Loch Coarse Methods and Places

Popular pike and perch holding areas are to be found out from the boatyard at Balmaha along the shallow shore to Cromar bay and the mouth of the River Endrick. This can be fished from the shore, or boats can be hired at Balmaha (see Contacts page). Pike fishing at Portnellon at the bottom end and Ardlui at the top end of the loch also have a high reputation. These places share a common theme in that there are plenty of small prey fish that pass by. Shoals of roach also frequent the Balmaha Bay area along to the Endrick mouth. Another area with a reputation for good perch is the Geggles, a bay that lies between the islands of Inchmoan and Inchcruin. The area off the mouth of the River Fruin is also reported to hold large perch.
Fishing for pike can be by spinning a lure slowly from a boat, spinning from the shoreline where suitable, float fishing deadbait at various depths or ledgering a deadbait directly on the bottom using a suitable bite indicator. There is no trolling for pike allowed! It would be prudent to use nylon of a reasonable breaking strain (minimum of 10 lbs.) attached to a wire trace at the business end.
Perch can also be taken by spinning lures such as Droppens, Mepp spoons or smaller Rapalas from a boat or again spinning from the shore or anchored boat. Float fished or ledgered worm is also deadly on its day.
Roach shoals can be more difficult to find outwith the Balmaha area and many anglers fish the lower reaches of the River Endrick below Drymen Bridge where float fished hempseed is deadly. There are also shoals of Dace in this area of the Endrick.

Printable Map of South End
Printable Map of North End
Back to Fishings!