Loch Tummel is a long narrow loch
running 11 miles west to east and reaching to
almost a mile across. It forms part of the Tummel/Garry
Hydro scheme with Clunie Dam at its eastern end.
The dam, which was built in the 1930's, raised
the level by about 15 feet. While the loch has
been considerably extended by this impoundment
it is entirely natural looking and indeed is very
beautiful, with exceptional views glimpsed through
its wooded banks. The best spot to take in its
magnificence is the visitor's centre run by Forest
Enterprise. This is called the Queens View after
Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria who both
visited. This is a tremendous vista over the loch
with Schiehallion in the background.
The B8019 runs around the north shore, while
there is another minor road which skirts the southern
shores. The main inflow of the River Tummel and
the many burns flowing off the hills make for
some interesting marks
Trout fishing extends from March 15th till October
6th. Feeding picks up dramatically from April
as the fish will have had little food over winter
and will begin feeding voraciously. In high summer
bright sunlight may put the fish down, but early
morning and evening fishing can be very productive.
Fish run to the typical highland three quarter
pounder size, but there are always better specimens
mixed in.
Fishing is by any method, but is from the bank
only. This makes it an ideal spot for children
to learn to fish. Some bank areas are restricted,
but in general the south side and the Queen's
View end are fishable. In recent years the owners
have been trying to improve the fishings. Trout
have been stocked for the last 3 years with the
2002 stocking coming from the Pitlochry Angling
Club.
Permits at £3 per day or £10 per
week or £25 per season are available from
Mitchells
of Pitlochry tackle shop , The Visitors Centre
and the Pitlochry Tourist Information Centre,
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