Loch Faskally was
formed when the Tummel valley was dammed for the
hydro scheme at Pitlochry. It is the last of the
dams in the hydro scheme and there is a major
power station at its base. Built into the dam
are not only a fish ladder, but also a public
viewing gallery. In May and June you will often
see salmon as they pass through. Around 5400 salmon
ascend the dam each year. |
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The loch is approximately
2 miles in length and narrow to around 800 yards.
The loch lies between steep wooded hills, which
make it nicely sheltered. Faskally is often a
good retreat when large lochs such as Rannoch
and Tay become un-fishable in high winds. However
these steep banks and cliffs make bank fishing
difficult and the use of a boat it highly recommended.
Beneath the water the old riverbed and demolished
buildings offer good features, but many lie deep
down. An echo locator is a valuable tool on this
loch. |
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The water holds a
good head of brown trout and the native fish are
augmented by a stocking in the 1-5lb range. A
7lber was recorded in 2001. Salmon and a few sea
trout pass through as they head up the Tummel
and Garry systems. 54 salmon were caught in 2001
the best being a fish of 14 ½ lbs, however
fish to 28lbs have also been caught. June also
sees the arrival of the summer grilse. There are
also good numbers of small pike with a few larger
specimens mixed in. The best recorded pike have
been over 30lb. |
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| Trolling is the most
common method used on the loch. The best lures
are a copper Tomic or a black and gold Toby. A
southerly breeze also provides for some good drifts.
There are some nice features on the east shore
where a rock face drops down from the road to
the Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory. Caution must
be exercised at the top end where the river flows
in as there are large sand and mud banks on which
it is easy to become stuck. |
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The Faskally Boating
Centre is easily accessible by car and has good
parking. The Centre can be found at the north
end of Pitlochry and is clearly signposted on
the left just as you exit the town boundary. The
Centre is located by the loch side in scenic surroundings.
There is a very pleasant café offering
teas coffees and snacks. 18 boats are available
for hire, 14 with outboards, with life jackets
supplied. Anglers may also bring their own engines.
The Centre will cater for parties and club outings.
Fishing tackle is available for sale and for hire. |
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| For the non-angler
Pitlochry makes an excellent place to explore
with lots of attractions and many shops. The area
around the Boating Centre is also offers some
outstanding walks.
Boats with outboards cost £36 per day
Life jackets are compulsory and cost 50p per day.
Fishing Permits cost £6.25 per rod.
Discounts are available for weekly lets.
Contact: Len Jayne Campbell. Pitlochry Boating
Station Telephone 01796 472919
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