Artloch Fishery

Artloch Fishery is a dedicated fly-only venue that focuses on providing a straightforward, well-managed experience for anglers who value stocked trout, bank access and practical facilities more than frills. Situated at Longhill near Huntly, it offers nearly five acres of water set against mature conifers and mixed woodland, giving anglers a sheltered environment and consistent conditions throughout much of the year. The fishery has a long-standing reputation as one of Aberdeenshire’s established rainbow trout waters, having originally opened in the 1970s and later re-opened under new management, which has helped it build a loyal base of returning visitors.

The core attraction here is straightforward: bank-based fly fishing for hard-fighting trout in a manageable, medium-sized loch. The water is stocked with rainbow trout that typically start from around 2lb and can reach double figures, while resident brown trout are present up to around 5lb, giving a realistic chance of memorable fish without turning the venue into a specimen-only destination. For anglers searching online for a reliable Scottish trout fishery, Artloch appears frequently thanks to its history, regular stocking and focus on rainbow trout fishing rather than mixed coarse or carp angling.

Artloch is clearly set up with fly anglers in mind; spinning and bait methods are not part of its current offer and this specialisation is both one of its strengths and one of its most controversial aspects. Several visitors highlight that the fishery operates on a fly-only basis and that this is enforced firmly on the bank, which appeals to purist fly anglers who do not want their session affected by other methods. However, there are recent accounts from visitors who travelled with bait or spinning tackle and felt that the rules were not communicated clearly enough before arrival, leading to frustration when they were asked to leave despite having paid for their session. For prospective customers, this underlines the need to treat Artloch as a dedicated fly fishing venue and to ensure that everyone in the party is properly equipped for fly techniques before setting off.

The loch itself is designed to promote good water clarity and healthy fish. Two silt ponds are used to help keep the main water clear, though the colour can be slightly peaty, which is typical of many Scottish stillwaters and does not usually hinder sport. The combination of regular stocking and water management means anglers often report active fish feeding just below the surface in favourable conditions, creating opportunities for dry flies, emergers and washing-line setups that experienced fly fishers tend to enjoy. For those researching fly fishing lakes in Aberdeenshire, this balance of clarity, depth and cover is attractive, especially when compared with smaller, more heavily coloured ponds.

Fishery rules at Artloch are structured to protect stock and maintain fair sport. Anglers are limited to fishing no more than three flies at a time, with a request not to use double or treble hooks, propeller flies, flickers or Booby-style patterns. This approach is familiar to many stillwater fly anglers and aims to minimise deep hooking and fish damage, which is especially important where both stocked rainbows and resident browns share the same water. While some may see such rules as restrictive, others will appreciate them as part of a modern, conservation-minded fly fishing fishery.

Facilities are an area where Artloch tends to receive positive feedback. The on-site fishing hut is heated and described by visitors as cosy, with a wood-burning stove that becomes particularly welcome on cold days when the wind is up and temperatures drop. Inside, anglers find seating, tables, a microwave and an indoor toilet, along with free tea and coffee, which helps make longer sessions more comfortable and encourages social interaction between regulars and newcomers. For many anglers searching for a fly fishing venue that offers a warm base and basic amenities rather than a bare-bones car-park-and-loch arrangement, this is a notable advantage.

Several reviews describe the atmosphere at Artloch in positive terms, mentioning friendly, helpful staff and a welcoming attitude towards both beginners and more experienced anglers. Customers point out that the owner takes care to maintain the lodge and keep the facilities tidy, with small touches such as biscuits alongside hot drinks adding to the experience. One angler notes having had consistent success on the water and specifically recommends the fishery for both novices and seasoned fly fishers, which is important for families or mixed-ability groups deciding where to book their next fly fishing trip.

Accessibility is another area where Artloch aims to stand out among Scottish trout fisheries. There is a car park adjacent to the loch and the fishing hut, so anglers do not need to carry heavy gear long distances to reach the bank. Facilities and amenities are designed with less able-bodied visitors in mind, which includes leveled access and practical layout, making it a viable option for anglers who may struggle with steep banks or long walks found at some more remote fly fishing lakes. For many potential customers, especially those travelling with older relatives or limited mobility, this can be a deciding factor.

Equipment support is built into the fishery’s offer. As the site is also home to Sharpe’s of Aberdeen, a recognised name in fly-fishing gear, visitors can browse a full range of fly-fishing equipment on site, with the exception of Sundays when the range is not available. Rods can be hired for a modest fee, which is particularly useful for beginners, occasional anglers or those travelling light who still want to enjoy quality fly rod fishing without investing heavily in tackle beforehand. This setup makes Artloch an attractive option for anyone searching online for fly fishing for beginners in Aberdeenshire.

Beyond tackle and facilities, the fishery offers tuition that can be booked in advance, providing structured support for newcomers to fly fishing. This allows novice anglers to learn safe casting, basic watercraft and effective fly choice on a water that is big enough to feel like a proper loch, yet small enough not to be overwhelming. For parents considering where to introduce children to trout fishing, the combination of tuition, bank access and a heated hut for breaks is a practical mix.

Pricing at Artloch is described in publicly available information as competitive for the local market, with ticket options that include catch-and-release as well as traditional kill tickets. While exact tariffs may change over time, the broad range aims to cater for short evening sessions through to full-day outings. For value-conscious anglers comparing a number of trout fisheries in the region, the combination of reasonable pricing, bank-only fishing and included facilities often compares favourably with venues where boats or extensive travel add to overall costs.

Not all aspects of Artloch’s operation receive universal praise, and potential visitors benefit from understanding the main criticisms. Some recent reviews from anglers who attempted to fish with bait or spinning tackle report feeling that staff communication on the bank was abrupt when explaining that the fishery is fly-only, particularly when visitors had travelled significant distances and believed, from social media or the honesty box envelopes, that other methods might be acceptable. These customers left with a negative impression and indicated they would not return, which reduces the venue’s appeal for mixed-method groups or those primarily interested in coarse fishing or spinning rather than fly fishing.

These experiences highlight two key considerations for future customers. First, Artloch is currently not suitable for anglers who want to use bait, spinners or other non-fly methods, regardless of the time of day or length of journey. Second, while many visitors describe the owner and staff as friendly and helpful, others have perceived a sharper tone when rules are enforced, especially where there have been misunderstandings about permitted methods. Anglers who value a very relaxed approach to rules may find this firm enforcement challenging, whereas those who prioritise a strictly managed fly fishing environment may view it as a positive.

For anglers actively searching for fly fishing in Scotland, Artloch occupies an interesting niche. It is not a huge, boat-focused reservoir, nor a tiny put-and-take pond; instead, it offers a mid-sized bank water with enough room to try different drifts and areas without needing a boat licence or engine skills. Regulars comment that trout can often be seen feeding just under the surface when the wind drops, requiring thought about flies, leaders and presentation rather than simply casting and retrieving, which can be appealing to those who want more than purely stocked-fish fishing.

From a practical standpoint, the fishery’s location just a few miles from Huntly and close to a major road makes it straightforward to reach while still feeling distinct from urban surroundings. Signposting and a reasonably sized car park help visitors arrive and set up quickly, which is particularly useful for evening sessions when time on the water is limited. The loch’s sheltered aspects, mature trees and modest size mean that wind, while still a factor in casting and drift, is often more manageable than on fully exposed hill lochs or large reservoirs.

Overall, Artloch Fishery presents a clear proposition to potential customers: a focused, fly-only trout fishery with bank access, well-managed stocking of rainbow and brown trout, and a warm, functional lodge that supports both shorter and full-day sessions. Anglers who enjoy structured rules, dedicated fly fishing facilities, tuition options and practical amenities are likely to find a lot to appreciate, especially if they come prepared with suitable tackle and an understanding of the venue’s method restrictions. Those looking for multi-method waters, bait fishing with family groups, or a very relaxed approach to rules may wish to consider whether a fly-only stillwater aligns with their expectations before choosing Artloch for their next trip.