Mitchell has rods (permission to fish) on 4 salmon and sea trout rivers on the Isle of Skye, as well as many hill lochs boiling with wild brown trout. All the rivers are typical Highland spate rivers, which are best fished after rain. Rain is never a problem on the West Coast of Scotland!

Jonathan Burke with a 12lb cock Salmon

The River Snizort

The river Snizort is the longest river on the Island at around 9 miles from source to sea. The Snizort is born of loch Duagrich and the feeder rivers of the Tungadal and Glenmore. From the top end she flows melancholy through grouse moor and hill and gathers speed through the narrow gorges and the falls of the upper beats. She then eases off on beats 10 and 9 before crashing over the falls at the village of Peiness. Finally, she meanders her way through the Skeabost Farm flats before meeting Loch Snizort. This beautifully unique river with it's ever changing water was featured in the November 2004 issue of 'Trout and Salmon' magazine.

Mitchell only allows fly and spin fishing on the Snizort river. There is a catch and release policy, but he may let you take a fish for the table only at his discretion and dependant on the time of year.

Tackle on the Snizort

A 10 or 11 foot rod with 7/8 line will enable you to cover the lies, along with a selection of line densities to cope with the water height.  That said, Mitchell tends to favour a 13 foot double hander with a 9/10 line, especially when fishing the flats. This type of rod obviously lets you enjoy a Spey cast and helps when fishing on stormy days. More importantly the longer rod will help you play the fish more competently (though many an angler would disagree.)

Skye salmon do run into double figures, with a 17 pound plus fish not uncommon for these wild untamed rivers. If you're new to angling and all this talk of 9/10 lines etc. is a little daunting, please don't worry. Mitchell is always available for advice on what you'll need and also offers tackle hire for those who don't have their own.

The Snizort is easily accessible, some beats are close to the road and are easy to get to. Some of the upper beats however require a wee bit more effort to reach them, but the rewards can be wonderful.

The Storr Lochs

Tackle on The Storr Lochs

The River Hinnisdal

The Hinnisdal is about 6 miles in length, the longest on the Kingsburgh Sporting Estate. She rises from fast flowing burns, which converge to create this wild and unspoiled river. The fingers flow off the steep back of the Trotternish ridge and meet in the woods of Glenuachdarach. From there she moves over the rocky, boulder strewn flats down to the falls.  The water forcefully crashes over the falls, making one think that the upper flats were a different river altogether. After this the water slows and begins its relaxed final journey into the waiting sea loch. These last 5 beats are an anglers delight, and if you don't want to see another soul for the rest of the day, this is the place for you. One of the best things about this river, and what makes it different from so many others on Skye, is that it's not tidal.  This means that the tide never leaves the river mouth, so you will always have fish waiting to move up the river at the first sign of rain. Fishing for sea trout at dusk off the rocks is one of the great pleasures this river has to offer.

The beats are easily accessible although they can only be reached on foot. However, if you struggle over rough ground, a 4x4 vehicle or 8x8 argo cat transport can be arranged through Mitchell.

The river Hinnisdal offers everything you would expect  from a completely natural Highland spate river, the rugged beauty of this moody water is breathtaking.

Tackle on the Hinnisdal

A 10 foot rod will suffice with a 7/8 line, although a 6/7 foot rod with a 5/6 line will do the job of getting a fly into the shady lies, in search of wild brownies. When fishing the estuary, a double hander would be best as the estuary is quite wide. At high tide sea fishing is available. Mackerel can also be caught when you see the Gannets chase the shoals into the shallower waters of the loch.

The Rivers Haultin & Romesdal

The river Haultin (north bank) and the Romesdal are short rivers at only 3 1/2 and 2 1/2 miles long respectively. Both  of these rivers hold  healthy populations of salmon and sea trout as well as the wee wild brown trout. A ghillie is essential when fishing these two rivers. Mitchell will show you the best pools to fish and the best time of day to fish them.

Tackle on the Haultin & Romesdal

The tackle required is the same as the Hinnisdal. Remember, if you don't have the correct tackle, you can hire everything you require from Mitchell.

Other Equipment

Skye Ghillie can provide nearly all the tackle you will need for a days fishing. However, you will need to provide your own walking boots and wet weather gear and unless you are on a Skye Ghillie fishing tour, you would be advised to take along a packed lunch including something to drink. Please avoid wearing bright clothing as this will make you more visible to fish and other wildlife, which means they will see you and disappear before you see them.

Disabled Anglers

Access may be difficult for those who have mobility problems. However, some of the beats and pools on the rivers are quite easy to get to, and transport can be arranged. Please let Mitchell know in advance of any special needs.

Fishing Safety

It is always essential to be aware of personal safety when fly fishing. A hat is important, not just for shielding your eyes, but to keep the odd wind blown fly from bouncing off your head. Sunglasses are a must for taking away the glare of the sun from the water, as well as protecting your eyes from stray casts. Strong walking boots are a must.