The Fhorsa River

The Fhorsa System, also known as the Fhorsa River, is a renowned salmon and trout fishery in the remote and striking landscape of Uig. Flowing through a network of lochs, pools, and tidal channels before reaching Uig Bay, it offers a diverse and dynamic fishing experience. The system extends into Loch Slacsavat and Loch Suainaval, home to both salmon and wild brown trout. Rich in history and celebrated by Arthur Ransome, the Fhorsa river has a unique charm and beauty that keeps fishermen coming back to Uig year after year.

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Man with recent salmon catch

The River

The river boasts five prime fishing pools: the Corner Pool, Gorge Pool, Green Bank/Canal, Ciste, and Sea Pool, each offering unique challenges and rewards. The Sea Pool, a calm stretch of water, can be particularly productive when high tides bring salmon shoals close to shore. The Green Bank/Canal is always teeming with fish, especially in high water, when careful fly presentation can yield great catches. The Gorge Pool, the main holding pool, offers thrilling but tricky fishing with its fast water. The General's Stand provides an excellent vantage point to observe salmon behavior, a fascination shared by author Arthur Ransome in the 1940s. Finally, the Corner Pool, the last major holding pool before Loch Slacsavat, offers prime conditions with a strong wind and good wave, especially in high water.

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The bruton stream with turquoise water and mountain view

The Bruton Stream

One of the most exciting and unique salmon fly waters in the British Isles, the Bruton Stream is where Uig Sands runs into Uig Bay, offering a rare chance to catch salmon in salt water. Named after Clive Bruton, who was the first to recognise its potential, today it remains a prime location for those seeking thrilling, tide-driven fishing.

Success here depends on timing: salmon move with the tide, travelling up the estuary and then dropping back to sea as the tide recedes. This is when the Bruton comes alive. If a shoal lingers, the chances of a catch are high. A strong westerly wind enhances conditions, holding back the tide, and increasing the likelihood of a catch!

Wise fishermen arrive early—once the fish drop back, the opportunity is gone until the next tide.

The Lochs

View of Loch Slacsavat, a peaceful loch on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides

Loch Slacsavat

After entering fresh water, most salmon head for the loch, where fishing is typically done by boat with a ghillie. However, the loch also offers thrilling bank fishing, especially in shallow waters near the shore. A strong wind is key to a successful day, making the difference between a productive outing and a challenging one.

View of Loch Suainaval with a small boat on the Isle of Lewis, surrounded by rolling hills and natural Hebridean landscape

Loch Suainaval

Loch Suainaval, spanning about three miles, is the headwater of the Fhorsa System. While it offers some salmon fishing, it is particularly renowned for its brown trout and ferox trout. Fishing is primarily done by boat.

Group of three people fishing on a loch in the scenic landscape of the Isle of Lewis

Trout Fishing

The lodge has fishing rights on around 70 lochs in the hills around Loch Suainaval and further afield in Uig, many of which provide fantastic brown trout fishing.

Turquoise river flowing beneath a stone bridge at Uig Lodge on the Isle of Lewis

Estuary Pools

The Boronish Bridge Pool, located downstream of the lodge, is renowned for its sea trout fishing. While it’s not a prime salmon pool, there’s always a chance to catch a salmon as they pass through. Upstream, the Duck and Scar Pools typically hold salmon early in the season, with fish eventually moving into the non-tidal pools later on. These pools are especially productive for sea trout and estuary brown trout.