A westerly has held for 13 hours, running colder than the water (8°C air against 10°C water). The end it blows into is taking that chilled surface water, so try the sheltered western end instead — off the back of the wind, where the undertow returns food along the bottom. That chill sits in the top of the water, though, and the bed is slower to feel it — on a bottom bait it is the undertow, not the temperature, that puts you at this end. Treat it as a tiebreaker between good swims rather than an override — features and angling pressure usually count for more.
With limited drift, anchor or fish static from sheltered positions. Work a bushy searching pattern on the bob and drop a contrasting nymph on the point.
If the main plan is not working, switch to a smaller, more imitative pattern fished slower and deeper. A change of drift angle can also make a difference.
Keep an eye on changing conditions — wind shifts and cloud breaks can trigger short feeding spells.
Strong wind makes boat fishing difficult — sheltered bank spots near lee shores will fish best.
Hatch predictions
Top nymph shown — see all 2 guilds as a supporter.
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Hatch predictions
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Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.
Fly recommendations
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Still traditional loch-style, but with slightly more room for olives, upwings, lighter attractors and surface-oriented fishing when conditions suit.
A reasonable day here, though wind isn't quite in the sweet spot.
Outstanding fly life: olives, sedges, daphnia, buzzers. Classic traditional loch-style from boat. Connected to brackish Loch of Stenness. Orkney Trout Fishing Association.
SEPA WFD 2022 — Loch Harray: Moderate status. Corrected 2026-06-18 (was recorded Good). Source: SEPA WFD 2022 classification (spatialdata.gov.scot / SEPA Aquatic Classification Hub).
SEPA (Scotland) · UKSC100008
Orkney's largest freshwater loch — fertile limestone water with wild brown trout averaging 1lb+.
A westerly has held for 13 hours, running colder than the water (8°C air against 10°C water). The end it blows into is taking that chilled surface water, so try the sheltered western end instead — off the back of the wind, where the undertow returns food along the bottom. That chill sits in the top of the water, though, and the bed is slower to feel it — on a bottom bait it is the undertow, not the temperature, that puts you at this end. Treat it as a tiebreaker between good swims rather than an override — features and angling pressure usually count for more.
With limited drift, anchor or fish static from sheltered positions. Work a bushy searching pattern on the bob and drop a contrasting nymph on the point.
If the main plan is not working, switch to a smaller, more imitative pattern fished slower and deeper. A change of drift angle can also make a difference.
Keep an eye on changing conditions — wind shifts and cloud breaks can trigger short feeding spells.
Strong wind makes boat fishing difficult — sheltered bank spots near lee shores will fish best.
Hatch predictions
Top nymph shown — see all 2 guilds as a supporter.
Start free trial14-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Hatch predictions
Top prey shown — see all 5 as a supporter.
Start free trial14-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.
Fly recommendations
Point fly shown — supporters see the whole team, sizes and why.
Start free trial14-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Still traditional loch-style, but with slightly more room for olives, upwings, lighter attractors and surface-oriented fishing when conditions suit.
A reasonable day here, though wind isn't quite in the sweet spot.
Outstanding fly life: olives, sedges, daphnia, buzzers. Classic traditional loch-style from boat. Connected to brackish Loch of Stenness. Orkney Trout Fishing Association.
SEPA WFD 2022 — Loch Harray: Moderate status. Corrected 2026-06-18 (was recorded Good). Source: SEPA WFD 2022 classification (spatialdata.gov.scot / SEPA Aquatic Classification Hub).
SEPA (Scotland) · UKSC100008
Loch Harray is a loch in Orkney, Scotland. Its recorded elevation is about 0 m above sea level and the catchment geology is limestone. The species listed for this water is brown trout. The trout season is recorded as running from 15 March to 6 October. Best window recorded for anglers: May to September. Core methods listed: traditional wet fly; dry fly; dabbler. Its Water Framework Directive ecological status is recorded as moderate. Nearby waters in our listings include St John's Loch at 46 km.
