Loch Rannoch runs east to west for 10 miles and just over a mile at it widest. Bordered by spectacular mountains to both the north and south, with the most famous being Schiehallion to the southeast. Wild Rannoch Moor extends to the west and the Black Wood on the south shore is one of the few last remnants of the old Caledonian Pine Forest, which once covered the land. This is proven in part by the presence of Scots Pine stumps preserved in the boggy areas of the moor, and pollen records from peat cores. 

The loch is fed at its western end by the River Gaur which itself is sourced far to the west from Lochs Laidon and Eigheach, numerous other burns join the loch as well as the River Ericht. These all add to the rich features of the loch's Fishing. While the loch is part of the Tummel & Garry hydro scheme, with a barrage at its eastern outflow, the loch is quite natural and extremely beautiful. The River Tummel begins at the eastern end of Loch Rannoch.

 Fishing Loch Rannoch
Rannoch is an unusual Scottish loch in that it has good areas of shallows particularly at the western end, which are ideal for fly-fishing from a boat, which can be launched from the Loch Rannoch Conservation Association launching site at Killichonan. Most of the trout are just under the pound, but they make for great sport. The loch has the advantage that minor roads run around its shorelines, making bank access much easier. 

Fishing for Brown Trout, Pike and Arctic Charr is available by permit only to comply with the River Tummel Protection Order (renewed 1994).  The Trout season runs from 15th March to 6th October. Loch Rannoch is controlled by the Loch Rannoch Conservation Association.

Image Gallery: © Copyright & licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.