing a "CDC Special" dry fly from Ian the ghillie (thanks Ian).

Our final day took us back to Loch Scourst, another great day but just the one brown trout to Ian.

A stunning view from one of the bedrooms of the castle over looking the "Sea Pool".

A cheeky heron trying its luck at the Sea Pool.

Each room has its own unique style and all are of a very high standard.

After a day on the water, relax before dinner and absorb the stunning view.

The elegant dinning room of the castle.

 On the final evening we were piped into dinner in traditional fashion.

The week at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle was voted a fantastic experience by the whole group, and it was enhanced by all the wonderful staff that made the trip extra special, a big thank you to you all!!

From July to September is the "high season" for the fishing, but as you can see form our experience there are fish in the system in spring. Jon will be returning in July 2014 for a full week of fishing, if you are interested in joining him and you would like more details you can contact him here  Jon or you can contact Amhuinnsuidhe direct via their web site

If you are interested in seeing more photos of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle and the beautiful Isle of Harris check the following Photo Gallery.

www.have-a-go-flyfishing.com