Pike Fishing
Pike fishing is a main attraction at Dornells. Dornells Loch extending to 29 acres, set in front of the main residence, is in the heart of the Estate and fished on a very infrequent basis - to allow the minimal amount of disturbance to the aquatic life & habitat. A 22lb fish is the largest pike caught on these waters in recent years.

Whilst it can be fished all year round, the best time of year is between April and October. For guests staying in the Estate accommodation, Pike fishing can be enjoyed throughout the year at a charge of £25 per rod per day. Boats are available for hire for £25 per day.

Please note that the Estate operates a strict catch and release programme in order to conserve fish stocks. The Estate does not provide day ticket fishing.

Fishing Methods
The Pike fishing at Dornells lends itself very well to all the recognised methods of catching this elusive fish. For example float fishing using bait such as mackerel, trout, roach etc or ledgered baits suspended or on the bottom have been very successful in catching larger fish whilst lure fishing and fly fishing provide superb sport.

Anglers have the option to hire one of the Estate Orkney dory boats equipped with outboards and anchors, to explore and fish the lake. There is a great deal of bank fishing available for either static bait fishing or wandering with a spinning rod and strategically placed jetty’s provide superb platforms along the lake side.

All the above methods can be fished from either boat or bank and we strongly recommend that un-hooking mats, weigh slings, large fine mesh knotless landing nets and good quality forceps are included in the anglers equipment as the policy of conservation, safe and careful handling and catch and release of the Pike is thoughtfully adopted.

Brown Trout Fishing
The Keepers Loch set in beautiful surroundings flanked by oak woodland offers the opportunity to fish for wild Brown Trout again purely on a catch and release basis. Fishing is accessible from either the bank or from one of the rowing boats. The Loch is populated by a large number of small brownies as well as fish up to and over 2lbs and is ideally suited to dry fly, wet fly, nymph and all natural patterns. Loch fishing on the Keepers Loch is available to guests staying in the Estate accommodation at £25 per person per day inc of the use of one of the boats.

All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.