The estate lies on the south east shores of the Isle of Lewis and covers over 43,000 acres. It is a magical place and offers stalking, loch and sea fishing, game shooting and watersports. Eishken Lodge lies in a stunning and extremely private position on the shores of Loch Shell, one of the sheltered anchorages on the estate. 

There are numerous estate boats for use by the guests as part of the rent, including water ski boats, sailboats, pedalos and canoes and, in addition, there is a 38ft sea boat available for charter at extra cost. 

Fishing

Eishken is well known for its sea trout with the main fishing effort taking place on five different lochs and in some cases their associated rivers. The rivers like many in the Hebrides really only fish when in spate. The peak season for sea trout is July through to mid September. . The principal salmon and sea trout lochs all have boats. These include Lochs Eishken, Loch Mor Stomrabhaigh, Loch na Beirighe, Loch Sgibacleit, and Loch Lacasdail. Ghillies will be available for lodge tenants until the stalking starts and their services are included within the rent.

Stalking
Eishken deer forest is divided into 4 stalking beats. Three experienced stalkers are employed and up to 3 stalking parties may go to the hill each day. Stags are retrieved from the hill in the traditional way with the use of garrons. Unusually 3 of the stalking beats are accessed by boat affording spectacular views of the coast of the Lewis. 

Game shooting
There are some grouse on the estate and one day’s walked up grouse shooting, dependent on numbers, over pointers is available to shooting parties from late August. Later in the season there can be excellent snipe, duck and woodcock shooting.

Watersports
The sea loch in front of the Lodge provides an opportunity to engage in a variety of watersports including : Sailing, Pedaloes, Canoes and Waterskiing.

Sea Fishing
Sea fishing is available and tenants may charter the 38ft sea boat at extra cost, manned by the estate staff. All sea fishing equipment is provided.

Dogs must be kept under control at all times and are not allowed in the lodge. Kennels are available.

Rods

For salmon and sea trout on the lochs and rivers of Lewis and Harris a 10ft 7 weight is the ideal tool. The same rod can be pressed into service on the brown trout lochs although this is often ‘too much rod’ and a 9 ft 5 weight might be more appropriate.

Dapping can be a deadly technique for sea trout. Some lodges have a supply of dapping rods but if not 17ft telescopic outfits can be cheaply sourced.

If you are planning on fishing in the sea for Pollock/coalfish off the rocks a 9 ft 9 weight is the best tool.

Lines

95% of the time a floating line would be the first choice in the western isles. In very high water or windy weather an intermediate might be useful or alternatively a couple of sinking polyleaders.  For sea fishing off the rocks fast sinking shooting heads are almost essential.

Flies

Generally people fish a 2 or 3 fly cast on the lochs. The size is largely dictated by the wind. Traditionally the top dropper would be drawn through the surface film with a slightly heavier fly or double on the point anchoring the cast. This is still a deadly technique. The bigger the wave the bigger the fly. Everyone has their favourites but we would recommend the following for the lochs:-

Muddler Minnow (natural, orange, on Harris traditional flies with muddler heads score heavily), zulu, kate maclaren, bibio, grouse and claret, soldier palmer, goats toe, clan chief, silver daddy, black pennel, butcher, green peter in a range of sizes.

River- Shrimp flies- cascade, ally, calvin. Dark flies- willie gunn, stoat, silver stoat, green butt. Teal blue and silver, medicine, Sunray and hitch tubes.

Trout- the smaller sizes of the loch patterns will cover much of the fishing but I would also take Hedgehogs, sedges, grouse and claret, doobry

Sea- Sinuous sandeel’s for Pollock etc, teal and blue for sea trout.

Other

Dapping floss, gink, nylon 6-12 lb’s, midge repellent.

The lodge, built in the late 1800s in a classic Victorian style, is well proportioned and very comfortable, with a substantial hot water supply.  it has recently been refurbished to a very high standard including gym and spa facilities, plus games room with full size billiard table and table-tennis.

The accommodation consists of:
• Ground floor; 4 public rooms, billiard room, gym, sauna, turkish bath and drying room.
• First and second floors there are 12 bedrooms (7 double and 5 single with 6 bathrooms). Maximum number allowed in the house at any one time is 14 including children. The lodge is equipped with broadband and wifi. Vodafone signal strength is strong and O2 signal strength is good in the lodge.

The lodge is let on a fully catered basis including the services of permanent domestic staff. All transport for the fishing and stalking on the estate is provided.