I was travelling back from the cowal games this weekend and instead of heading back on the ferry, I decided to drive back past Arrochar. On the way I passed Loch Eck, I've been around that way before but its the first time I've stopped to notice it. It looks to be a very deep loch and was wondering if any one has fished it recently ? I noticed that there are a number of small boats, does anyone know if you can hire a boat ?

It looks like a good option, particularly when its less than 2 hours drive from home.

Paul

I have looked at loch Eck as well it looks like a nice loch, there used to be a guy called Roger Howells who had a guiding service on the loch i dunno if he is still there, i reckon your best bet it to contact the Whistlefield inn i think they used to hire boats out on the loch.

good luck if you manage a trip there.

Thanks James,

I had a dig around on the internet and found that you can hire a boat from the Coylet Inn on the loch, price for a boat & engine is £50 for 8 hours, so not cheap. permits £5.00 and no Sunday fishing.

It also metions that it holds Artic Char and Powan, although both are protected on the loch. Are Artic Char a protected species ?

Paul

I think that £50 is average for boat hire, i think lomond is the same plus you will be £15 for a day ticket, as long as you get a decent boat and outboard for your money its not too bad.

I don't think Arctic Char Are a protected spieies.

As for the hire terms, not too bad, it's the 8 hours bit I don't like. That makes it a bit steep imo.

There's very little value about in terms of boat hire apart from Loch Awe. £40 for the first day then £20 per day there after. He also let's you keep the boat over night as long as you report back in at 8am and that is waived if you are staying locally.