Loch Long

Saltwater
Sound

Loch Long

Saltwater
Sound

Sq. miles: 13
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 19

Loch Long is a significant sea loch in Argyll and Bute, stretching approximately 20 miles (32 km) from the Firth of Clyde at its southern end to the village of Arrochar at its head. Its width varies between one and two miles, creating a long, narrow, and sheltered inlet of saltwater. The loch is situated within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the Argyll Forest Park, characterized by steep, forested hillsides and the dramatic backdrop of the Arrochar Alps, including The Cobbler (Ben Arthur). Historically used as a torpedo testing ground, the loch features deep, clear waters and a varied underwater landscape that includes numerous shipwrecks, making it a destination for both anglers and divers. Its proximity to major roads and a railway station at Arrochar provides relatively easy access to its shores.

Scotland licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Loch Long and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thunnus thynnus

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Atlantic Mackerel

Scomber scombrus

Ballan Wrasse

Labrus bergylta

Coalfish

Pollachius virens

Conger Eel

Conger conger

Corkwing Wrasse

Symphodus melops

Cuckoo Wrasse

Labrus mixtus

Dab

Limanda limanda

European Flounder

Platichthys flesus

European Plaice

Pleuronectes platessa

Goldsinny Wrasse

Ctenolabrus rupestris

Grey Gurnard

Eutrigla gurnardus

Lesser Spotted Dogfish

Scyliorhinus canicula

Ling

Molva molva

Pollack

Pollachius pollachius

Poor Cod

Trisopterus minutus

Sea Trout

Salmo trutta

Spurdog

Squalus acanthias

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Loch Long. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

A renowned shore fishing spot is located approximately a quarter-mile past the Arrochar Hotel at the head of the loch, particularly noted for mackerel. Rocky points and drop-offs all along the shoreline, especially where deep water comes close to the bank, are productive. The numerous historic shipwrecks scattered across the loch bed are prime underwater structures that attract congregations of fish. The deep central channel of the loch, which in places exceeds 200 meters in depth, offers a unique deep-water environment.

Know where you can legally fish on Loch Long

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Scotland licenses and regulations

Scotland Boating Regulations

Scottish Canals is the public navigation authority for Scotland's canals, covering boat licences, permits, and navigation rules. For coastal and sea boating the UK-wide Maritime & Coastguard Agency guidance applies instead.

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Scotland Fishing License

Scotland has no statutory rod licence for trout or coarse fishing (the only exception is the Border Esk). You instead need the permission of the landowner or permit holder; salmon and sea trout are fished via permits from the local fishery.

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Scotland Fishing Regulations

Official gov.scot guidance on freshwater fisheries rules - close times for salmon and brown trout, protection orders, and the consents needed to catch salmon or freshwater fish. Check the page for current dates.

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Scotland Stream Access Laws

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code grants broad public right of responsible access to most land and inland water (unlike England/Wales). Important: fishing is explicitly excluded from these access rights - you still need the relevant permit or the rights-holder's permission to fish.

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Take Loch Long with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Loch Long to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Loch Long to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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