Famous for its rare and unusual trout species like ferox, sonaghan and gillaroo, Lough Melvin also holds perch and salmon char. Photographs courtesy of Alan Kettle-White, Aya Thorne and David Greenwood. Whilst shore fishing is possible the majority of the fishing is by boat in the traditional Irish Lough style. In lochs where no charr or whitefish are present other species including brown trout or perch may form the bulk of the ferox diet. Today, around 30 per cent of salmon and sea trout is taken by commercial fixed engine and net and coble fisheries. More of Chris’s underwater videos of trout, including ferox, are available here. & Macdonald, A. Ferox trout : A Predator worthy of Pursuit and Protection. Ferox Research at Glasgow University, Facebook page. For a trout to become a ferox it is basically a 'lifestyle decision', like you deciding to work out and live on a high protein diet. Journal of Fish Biology 14, 1 – 29 (1979). A quick look... through our database of underwater photographs confirms that we recorded the same fish upstream of its capture site in October 2019. Campbell, R. N. Ferox trout, Salmo truttaL., and charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), in Scottish lochs. There may be a level of inheritance of life history strategy present in some ferox populations. In years gone by, in less enlightened times I know anglers used to travel to the river Gaur on Rannoch Moor to intercept ferox … Catch & release of ferox trout: A video produced by Ferox 85; a dedicated group of ferox biologists: Ferox trout are found throughout the brown trout’s native range, wherever there are large glacial lakes. In waters where ferox are found their numbers are relatively small, populations in any species are balanced by the availability of food and no loch, even the biggest in Scotland, could sustain a large population of long living fish eaters. & Ferguson, A. Ferox trout are highly prized by trophy anglers , and Loughs Corrib and Mask have recorded the majority of Irish specimens since angling records began in … (with kind permission of Dr. Jonathan Grey). The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Freshwater Fish Specialist Group regard ferox as a separate species. First stop for a wild Atlantic Salmon is Kerry. There is some justification in the call for ferox to be accorded species status rather than the less valued (in an EU context) sub-species status. Fishing methods; Enforcement; Fishing Rights; Protection orders; Good governance; Sea Angling survey; Bass fishing; Eels; Fish species. Dead bait, spoons, spinners, minnows or rapalas are all effective for ferox (live bait is no longer permitted). You could fish for hours, days, weeks or months without catching a ferox trout. You may be thinking of a book called 'Ferox Trout & Arctic Charr' by Ron Greer. The fish weighed 23 pounds 12 ounces. There can be no doubt however that ferox can be spectacularly different from other brown trout; in life history, genetics and habits. Limits: 6 trout per rod per day. Catch-and-release is therefore of utmost importance and the same studies suggested that angling mortality is acceptably low. OKUMA CLASSIC XPD PRO LINECOUNTER REEL LEEDA ICON BOAT MULTIPLIER FIN NOR SPORTFISHER TROLLING SLC 30 Shop Trolling Equipment. The limited distribution of ferox, their apparent low density in the lakes that they do inhabit suggests a level of scarcity and vulnerability of populations. In Lough Melvin, ferox achieve reproductive isolation by spawning in a single, deep river. This has been a great Ferox Trout fishing season. not a different species. For trolling or bait fishing for both salmon and trout, an 8-10ft spinning rod with fixed spool or multiplier reel is recommended. The Freshwater Research Service describes ferox as 'large predatory brown trout', Salmo trutta and in becoming piscivourous trout are only following one of a number of strategies for life. From the anglers perspective another study on Loch Rannoch has found that ferox are not territorial and range widely throughout a loch having been found to travel up to a kilometer in a few hours. Scientific opinion has long been divided over the status of ferox as a separate species from brown trout. Ferox trout are a fantastic example of the genetic diversity that exists within wild brown trout. 2002 ISACF meeting (2002). Hardie, R.P. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 43, 221 – 237 (1991). Fish the shallow sandy margins for trout (av three quartes of a pound) Trawl in the deep water for ferox but some ferox even fall to the fly here. Posted under Active Articles on 23.09.2010. Ferox do show a variety of shape, colouration and spot pattern with fish of similar length varying in weight by as much as 2 to 3 pounds. You can also drive by the commando statue towards the canal. The relationship between ferox and their prey is size-related rather than age-related and has a dramatic effect on ferox growth (Mangel & Abrahams, 2001); one tagging study recorded one ferox that increased in weight by 10lb (4.5 kg) in 4 years! Radio tagging has also found that ferox dive deep during the day probably on feeding dives to where the char hang out, at night however they move into shallower water and become less active. Proc. What these anglers saw humping in the ripple were most likely salmon which enter the lough in high water and can be taken on fly or spinner at the mouth of the river which enters at the south-east corner. Recommended reading for this subject is ‘Ferox Trout and Arctic Char’ by Ron Greer. Over the first couple of weeks fishing was tough, but they landed several ferox trout into the low double figures. It takes a little determination, research and asking around to find affordable, accessible wild trout fishing in the south east, but it does exist! Because of their longevity, the impact of exploitation is likely to be greater than it would be for a shorter loved species. Related posts. Ferox living in the cold, nutrient-poor lochs can be much slower growing, but may also be long-lived (a 23-year-old fish from Loch Killin, Inverness being the oldest on record). Fishing in Kerry. This suggestion is supported by other studies on the origins and genetic differentiation of ferox brown trout from their counterparts. Trolling for Ferox trout is a very successful and popular fishing method used on Loch Awe. In Britain they are found mainly in Scotland and Ireland but there are also thought to be populations in some Welsh lakes and in the English Lake District. All ferox, brown trout and charr populations reflect the complexity of pre and post ice age (10 – 15,000 years ago) colonisations as ice cover ebbed and flowed over the landscape. You never know the next time it is caught it could be a lot bigger. For bait ferox prefer char but char can be hard to come by so many anglers will use quarter pound trout which are more readily available. Swanhill, Shrewsbury. Our bespoke fishing trips get under way ten miles from the village of Drumnadrochit and just over four miles from Inverness, both of which are great bases for sightseeing the Highlands. He presented the fish to Burke’s pub in Clonbur, where the fish can now be seen, stuffed and displayed in a glass case. … I also know of a river where a spate will create runs of ferox which came as a shock to my system for having fished this river in normal conditions I had caught nowt but tiddlers. Duguid, R.A., Ferguson, A. Many trout, perch, bream, roach and some other whitefish are there. Found in the old glacial lochs and lakes of the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia they can grow to a prodigious size, the world record stands at 37lbs 6ozs taken in Sweden and there is an unconfirmed report of a fish of 39lb 8ozs taken by W.C. Muir in Scotland in 1866, the Scottish record stands at 31lb 12ozs taken on Loch Awe. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2001: 10: 168 – 176. Young, brown trout feed on the usual fayre of insects and other invertebrates and at around 35cm long some trout make that life style choice and start to eat other fish. It was estimated that Ferox are present in less than 10% of sites in Scotland, given the thousands of sites where brown trout occur. The combination of genetics and environment (as demonstrated by ferox trout in Loch Awe) suggest that ferox with ​‘ancestral lineage’ are more efficient at acquiring food in a quantity and/​or quality as juveniles than trout that spend longer as a benthivore. Majestic exemplares can be up to 30 pounds. Recommended tackle is an old salmon fly rod of 13 or 14 feet set up with a good centre pin reel, with a large line capacity, filled with braid of 25lbs. Registered Charity No. These studies provide evidence of higher dominance levels in ferox trout progeny that help to maintain the distinct life-history characteristics of ferox trout. Arctic charr are of great importance to ferox diet in most Scottish lochs. Since the term ferox was first coined in 1835 by the renowned angler scientist Sir William Jardine, various authors have attempted to define what exactly a ferox is, for example: Ferox are long-lived, late-maturing, piscivorous brown trout which in Britain and Ireland, are often present in large, deep glacier-formed lakes containing Arctic charr or whitefish species. Their weight and condition is dependent on age, the season in which they are caught, whether they have spawned, levels of parasitic infestation and available food. This fish measured an astounding 84.5cm in length with a weight of 16lbs. Threats to ferox trout include: OverfishingTag-and-release studies in Loch Rannoch suggest that ferox densities in these nutrient-poor lochs are likely to be low. Parentally acquired differences in resource acquisition ability between brown trout from alternative life history parentage. So how are ferox different? Ferguson, A. To view the paper, click here. The fishing season runs from 15th March until 16th October. sonaghen trout and charr) that ferox rely on. Video courtesy of Chris Conway and the Ness Fisheries Board. Again best times for this type of fishing is early and late season though large double figure fish are caught throughout the season. © ™ SpinFish Digital 2015, SpinFish Online Magazine, The SpinFish Logo, The RBA Digital Design Logo and any Associated Images and Logos are © ™ SpinFish Digital. al., 2016b), have shown that progeny of ferox trout (from Loch Ewe) are more aggressive, acquire better feeding territories and are able to grow more quickly than progeny of benthiverous trout of a similar size from the same loch. Ferox Trout, Loch Rannoch also contains three ecologically and morphologically distinct forms of Arctic charr (Verspoor et al., 2010). Modern techniques have studied the genetics, morphology, diet and life-history of ferox which have revealed some fascinating insights into the diversity that exists. During a spate I landed three wicked fighting fish of about two and a half pounds and lost an other half dozen, all on a bloody butcher - what day! The book is published by Swan-Hill Press & is ISBN 1 85310 486 8. The video below shows a hen ferox trout digging a redd (nest) prior to spawning, with male trout in attendance. These are highly efficient filter feeders and their introduction could have disastrous effects on the lakes native planktivores (e.g. This suggests a common ​‘ancestral’ ferox lineage which colonised these waters after the last glacial retreat. Undoubtedly some of which were Ferox Trout. Even low intensity ferox angling therefore has the capacity to impact on ferox numbers. Ferox Trout & Arctic Charr; A predator, its pursuit & prey. All legitimate methods are allowed but the association encourages and supports a policy of catch and release. Origins and differentiation of three sympatric species of trout (Salmo trutta) in Lough Melvin. I have only caught a handful of ferox for sure, including a fish of about 3lbs taken on Loch Shin, taken on the fly (where in lies a tale I will tell in the online magazine section). Ferox in Lough Melvin are known to be genetically distinct however other studies have found that in most cases ferox are just one of a number of variations on the species Salmo trutta, i.e. FISHING Well, I've waffled on a bit to get to the main point of the story which is fishing. In the absence of any genetic data, a Ferox Trout was deemed to be any member of the Brown trout species 51 100-200yds. In Scandinavia, a number of studies before and after hydropower development have been carried out and are fairly applicable to the British Isles. When and what works best depends on the time of the season, day, the prevailing weather and water conditions as well as the ability of the angler. A radio-tracking study found ferox making dives down to 30 metres, possibly in pursuit of charr, suggesting that ferox are active pursuit predators as opposed to ambush predators that use cover to attack prey. M. R. Hughes, J. Experimental studies (Hughes et. A wicked looking brute, beautiful in its way which when cooked tasted appalling - no wonder they end up stuffed and in glass cases. Freshwater Biology47, 1235 – 1243 (2002). Some anglers claim that the lough holds a stock of large ferox trout, but none has ever been caught. Fishing for Ferox Trout, Brown Trout and the mighty Atlantic Salmon - you never know what you will catch in Loch Ness! Trolling for ferox trout will test your skill, endurance and patience. I used this book as my bible, and look what happened!” Ken Oliver. 1. Follow the road over the canal and follow the road until it … Methods: Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing. Greer, R. B., Thorne, A. Ferguson, A. The replacement of charr for example by littoral or benthic feeding fish could therefore have unforeseen consequences for ferox — again, a precautionary approach and more research is needed. This echoes calls by researchers for effective conservation of brown trout to be based on genetic differences between populations. Ferox have also been found to be able to switch diets. Journal of Fish Biology (2016) doi:10.1111/jfb.12919, M. R. Hughes, T. E. Van Leeuwen, P. D. Cunningham and C. E. Adams (2016b). Small baitfish are a huge part of most stream trout’s diet, and they become even more important as trout get bigger. Lake bathymetry and species occurrence predict the distribution of a lacustrine apex predator. A. Dodd, P. S. Maitland and C. E. Adams (2016a). The change in diet has benefits in that fish put on more weight, a 300% increase in weight is not uncommon, and in longevity. A study of fish-eating brown trout in three different lochs in Scotland found different life-history traits. What I will tell you is that any of the locations listed on the Where to Fish for Arctic char section will hold ferox - rule of thumb no char no ferox. Two anglers have recently appeared in court on charges relating to illegal fishing methods on the Cong River and fishing during the closed season. Brown Trout [Salmo trutta ] are a native species to the British Isles, Sea Trout and Brown Trout are the same species. (1995). At the start of March, they had their first group of Czech clients, and what a trip it was for Radek Vyhlidal, who struck into his first ever ferox trout, not realising just how big this fish was. We thought it would be a good idea to break down three simple techniques for trout fishing that anyone can use, no matter their experience level or tackle collection. In upland areas, intensive commercial forestry can also severely limit primary productivity in streams and increase acidity to dangerous levels during peak flood events. 7 Reasons Why Fishing Is … Initial studies have suggested that the ferox of Loughs Mask, Corrib and Erne also have the same genetic characteristics as Melvin ferox. Research on Loch Rannoch from 1990 showed that of of 70 ferox caught and tagged 9 have been re-caught, a 13% re-capture rate supports the assertion that ferox populations are naturally low. Where present (for example in Loch Lomond), whitefish species (coregonids) can form the main prey item of ferox. Little was known about the spawning location of ferox trout compared to normal brown trout, and a radio tracking study was initiated in both catchments in 2005. Taking ferox on the fly is off course not the most common way to catch them, trawling is the way to get into them. For example, studies on Lough Melvin (Northern Ireland) have identified three distinct forms of brown trout: sonaghen, gillaroo and ferox; these forms are genetically distinct from each other and are likely to have remained so since colonising the lough from separate refuge areas. For bait ferox prefer char but char can be hard to come by so many anglers will use quarter pound trout which are more readily available. Inline Spinners. There is little commercial exploitation of freshwater and migratory fish in Scotland. Fly fishing for trout is a little different in the UK, as Andy from Riverangler.co.uk explains below. Ferox trout reach 20lbs, or more, so tackle must be suitable and of good quality as these are strong, hard fighting fish. They began feeding on other fish at an earlier life-stage (one or two years of age) compared to the other two populations of ferox studied in Loch Rannoch and Loch na Sealga which are not genetically distinct from other trout. … Cawdery, S. A. . If you are lucky and skilled you can catch one of the rare Ferox trout. The pike are big. all other Images are © of their respective owners unless otherwise stated, all information on this website is taken from the PUBLIC domain, unless stated. Large, predatory fish like this are prized by anglers yet only a tiny proportion of the trout in a loch are ferox; the ferox trait is therefore valuable and rare. Ferox may not be the prettiest of fish, even the girls look butch, but by jings they can put a smile on the face of anglers lucky enough to hook into them. Tagging work on ferox in Perthshire has found that ferox will move over a wide area, probably searching out shoals of baitfish such as Arctic charr, but may also switch diets as other opportunities arise, such as a salmon smolt run. In Lough Corrib (Ireland), in recent times ferox have switched from a charr- to a roach-dominated diet following the extinction of charr after the introduction of the roach. Ecology of Freshwater Fish (2016) doi: 10.1111/eff.12323, M. R. Hughes, O. Hooker, T. E. Van Leeuwen, A. H. Kettle-White, A. Thorne, P. Prodohl and C. E. Adams (2016c). There is wild trout fishing in the south east, although some of the rivers that have habitat suitable for trout are stocked with farmed fish to cope with angling pressure and are controlled by clubs and syndicates. 1162478 (England & Wales). Some ferox populations have also been found to be older when they mature compared to other trout, which allows ferox to increase in size before they divert resources into spawning. Char and Ferox Trout are present in some of the lochs. The Corrib and Mask are home to massive trout called ‘Ferox’. Ecology of Freshwater Fish (2016) doi: 10.1111/eff.12323. Ron is a founder member of the Ferox-85 group. We headed out into the open loch and were seeing fish pretty quickly on the fish finder. Greer, R.B. While all young trout feed chiefly on invertebrates (benthivores) when young, the availability of other species of fish in a range of sizes, usually found in large lakes, provide an opportunity for trout to move to an almost entirely piscivorous (fish) based) diet. Grey, J., Thackeray, S., Jones, R. & Shine, A. Ferox Trout (Salmo trutta) as Russian dolls: complementary gut content and stable isotope analyses of the Loch Ness foodweb. & Taggart, J. Very useful indeed for its general application to fishing for pike and other large predatory fish Mangel, M. & Abrahams, M.V. They are recognized for the quality of trout fishing. Brown trout, pike (30lb+) and ferox (up to double figures) on this large loch. Where is this river? Click here to go to the Spinfish Where to go Fishing for Ferox section. These lakes have excellent populations of wild trout, averaging one to two pounds and many over five pounds. Opportunities are plentiful all around the Ring of Kerry for fishing and angling mainly due to the unique geographic location of the peninsula.