River Lossie

Moray, GB-SCTspatesandstone50 kmSalmon river

A smaller north-east Scottish spate river flowing north through Moray to Elgin and the Moray Firth at Lossiemouth. Overshadowed by bigger neighbours but locally important and affordable, with association-led salmon and sea-trout fishing. Best fished after rain has lifted the river — check height, association season dates and the current catch-and-release policy before travelling, as the Lossie is currently a Poor conservation-grade river.

Species

Atlantic salmon and sea trout

Best window

April-September on fresh water after rain

Methods

  • fly (encouraged)
  • spate techniques

Recommended flies

Stoat's Tail (10-12 double)Ally's Shrimp (10-12)Cascade (10-12)Teal Blue and Silver (10, sea trout)Peter Ross (10-12)

Seasons

salmon

25 February – 31 October

Lossie District statutory season. Individual associations and estates can shorten it — e.g. Elgin & District AA opens salmon and sea-trout fishing on 1 April and closes salmon on 31 October. The Lossie is currently a Poor conservation-grade river: 100% catch-and-release for salmon. Verify current code before travelling.

sea_trout

25 February – 31 October

Locally important sea-trout (and finnock) river. Elgin & District AA closes sea trout on 30 September. Conservation code requires release of all sea trout and finnock.

Tactical notes

A modest spate river that needs water — fish it on the drop as a rise clears from coloured to settling. Sea trout come into their own from dusk in summer. Conservation-first: all salmon and sea trout go back, fly is encouraged and barbless hooks are recommended.

Live conditions and predictions for this water are not yet available.