Morsgail Estate is a wonderfully secluded estate of some 14,000 acres situated on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis with a very comfortable fully refurbished modern lodge and excellent unspoilt salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing, exciting red deer stalking and walked up grouse shooting over pointers. The estate and lodge are accessed by a two mile private road from the coast road, and this is the only road on the estate.

Fishing 

Fishing is available for salmon, sea trout and brown trout on both river and loch. The principal system is the Morsgail, which has two boats on the loch and two rods fishing the upper and lower rivers. The river is at its best in spate conditions. There can also be exciting fishing in the Loch Ken Resort estuary, particularly early in June and July when numbers of sea trout can build up. There is a further boat on Loch Langavat, headwaters of the famous Grimersta river, offering the chance of a salmon, ferox and brown trout. In addition there are numerous lochs offering brown trout fishing.

Stalking

Morsgail offers exciting red deer stalking for one rifle on two beats, with an expectation of up to 5 stags per week.

Shooting

The estate offer walked up grouse shooting over the estate pointers, and snipe and woodcock later in the season.

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. (Dapping is great for beginners.) 

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. 

Relax in tranquillity at Morsgail Lodge. The traditional-style lodge is in a spectacular position, two miles from a main road. Built in 1986, it has been fully modernised, providing comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests in five bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.

 The views are magnificent, looking straight out over Loch Morsgail towards the beautiful North Harris Hills. A fantastic place to escape to at any time of the year. Sit back, relax and drink in the landscape after a great day’s sport.

Accommodation:

This fully modernised lodge provides comfortable accommodation in five bedrooms (three doubles and two twins), sleeping 10 guests, all with en-suite bathrooms.

The public rooms include a drawing room with cosy wood-burning stove, a spacious kitchen, and a dining room with superb views across the loch to the hills beyond. There is also a further sitting room.

Dogs are welcome on the estate, but not in the house, and kennels are provided.

Facilities:

The lodge has a drying room and utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. There is also a fishing/gun room for storing rods and guns. The lodge is fully heated, with a heat exchanger drawing heat from the loch, and has full double glazing. Television, Sky and Wi-Fi are all available but please be aware that, while there is a landline, there is no mobile phone reception so that you can enjoy total seclusion. The estate also offers plenty of outdoor storage.

Self-catering stay:

The majority of visitors to Morsgail Estate come on a self-catered basis and the island has an abundance of delicious local produce for you to try. You’ll find plenty of space in the lodge’s fridge and freezer and a well-equipped kitchen with dual fuel cooker (double oven and grill, and six rings).

While the nearest supermarket is in the island’s capital, Stornoway, there is a community shop 10 minutes’ drive away for basic supplies. Uig Sands Restaurant is similarly not far, offering meals made with fresh, local produce and with an emphasis on local seafood.

Catering options:

We can organise your own private in-house chef during your stay and many of the meals can be created from what you’ve shot or caught yourselves, offering the true field-to-fork experience. Please enquire when booking for further details.