Soval provides some excellent fly only salmon and sea trout fishing on the whole of the Laxay River. The Laxay is some three and a half miles long with 10 named pools and flows from Loch Trealaval down to Loch Valtos and from there into the sea. It is in Loch Valtos, which has 3 boats on it and the pools near to this Loch that most salmon are caught, thus access is easy. The flow of water is controlled by dams at the point of issue from both Lochs as well as by a further 4 strategically placed dams, enabling both the benefit of additional flood water to be used in drier periods and also to bring fresh fish up from the sea. The Laxay estuary provides some excellent fishing for sea trout whilst sea trout fishing after dinner on the Laxay river can also be rewarding.

Salmon and trout fishing is also available by boat on Loch Langavat at the top end of the famous Grimersta fishing. There are also over 100 lochs offering excellent opportunities for wild brown trout fishing with boats on the best 8. The boats at Trealaval and Langavat are fitted with an outboard motor providing the perfect opportunity to undertake some great drifts or teach beginners or young children to fish. A number of the trout lochs are remote and therefore provide the fisherman with the opportunity to fish for wild trout that rarely see a fly.

Soval is let for trout and early salmon fishing during May and June and for salmon, sea trout and trout fishing from July through to the end of October. The salmon average around 5lb in weight and a 9ft 6ins single handed salmon rod covers the water. Thigh waders are necessary for a small amount of the fishing and to cross the river, though guests can alternatively be dropped off by boat. The most successful salmon flies are Stoats Tail, Camasunary Killer, Brown Muddler, Thunder and Lightning, Hairy Mary, Black Doctor and Blue Charm. Small tube flies and cone heads can be used in July and August whilst later in the season larger tubes can be successful. All salmon and sea trout are to be returned to the water. Brown trout can be kept.   In 2022 we caught 101 salmon, 204 sea trout, 1317 brown trout and shot 17 stags.

There is a stone build fishing hut adjacent to Loch Valtos, making an ideal base for lunch. A modern speed boat is also included for guests to be taken on Loch Erisort and provides excellent sea fishing and is ideal for viewing the plentiful wildlife.

All the salmon and sea trout fishing are let with full board and lodging in Soval Lodge for a party of a minimum of 6 people up to the 12 August and from then on for 8 people also with walked up grouse shooting. Excellent hill stalking is also available.  The weekly let comes with one Keeper in May and June, and three Keepers from July onwards. They are led by Malcolm McPhail, our Head Keeper.

If guests have fished abroad immediately prior to coming to Soval, would they please disinfect their equipment by placing their fishing tackle in an airing cupboard at 20deg C for 48 hours.

Accommodation

Soval Lodge sits on the side of a hill on its own 500 acre farm one mile from the road – a lovely discreet location with uninterrupted, spectacular sweeping views of the sea loch and the Harris hills beyond. These can be seen from the sitting room, dining room and conservatory whilst relaxing with a quiet drink after a day on the river or hill. The Lodge comfortably sleeps fourteen people. There are 7 double bedrooms and six bathrooms with the Lodge upgraded to a very high standard.

Mairi Macleod our Housekeeper, and her experienced team look after the Lodge and guests all year round. Using local produce, guests are given a full cooked breakfast, packed lunch and afternoon tea with home-made cake and a three-course evening meal.

Availability

There is one excellent week left for the 2023 season, from 22-29 July for salmon fishing, for a party of a minimum of 6 at £1140 each to include full board and lodging in Soval Lodge and the services of three Keepers.  Guests would bring their own drinks for the week. Exciting hill stalking can be included with this week.

If you are interested in looking at a party in 2024 please get in touch.