Fishing Reports

River Leven

Good water conditions throughout September and fresh fish still running. Not exactly heavy angling pressure but those who are making the effort are being rewarded with some really good sport……….

13 September, Dick Dickson sent this report…

‘I had a momentous event on the Leven today landing a 25 lb salmon on the fly after a one and a half hour struggle – 12 ft rod, 8 lb b.s. line and a big water.

I hooked it at the bottom Back Stream of the Dalquhron loop and it took me down to the last 5 yards of 100 yard backing on its first run – I had to chase after it to avoid losing the fly line and backing of my salmon reel – incredible it was.

I shouted for help throughout the struggle but no angler or dog walker about the Dalq. loop this morning between 11.15 and 12.45! And no camera (drowned a month ago).

I played the fish to a complete standstill and got a very precise measure with my tape as it lay comatose on its side in the shallows – 38.5 inches. A massive male fish bronzed but not yet red with a large kype – all clearly imprinted on my mental picture now. Despite the long struggle it swam slowly away after 3 or 4 worrying minutes of holding it in the current. I then lay down for 10 minutes! What a day.

Must have been some specimen when it first came in. What a massive girth. My wee home made black body cascade did the trick.’

Good stuff Dick…there’s rumours on the river it was 40lbs plus!!

23 September, Jake McGarrigle (12lbs) McKinnons on a size 10 Kinermony Killer – returned.

25 September, Chic McLean (15lbs) Managers on a conehead fly – returned.

Other reports: 9 September, John Milligan (14lbs) Apple Tree, worm. 11 September, Chic McLean (18lbs) Bucks on a Black Francis – returned. 15 September, Stephen Blackwood (10lbs) Glebe on a gold bodied Willie Gunn tube – returned. 26 September, Kirk Philips (6lbs) Dalqurn Lade.

River Endrick

A shortage of reports from the Endrick but good spate conditions this month and plenty fish seen moving.

11 September, Eric McDonald reports…….

‘A coloured fish about 7lbs. Caught today below bridge at Ballochruin Farm. Returned to fight another day!’

Presentation to Loch Lomond Rescue Boat

23 September:  a total of £700 was raised at the LLAIA Fly Fishing Competition on 2 September. The LLAIA Chairman presented a cheque to the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat committe and crew which was very much appreciated.

Catch Returns

Everyone must be well aware by now that catch returns form the basis for determining the Conservation Status of our system. Last year, even with the threat of reverting back to Cat 3, the number of returns sent in was abysmal. The LLAIA have a statutory obligation to forward these returns to Marine Scotland by 31 December each year. We were able to negotiate an extension with MS granted an extension till 31 January purely due to our administration change which bought us some time. This year’s returns will be used to determine the category for Season 2019 and must be with us as soon as possible after the season closes.

The committee have looked at various way of maximising the return but found that there is no ‘magic formula.’ It was suggested at this year’s AGM that a financial penalty should be introduced for non submission. However, we think this is something that should only be introduced when everything else fails.

To help address the problem we have appointed a ‘returns officer’ who will collate, update our database highlighting defaulters and ‘chase them up’. The next step being considered is only to renew permits when a return has been submitted. Don’t find yourself on the ‘hit list’. Even ‘Nil Returns must be submitted. We realise that some of our coarse anglers also hold the ‘big ticket’ and ask for your cooperation in this matter.

In order to allow us time to prepare and transmit the final report to Marine Scotland we request all forms are returned by 30 November to our office at 4 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow, G3 7QF or by submitting electronically through the ‘Catch Register’ facility on our website.

Conservation – October

Anglers are reminded that in line with the LLAIA Conservation plan all salmon caught during October should be returned to the water.

River Leven Clean Up

With the amount of rainfall we are currently experiencing it’s very unlikely that Scottish Water will be able to close the barrage to allow for a clean up any time in the near future. We’ll keep the situation under revue and update if possible.

JR

Email Reports at: reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven

The season’s rolling in fast but  there’s plenty of water and some good fish about…

28 August, Neill Sproull lands and returns a (15lbs) salmon at the Glebe caught on the fly.

8 September, another nice hen fish (11lbs) being returned to the river.  Caught by Stephen Blackwood (L) at the Bonhill Pool  on a Willie Gunn tube.

River Leven Clean Up Weekend

With water levels still high and more heavy rain forecast it’s beginning to look like it’ll be nearer the end of the month before we can think about tackling a clean up. As soon as there’s a window in the weather we’ll post new dates, but it might be fairly short notice.

River Leven Rep.

A vacancy on the committee for a River Leven representative still exists following the resignation of Stuart MacCallum. Anyone interested in this position who has a passionate interest in the system, a good knowledge of the River Leven and could make a difference, please contact the secretary.

River Endrick

Recent spate conditions have seen a good run of salmon and fresh grilse on the Endrick.

26 August, Eric McDonald reports…….’A wee grilse caught today from above Drumtian. Caught on a size 10 shrimp fly. Fish safely returned’……Thanks Eric.

5 September, Donald Cameron reports…….’My first season fishing the Endrick and first salmon caught at Drumtian on an Ally’s Shrimp double. I was on my own so a  hurried photo and returned it quickly.  I don’t know exact weight but measuring my landing net it was about 30″ (10lbs). Never felt so happy.’…….Well done Donald, always heartening to hear about our members first fish.

Loch Lomond

The Loch Lomond Fly Fishing Competition was held on Saturday 2 September. It was won by Jim Bonellie (Best Basket and Heaviest Sea Trout and his boat partner Denis McLaughlin (Runner Up Best Basket) – A full report has been posted on this blog. A provisional date for next year’s event has been set as Saturday 29 September 2018.

Angus MacRitchie landed this fine sea trout on the fly recently off Inchlonaig. Not a lot of anglers out, but those persevering are finding sea trout on the island drifts and grilse on the troll.

Other catches: 31 August, James McGrandle (5lbs) grilse at the Geggles.

26 August, Amanda Jenkinson reports………‘Caught my first pike ever on the troll south of Ross Priory. It might not have been a monster (8lb) but it was a hard fighting fish. Safely returned after a quick photo.’…… Good effort!

JR

Email report at: reports@lochlomondangling.com

The L.L.A.A.A. Loch Lomond Fly Fishing Competiion took place on Saturday 2 September. This was the first competition of its kind for at least fifteen years.

Between the registration centres at Balmaha and Voldac forty five anglers headed out onto the Loch.

Of course we can never guarantee perfect conditions…..

and it wasn’t until mid afternoon that a breeze got up allowing a decent drift.

5pm and the boats arrive at the weigh-in on Inchmurrin.

With anticipation in the air…….

and the smell of hog roast…….

the results were awaited……..

but  it wasn’t long till the winners were announced. (L) Jim Bonellie, heaviest bag and heaviest sea trout. (R) Denis McLaughlin, runner up heaviest bag…….congratulations guys!!

The competition was strictly catch and release, each boat being issued with a measuring tape. Jim’s two sea trout measured 16.5″ (2.5lb) and 15.25″ (1.5lb) Denis’s sea trout was slightly smaller at 14.5″.

The presentation of prizes was made by Craig Somerville of Angling Active

For heaviest basket Jim was presented with the LLAIA ‘Heaviest Basket’ trophy,  a Scierra reel, line and backing

and a fly box donated by Chris Turner. For heaviest sea trout he received a £100 Glasgow Angling Centre voucher and a bottle of 16 year old Mortlach malt whisky. For runner up heaviest basket Denis was presented with a £50 Angling Active voucher and a bottle of Macallan malt whisky. The  £100 prize for a sea trout over 10lbs contributed by Gareth Bourhill Consulting wasn’t won and has been donated to the Loch Lomond Rescue boat along with a further £100.

Jim commented….

River Leven

The barrage gates have been open constantly for three weeks with good numbers of fish going through. Yesterday the gauge at Bohill was showing 13” above closing height and with the Loch still high we can expect good conditions for a while yet.

On 16th August Scottish Water’s barrage operating plan changed. In effect it means that instead of closing when the Loch level reaches 26 feet the gates will remain open until it drops to 25 feet. This will make a positive difference to the back end flow.

10 August, Alan McHutchison lands and returns his personal best salmon estimated (18-20lbs) caught in the Renton area of the river on a flying-c. Well done Alan!

Other catches: 15 August, Ross Grainger (13lbs) Chapel Hole on a toby…great catch by a junior angler! Andy McPherson (5lbs) Stuckie Bridge, worm-rtnd. Alec McKeen (9.5lbs) 18 August, Kirk Philips (9lbs) McKinnons. 19 August, Davie Robertson (15lbs) Glebe on a tube fly.

Not much in the catch reports but we only mention those received from the bailiffs or hear about from our anglers. Many thanks to those who do contribute.

Loch Lomond

The falls at Inversnaid say it all….a lot of rain has fallen in the last week. Yesterday the level was sitting at 26′. 9.6” inches on the SEPA site…. a bit on the high side.

Last Week I spent four days out on the Loch up the top end and having lost a grilse at Culness the previous week was full of hope. Unfortunately most of the time was spent sheltering and when I did manage out caught nothing. However I was delighted to see several fresh looking salmon give acrobatic displays. On Tuesday at Rowchoish and on Friday at the German jetty, Rowchoish and Hen Isle….didn’t see another boat all week though. Back out again on Monday with fish showing at Hen Isle and Rowchoish. It was reassuring to know there’s fish about as I can go a whole season and see nothing apart from whatever attaches itself to my line. On Monday I  passed one boat, at Inversnaid. So where’s everyone hiding? Maybe down the bottom end…

Catches: 16 August, Russell Boyd (12lbs) at Tylers Rock, – rtnd

River Leven Clean Up Weekend

It has been announced on our Committee’s Blog page that the Leven clean up rescheduled for this weekend has been postponed due to high water. Disappointing and frustrating but without the gates closed we can’t clean rubbish and snags from the riverbed. The situation will be monitored and new dates in September announced…we hope!

As an alternative, it’s suggested  we have a look at the Endrick and expend some energy there. Might not suit everyone but you’ll be more than welcome to join us on Saturday (26th) 10am at Ballochruin Bridge…otherwise enjoy your fishing.

LLAIA Silverware 

The Association ‘Trophy Room’ is no longer empty. These two cups, which had been hidden away and neglected for many years, have been restored and are ready to be competed for.

Te ‘LLAIA Best Basket Cup’ was introduced in 1966 when it was won by J. Glen. It was fished for annually on the Loch until 2001  (Matt Stewart). The cup will be awarded to the member with the heaviest bag at our Annual Fly Fishing Competition on Loch Lomond, this year’s event taking place on Saturday 2 September.

The ‘Bill McEwan Memorial Trophy for the Heaviest Loch Lomond Sea Trout on the Fly was introduced in 1993 when it was won by Colin McCrory. It was fished for annually over each season until 2002 (Allan J Stewart – 7lbs) Some of the weights are also engraved and it’s interesting to note that in 2001 Matt Stewart won it with a fish of 15lbs….both cups won by Matt that year.

Bill McEwan fished the Loch for over thirty years and was the author of ‘Angling on Lomond’ a very valuable source of information, particularly for Loch novices. Later a video was produced featuring Bill, and some of the old footage is quite nostalgic. ‘Angling on Lomond’ went out of print years ago but can still be found on ebay and second hand bookshops and sites. The VHS video is no longer available but copies on DVD were doing the rounds.

Loch Lomond Fly Fishing Competition 2017 – 2 September.

Event planning is now in the final stages. There has been a great response from members and we look forward to seeing you all on the day.

Competition entry fee is £5. Guests of members are very welcome and must have a day ticket.

Prizes have been donated by Angling Active (competition’s main sponsor), Glasgow Angling Centre, Gareth Bourhill Consultancy and Chris Turner.

Registration will take place between 0800 and 0900 at Balmaha Boatyard, (a limited number of hire boats are available but best to book in advance) and Vale of Leven District Angling Club.

This competition is strictly catch and release. Tape measures will be supplied and photographs required, so take your phone/camera….

Weigh-in and presentation of prizes will be at 1700 on the Spit of Inchmurrin. There will be a ‘hog roast’ and fund raising raffle. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat.

For further information contact Colin McCrory at Balmaha, Tam McBride at Voldac or email web@lochlomondangling.com

JR

Email Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven

Summer monsoons over the last fortnight were good news for Leven anglers. Last Monday the barrage gates dropped to the riverbed allowing an unrestricted flow. This has encouraged more anglers onto the river and bringing fresh salmon in. Grilse and summer salmon are already widespread across the system.

29 July, always good to hear of new members having success. Kilwinning angler Jim Mclaughlan landed this fresh grilse, which was returned, at McKinnons on a Wullie Gunn flamethrower. It was quickly followed by another which didn’t stay on. Thanks for your report Jim.

1 August, Chic McLean starts the month off well with a fresh (5lbs) grilse fly caught at the Apple Tree on a Black Francis.

7 August, Robert Galbraith lands a quality summer salmon (11lbs) at the Glebe on a Gold Cascade.

Other catches: 5 August, John Maloney (15lbs) Linnbrane on a spun lure.

The Leven is still running fairly high but beginning to drop back slowly. More settled weather conditions were forecast over the next couple of weeks so take advantage of the extra water while we have it. Follow Jack Ferguson’s daily River Leven conditions updates on our homepage. The most recent recorded water levels for the Loch and rivers across the system can be found at SEPA Water Level Data

Loch Lomond

Grilse and summer salmon have appeared in the Loch, not in great numbers yet, but it’s also been commented that there’s not many anglers on the water either…. Loch regulars know that it fishes best when the level is on the low side. So far this season it hasn’t dropped much under the average and low water indicators such as the ‘Lucky Chuckie’ haven’t been seen yet. When the ‘Chuckie’ shows you know you’re in with a good chance…… If the Loch’s high salmon don’t tend to seek the deeper colder waters of the ‘Tap End’ and remain in the southern basin awaiting the call to spawn.

26 July, this (12lbs) cock fish decided otherwise and was caught off Inversnaid Pier by the author. Lice were still attached around the vent area and shows how quickly salmon will run the length of the Loch. Not many fish reported from the northern end of the Loch this year but you just never know…. but it’s a good day out for the scenery and tranquility alone.

River Leven

July can be a quiet month on the Lomond system but some encouraging news at the weekend. A  run of grilse and summer salmon appeaed on the river with good numbers moving in the upper reaches. Double Pipes, Top Pool and Stuckie Bridge featuring.

15 July, day ticket angler Sacha Vasiljevic is a happy man with a fresh (9lbs) fish on the fly at the Bonhill Pool.

22 July, Davie Robertson returning a (14lbs) salmon caught on a cascade fly at the Double Pipes.

22 July, day ticket angler John Burns with his first fish off the Leven (10lbs) at the Top Pool on the worm.

Also 22 July, Leven angler Graham Stewart (6lbs) Stuckie Bridge on a tube fly.

Loch Lomond

A   lean spell on the Loch though not many anglers venturing out. News of fresh fish on the Leven at the weekend will see more out on the hunt.

A lot of pike about this year and some big ones too..

Scott Laird hooked into this monster while trolling for salmon. It was reckoned to be about 27lbs.

Loch regular Dick Dickson recently hooked an even bigger Esox at Strathcashel. Took almost an hour to get it alongside. Dick estimated it at 4ft long and probably 40lbs+ in weight….said he was actually ‘feart’ when he saw it…not surprised.

Just heard that Balmaha angler Gerd Elsweiler had his first salmon of the season off the Loch this morning. A cock fish (10lbs) at Ptarmigan….perseverance pays at last!

Clyde Estuary

Estuary anglers enjoying good sport with sea trout as usual. Levengrove, Havoc and Cardoss all producing fish in the 2-5lbs class to the fly, lures and mackerel strip. Barry McGuigan seen with here with a nice fresh trout about the 3lbs mark.

JR

Email Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven

High water levels on the Loch last week brought Leven anglers a bonus with the gates remaining open all week. Now back at summer low again…….

28 June, Jim Patterson reports..

3.25lb seatrout caught behind the cricket pitch tonight. I was fishing for brownies on a little 5 weight rod with a size 14 yellow owl, dry fly. My rod bent double, luckily there were some young lads, who I’d like to thank, because they had a salmon net and landed this for me!! Not sure who was more surprised me or the fish!!

5 July, Davy Robertson took full advantage of conditions landing this cracker, estimated at (17lbs) on the fly at the Glebe. Earlier in the week he had another good fish (10lbs) also on the fly. Both were returned. Well done Davy!

Other catch reports: 3 July, Neill Sproull (6lbs) Bonhill Pool on the fly.

Loch Lomond

1 July, Ritchie Millar continues his ferox hunt this time landing another one of the Loch’s big sea trout….

‘Was targeting Ferox when I hooked into this in the first 15mins today. Weighed it at 9lb 12oz it’s my personal best for sea-trout from the Loch. My previous was 8lb.’

All fish that Ritchie catches are revived in this cold water tank and carefully returned to the Loch.

10 July, Donald McKellar reports…

‘After fishing the Loch for the last four weeks, losing a fish about 12lbs at the net, three sea trout to 4lbs and many pike…today I finally managed a (14lbs) fish off the south east of Inchmurrin in deep water. Copper toby in big wave…at last!’

Other reported catches: 28 June, Eddie Minnes (6lbs) sea trout off Inchmurrin. 30 June, Davy King snr (10lbs). 5 July, Jim Raeburn (4.5lbs) off Inversnaid – returned. 8 July, Stuart McBean (12lbs)

Pacific Pink Salmon

Fishery Management Scotland advise that Pacific Pink Salmon have been caught by anglers on the Rivers Ness, Dee and Helmsdale possibly having strayed from Rivers in Norway and Russia. Full information on identification is contained in the FMS Advice Note found by opening the link:

http://fms.scot/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/170711-%E2%80%93-FMS-Statement-%E2%80%93-Pink-salmon.pdf

River Leven

The Loch level has now dropped back and the barrage gates closed yesterday reducing the river flow to summer level. However we are almost into July which is not noted for being the driest month on the calendar……

Nevertheless some good sized summer salmon coming through and grilse starting to make an appearance.

17 June, Robert Baxter (10.5lbs) Top Pool, worm.

24 June, Grant McIntyre (8lbs) tail of Linnbrane Hole on the fly. – fish was carefully returned.

Other catches: 16 June, Stephen Gilfeather (15lbs) Hole in the Wall, flying-c. Andy McElwee (10lbs) Top Pool, worm – rtnd 17 June, Alec McElwee (13lbs) Top Pool, worm – rtnd. 19 June, Neil Baxter (14lbs) Top Pool, worm. 21 June, Derek McKenzie (20lbs) Top Pool, worm. 23 June, James Duffy (5lbs) McKinnons on the fly.

Loch Lomond

After a spell of good sport on the Loch the run has now dispersed to the usual lies around the banks and islands. The weather hasn’t helped much with strong winds making it almost impossible for anglers to get afloat.

17 June, Ritchie Millar reports from his latest ferox hunt..

‘Caught this Ferox fishing the Loch on the downrigger 27ft down on a Savage Gear lure. It weighed 8lb 3oz.  I put fish into the tank so they’re hardly out the water and swim away strong when released’  ‘Also released a sea-trout around 3lb that day lost 2 good trout.’  ‘I’m intrigued too know the largest trout that’s came out Lomond. I heard 19lb.’ ……Anyone Know?

16 June, Donald McKellar catches an action shot of Bob Forshaw playing a good fish….

…….his first this season…14lbs.

24 June, a very windy Saturday on the Loch but it paid off for Scott Sinclair. Approx (10lbs) taken just north of the Rowardennan Youth Hostel and starting to colour. A quick trophy photo and returned safely.

Other catches: 14 June, Dick Dickson (12lbs) South of Manse Bay.

Good sized summer salmon now making there way into the Loch along with some grilse. Just a matter of getting out there on the hunt….

Marine Scotland Armadale Tracking Project.

Tags Wanted – Reward

Marine Scotland is tracking salmon from July 2017 and would like your help.

If you catch a salmon with a tag (as shown in the attached photograph) near the dorsal fin, then please remove it by cutting through the plastic cord to remove the acoustic tag (black cylinder). Please note that the colour of the cord may vary from yellow.

Please send the acoustic tag, also with a note of day and location of capture, to:

Armadale Tracking,

Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory,

Faskally,

Pitlochry,

PH16 5LB

Please enclose your name, postal and email (if applicable) address and we will send you £20 in reward.

If you have any other information about the fish (eg a photo, length, sex) then please include it when you send in the tag. However, please do not delay the safe return of the fish to the water to obtain any such information.

With thanks

Armadale Tracking Team.

JR

Email Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven

Summer has definitely arrived and thankfully with it the rain….  Last week saw a few fish caught and this week kicked off with one of the best days for a long time. On Monday at least 12 and perhaps as many as 17 salmon were landed. As usual the information about ‘who caught what and where’ is a bit sketchy…but most catches were made at the top of the river from the Bonhill Pool upwards.

12 June, Peter Wormald (10lbs) Bonhill Pool on a Cascade.

13 June, Colin Smith (14lbs) Bonhill Pool on a conehead.

13 June, Ross Macleod (8lbs) McKinnons on the fly.

Other catches: 12 June, Jim McFarlane (14lbs) Top Pool, flying-c.  Alec McElwee (13lbs) Top Pool, worm. Alec McElwee 15lbs) Stuckie Bridge, worm – returned. Tam McBride (16lbs) Top Pool, worm. Duncan O’Neill  (11lbs) Chapel Hole, worm. 13 June, Stephen Gilfeather (11lbs) Top Pool, worm – returned. 14 June, Chic McLean (14lbs) Ritchies Lade on the fly – returned.

Also good to hear that fresh run sea trout are about. On 7 June,  Dick Dickson landed 5 sea liced trout all weighing between 1.5 lbs- 2.5lbs. 10 June, Craig Carr reports landing a fresh 3lbs sea trout at the Craft Stream.

Loch Lomond

Loch anglers continue to enjoy good sport. The main run seems to have moved off the Endrick Bank with catches made at Sallochy, Caraig Rock and around the islands. A few anglers have ventured up the top end of the Loch but  no catches reported north of Pilot Bank. Over the past few years the runs have tended to stay in the southern basin with very few fish found in the upper reaches. Some anglers have now changed over to tobies on a faster troll while others are having success on rapalas at a slower pace.

9 June, Frank Caldwell with his second salmon (12lbs) of the season.

13 June, Alex Bowie with his second fish (11lbs) of the season caught at Caraig Rock.

14 June, Donald Brown’s furry companions guard his first salmon (11lbs) off the Loch this year, taken off Little Ireland.

Other catches: 1 June, Frank Caldwell (13lbs) at Sallochy. 5 June, Russell Boyd (12lbs). 6 June, Alex Bowie (9lbs). 7 June, Donald Brown (6lbs) sea trout. 10 June, Scott Sinclair (5lbs)  – returned. Alan Dorrian (14lbs). Billy Marsland (10lbs). 14 June, Billy Quinn (12lbs).

River Leven Clean Up Weekend.

Please note that due to high water the River Leven ‘clean up’ scheduled for this weekend 17/18 June has been postponed. It was hoped that the gates would close to allow a clean of the river bed. However,  Scottish Water reported today that the Loch level is still too high and unlikely to drop sufficiently over the next couple of days to allow closure of the barrage. When is the best time to hold a river clean up? Ideally at the start of the season but West Dumbartonshire Council have previously objected due to potential disturbance of ground nesting birds. Over the past five years clean up months have varied. April, May, June, August and September have all featured but we have to consider a period with a dry spell/low rainfall and timely notice for volunteers. We thought we had that…. back to the drawing board and hopefully soon…..

JR

Email Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven

Now into June and our agreement with Scottish Water to provide weekend height during the week ends. Unless we have a fair bit of rain and the Loch level increases dramatically we’ll soon be at summer low except with the weekend freshet. Nevertheless, plenty of good salmon still coming through daily. Our regulars know that even when the river’s on it’s bones’ fish will still run and the pools are always worth a try. The past couple of weeks has provided some good sport…

Always good to hear of new members catching their first salmon on the Leven…something they’ll never forget. Even better when it’s quickly followed by their second…..

That’s exactly how new member Craig McKerry’s season has started off. 20 May, Craig has his first salmon (11lbs) at the Piles on the worm and on 27 May he had his second at the same spot  (9lbs) pictured above being returned. Good stuff Craig!

22 May, Chic McLean’s canine companions watch with interest as he returns his latest catch (13lbs) at Pike Hole. He followed it the same day with another salmon (10lbs) at the Apple Tree, also released. Both fish took the worm.

16 May, Tom Black with an unusual catch at the Stuckie Bridge. A blue trout took his Munro Killer tube fly. Rainbows and blues turn up on the system from time to time, more than likely having escaped from the Carman Dam above Renton.

Other Catches: 16 May, Stuart McCallum (15lbs), Alun Price (13lbs).29 May, Willie Little (14lbs) Top Pool on the worm. 2 June, Graham Dunsmore (11lbs) Bonhill Pool on a golden shrimp fly.

Loch Lomond

May started off rather slowly on the Loch and some anglers were getting rather concerned that our spring run wasn’t going to arrive. However we knew that there had been plenty of salmon running the River Leven and only a matter of time before boat anglers lures started to find them. From mid May things have started to pick up with some lucky anglers now landing two fish in one day. June should continue in the same vein and then we’ll await the arrival of the summer grilse.

Fresh fish are already moving up the Loch. 17 May, Billy Smart went out for a last hour and landed a fine, very fresh cock fish (20lbs) at Pilot Bay on a black and gold rapala. We can be sure it didn’t head up there on its own.

20 May, Derek Ranachan (above)continues his successful season with a fresh salmon (10lbs) off the north side of Inchmurrin. Earlier in the year he landed and returned a (19lbs) fish. on 29 May, he returned a smaller (4lbs) grilse sized fish caught off Balmaha which looked a bit on the thin side.

2 June, Loch regular Rab Strachan seen playing a salmon (13lbs) on the Endrick Bank which he successfully landed. It’s believed he went on to land a second fish about the same size.

3 June,  Scott Sinclair always wondered what it would be like to hook into a salmon at the yacht club at Milarochy. He found out on Saturday but managed to steer this fresh fish (13lbs) away from the boats and into his net.

Other Catches: 15 May, Scott Pryce (11lbs). 16 May Scott Pryce (11lbs) – rtnd. 21 May, Denis O’Hare (13lbs). 22 May, Alastair Mair (13lbs). 23 May, Allan Coll (13lbs). 31 May, Danny Docherty (12lbs) and (15lbs) – rtnd. Peter Lyons (13lbs.)  1 June, Brian Follett (11lbs), Eric Donnachie (14lbs) and (10lbs). 2 June, Danny Docherty (10lbs). 5 June, Duncan Ferguson (11lbs).

31 May, Balmaha angler James McGrandle with a right good bend in his rod…..

………in the net a 6lb bream which had taken his toby.

20 May, Colin Ferguson on the Bank trying to catch a rainbow on the fly….never succeeded of course.

30 May, a couple of John Bell’s guests enjoy a day out on the dap.

A seasonal Mayfly.  For some reason you’ll still see them about on the Loch at the end of July. Never seen any of our trout show interest in them though.

Submitting Reports.

Always on the lookout for reports to keep our members updated. Anything of interest is always welcome. If submitting photographs of fish which have been dispatched please ensure that the ‘tag’ is clearly showing. Part of the Local Conservation Plan with regards to our Category 2 status agreed with Marine Scotland, was that fish killed would be limited to three and tags issued which must be fixed through the gill as soon as possible. We are aware through conversations with Marine Scotland staff that websites are visited regularly to see what’s happening around the systems. We don’t wish photos of fish without tags being flagged up to us, doubt cast on our conservation plan, then back to Cat 3 again. Anglers are also reminded that only one fish kill per day is permitted. Tags may not be very popular with anglers but a bit of plastic might make the difference.

River Leven Clean Up

The clean up will take place over the weekend 17/18th June meeting at Bonhill Bridge at 0930 each day. Starting at the top end and moving down river. Refreshments and gloves will be provided. All volunteers, anglers and friends most welcome. See you there…

JR

Email Reports at: reports@lochlomondangling.com