James Curley, a seasoned gillie with a deep reverence for the wilds of Scotland’s Northwest Highlands, has built a life and business around his love of fishing. With two decades of experience exploring Scotland’s hidden lochs and rivers, James sees fly fishing in Scotland as more than just a sport; it’s a way to connect with nature, find peace in solitude, and immerse oneself in the countryside. Join us as we dive into the world of this passionate angler and discover what makes him tick.
meet james curley
James Curley, a seasoned gillie with a deep reverence for the wilds of Scotland’s Northwest Highlands, has built a life and business around his love of fishing. With two decades of experience exploring Scotland’s hidden lochs and rivers, James sees fly fishing in Scotland as more than just a sport; it’s a way to connect with nature, find peace in solitude, and immerse oneself in the countryside. Join us as we dive into the world of this passionate angler and discover what makes him tick.
After a ten-year hiatus, James and his wife relocated to the West Islands, where he rekindled his love for fishing and began to explore the wild landscapes of the Northwest Highlands. Over the past twenty years, he has fished tirelessly, navigating the many rivers and lochs of the region.
For James, fishing is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. He’s driven by the desire to connect with nature and immerse himself in the beauty of the countryside.
The sense of solitude and silence that comes with being in the middle of nowhere, with no other human beings around, is one of the many reasons he loves fly fishing. For him, it’s meditative, therapeutic, and requires attention to detail, which he finds fascinating.
Now, James is excited to share his passion and knowledge of fly fishing in Scotland with others through his own business. Allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the region while learning from a true expert.
fishing as a way of life
James finds profound fulfilment in being out in nature, exploring and discovering new and remote waters in search of that elusive fish.
For him, fishing is not just about catching fish. It’s about the sense of freedom being out in the wild and the adventure of exploring new territories.
Through fishing, James has met many like-minded people from different backgrounds and ages, which has added to his enjoyment.
He loves the culture and history surrounding fishing, the etiquette involved, and the never-ending conveyor belt of gear that comes with it.
From being on foot to being in boats, James enjoys every aspect of fishing and the thrill that comes with it.
a typical day with james curley
James Curley’s day of fishing is tailored to the ability level of his clients. For beginners, he would ask if they preferred fishing in a river or a loch, taking them to the chosen location and explaining the basics of fishing equipment and casting. The morning would be spent learning the basics.
“Would my clients want to maybe walk in for half a day into a particularly beautiful river or loch, which might be quite high up on a plateau somewhere? If they say yes, we’ll go to a loch.”
After lunch, they would start the afternoon session, where James would show them tactics and reliable spots to catch fish. For intermediate to experienced fishers, James would ask them specific things they wanted to do. These things included catching big fish or medium-sized fish in high mountain streams, getting on a boat or being dropped off in a remote lock.
“I have a broad spectrum of people. I’ve even had guys with helicopters saying, can you come with me up onto a mountain and tell me where to fish?”
more thnn just catching fish
If you spend the day fly fishing in Scotland with James, you’ll be doing more than just catching a few fish. He hopes to provide a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the local area and the diverse wildlife there.
You can expect to spend a day in nature, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and engage in conversation about a wide range of topics. While the chance to catch fish is certainly a highlight, James believes that a successful day is one where you have a positive experience regardless of your skill set.
A day with James is not just about fishing; it is about creating unforgettable memories and gaining a deeper appreciation of the natural world. It’s the kind of outdoor experience that perfectly complements a self-drive tour through Scotland.
appreciating the majesty of nature
James operates his fishing business in a stunning location between Loch Veyatie and Lurgainn, surrounded by the hills of Cùl Mòr.
This area is known for its scenic landscape, abundant wildlife, and cultural heritage. One of the unique features of this area is the stretch of water between Loch Veyatie and Lurgainn, which is considered one of the nicest spots in the area for fishing.
The location is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including raptors like osprey and occasionally Golden Eagles, white-tailed fish eagles, red deer, otters, weasels, stoats, reptiles such as adders and lizards, and plenty of amphibians. If spotting wildlife is high on your agenda, our birdwatching in the Highlands and otter trekking experiences offer guided opportunities to get even closer to Scotland’s remarkable fauna.
James can provide a deeper understanding of the area and its significance to visitors due to his knowledge and expertise of the local environment and cultural heritage.
It’s great to hear him tell you about the cultural heritage of the area, as well as the different species of wildlife and their habitats. James’ clients have the opportunity to fish, but also connect with nature and appreciate the area’s majesty.
With James’ guidance, visitors can explore the nooks and crannies of the area, where they can discover the abundance of birdlife and other species that make this area so unique. For those wanting to explore further on foot, hiking in Wester Ross is another fantastic way to experience the rugged Highland terrain.
how to experience fly-fishing in scotland with james
James operates his fishing business from mid-March to early October each year. During this time, clients can enjoy trout fishing in the tranquil local area and experience the thrill of catching wild brown trout. For help planning around the seasons, our guide to when to visit Scotland covers the best times of year for different activities.
While it’s possible to fish for salmon outside these dates, the season officially starts on March 15th and finishes on October 6th. However, weather conditions can affect business during winter, with snow and heavy rain making fishing impossible.
James primarily operates during the spring, summer, and early autumn months, when the weather is more favourable for fishing and outdoor activities.
In the rugged and picturesque Scottish Highlands, James Curley stands out as a true expert in his field. As a fishing guide with years of experience, he offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the area’s natural beauty and thriving wildlife.
But it’s not just his knowledge and skill that makes James such an exceptional guide. It’s his dedication to accessibility and inclusivity, that ensures that everyone who wants to experience the thrill of fishing in this breathtaking location can do so.
So why not make your own unforgettable memories with James Curley? Fly fishing pairs perfectly with a wider nature and wildlife holiday through the Highlands, staying at handpicked accommodation like the Kylesku Hotel overlooking Loch Glencoul or the Shieldaig Lodge, a Victorian retreat surrounded by wilderness. Enquire now and discover the wonders of the Scottish Highlands for yourself.
So why not make your own unforgettable memories with James Curley? Enquire now and discover the wonders of the Scottish Highlands for yourself.
