Hello, my name is Stewart Yates and first of all, thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website! I am passionate about all things Assynt and all things Fly Fishing, so becoming a fly fishing guide and qualified coach here was wonderfully inevitable! Although the fly fishing is the ‘excuse’ for heading out and exploring Assynt, there is so much more to be discovered about this place. Its geology, history, flora and fauna, stories, legends – it can all combines to create a wonderfully rich and intoxicating experience. I want you to have that experience, to feel immersed in it all and take a part of Assynt away with you in your heart to guarantee your return for generations. I will always be “A Guide who takes you Fishing” and never simply “A Fishing Guide”.
I am a qualified Mountain Guide (SML) and UKCC Licensed Angling Coach who grew up in Assynt and as-such I have a superb understanding of exactly what exploring this unique wilderness entails, your safety, comfort and happiness is my utmost concern. Having such a qualification and personal experience can make your guided walk in to a remote ‘secret loch’ a pleasant and informative journey with a satisfying sense of achievement, rather than a relentless hardship that taints the rest of your day! In addition to this I hold a Royal Yachting Association Competent Crew Certificate so if you would prefer your day out to be on the water, again you know you are in safe hands!
I was – and still am – inspired to fish by my Father’s tales of monsters landed and lost in some of the remotest parts of Assynt, he arrived here in the 60’s and immediately knew he was ‘home’. And latterly his father – J. H. Yates – has inspired me further through his writings of fish and fishing throughout South Africa in his two books Angling Adventures in South Africa and African Angler’s Argosy as well as his chapter in the book Fresh-Water Fish & Fishing in Africa. Quite an act to follow, but I will do my best!
I have wandered the mountains, hills and glens of Assynt and fished the lochs therein for around 30 years now, but still every day I will still take a moment to give thanks for my place here. If you know Assynt, you know exactly what I mean. If you are new to Assynt, let your partner down gently, for you are about to fall in love!
In addition to my services as a guide and coach, I am always happy to offer advice and knowledge on any aspect of your visit to, and exploration of Assynt. So please do get in touch with any questions you might have. I am always very happy to help if I can!