Soval is let only to a minimum of 6 rods staying in the Lodge with exclusive use of the fishing and stalking, and from 12th August with walked up grouse shooting -for details click the associated website link.
Soval provides some excellent fly only salmon and sea trout fishing on the whole of the Laxay river. Salmon numbers have been steadily increasing as has the average weight with 173 salmon/grilse caught in 2011, including three of 18lbs. 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. There are 3 boats on Loch Valtos and it is in the pools near the Loch that most of the Salmon are caught, therefore access is very 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 flood water to be used in dryer 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 during the evening on the Laxay River, can also be rewarding.
Salmon and trout fishing are 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, with those at Trealaval and Langavat being fitted with an outboard motor. A number of the trout lochs are remote and therefore provide the fisherman 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 6lb in weight and a 9ft salmon rod would cover the river. Waders are only necessary to cross the river in times of high water, though guests can alternatively be dropped off by boat. The most successful salmon flies are Stoats Tail, Camasuary Killer, Brown Muddler, Thunder and Lightning, Hairy Mairy, Black Doctor and Blue Charm. Small tube flies can be successful in July and August whilst later in the season large reddish tubes are best.
There is an excellent stone built fishing hut adjacent to Loch Valtos. A speed boat is also available for guests' use in Loch Erisort and provides excellent sea fishing.
If guests have fished abroad prior to coming to Soval would they please disinfect their equipment. All parties are required to sign a Gyrodactylus salaris (GS) form.
In addition, if people want to trout fish then Soval estate are happy to make this available, in addition to which, Stornoway Angling Association have boats on Loch Achmore and Loch na Craoibhe for trout fishing. Soval Angling Club also have access to a large number of lochs and can fish for salmon and sea trout on the Strandavat system at the west end of Loch Erisort.
