Fishing Reports

River Leven.

It’s always good news when we hear of anglers returning fish to the system. An angler’s first salmon….now that is something to be commended.

On Friday 27th of July, Vinnie Woods landed his first salmon, weighing 10lbs, at Stuckie Bridge on a cherry red devon.  It was carefully unhooked and returned to the river.

With some perseverance Vinnie managed to revive the fish and see it safely on it’s way. He was delighted to have landed it and the successful return made the whole experience that bit more special…….well done Vinnie!

Saturday 28th, saw Pat O’Brien (above) with his first grilse of the year, a 5lb fish taken on a size 16 black shrimp fly from the run below Chapel Hole. Euan Slowik also had a 5lb grilse at the Piles on the worm.

On Monday 30th, Scott Laird had grilse of 5lb and 6lb at Stuckie Bridge.

The first of Scott’s fish was carefully returned to the river by Leven rep. Keith Adams.

Catches were made the same day on the river by Tom Hempsey (4lb) Factory Wall on a red flying-c. David Watt (5lb) Double Pipes on a flying-c, and ‘Yorkie’ (10lb) Bonhill pool on the fly.

Today, 31st July, the river is still at a reasonable height with more heavy rain forecast. Catches were made by John McGinlay (4lb) Factory Wall on a black flying-c (above)

Stuart McMillan (8.5lb) Linnbrane Hole on the worm.

and Lee McCarthy with his first fish of the season, a 5lb grilse at the double pipes on the worm.

Malcolm MacCormick was out on the river at the weekend chasing sea trout. There are good numbers about and he managed two at 2lbs but had plenty of follows and takes from fish up to 3lbs.

Just to keep on top of things, some bank strimming has been carried out. It’s noticeable that work carried out earlier in the season has had a lasting effect. The vegetation from the Boat Hole down to the A82 bridge has sprung up, but the paths are still visible and the pools are easily accessible.

Loch Lomond.

On Thursday 26th July, Loch regular Gerd Elsweiler set out from Balmaha for a pleasant day on the troll up to Inversnaid. It was on the return journey, passing the point at Rowardennan that he connected with his first grilse of the season, a 5lb bar of silver which was taken on a brown trout toby.

At the weekend there were a few boats out from Balmaha and Balloch. It wasn’t the busiest Saturday of the season and we are unaware of any noteworthy catches.

River Endrick.

One incident of catch and release with a difference was reported this week. On Monday 30th, Colin Ferguson witnessed an osprey lift a salmon/ sea trout of about 3.5lbs from the Island Pool at Barns Ford and then promptly drop it back into the river…..good to hear that the natural predators are entering into the spirit of things!

Contact Reports at: web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

July can be a frustrating month on the system with low water on the rivers and the arrival of the grilse run awaited….not so this year. Good amounts of rain have kept the Leven flowing and the fish keep coming through.

The most recent catch was made today, 25th July, by Scott Laird pictured above with 17.5lb salmon taken at Stuckie Bridge on the worm. A well proportioned specimen.

Earlier in the week Euan Slowik(10lb) Glebe on the worm. Chic McLean (5lb) Street Run on the fly (returned). Jackie Miller(6lb) Stuckie Bridge. Dunky Campbell(5lb)Chapel Hole. Brian Stewart(12lb) Piles(returned) and Ryan Kerr(13lb).

The heavy rain on Monday brought the river level back up and catches continued. Jim McDonald(4lb) Glebe on a black flying-c. Rab Kerr(5lb) Piles on a cherry red devon. Euan Slowik(8lb) at the Glebe. This was Euan’s fourth fish of the season and was returned. Frank McGeachie(10lb) Hole in the Wall on a cherry red devon.

As this report is being prepared we hear that Chic McLean has landed and returned another grilse (6lbs) at the Bucks on the fly.

Loch Lomond.

Loch boatmen still finding fish. The level was beginning to drop back until Monday’s latest monsoon and is showing at just above 8 metres on the Sepa website, which is an ‘average’ level.

The bottom end of he Loch is still the place to be. The Endrick Bank is relatively weed free, which is unusual for this time of year, though there has hardly been much in the way of sunlight to promote growth. A number of Vale of Leven District Angling Club boats have been concentrating on the top end but all appears quiet.

On Tuesday 17th July Ross McNair learned that perseverance on the Bank eventually pays off….

‘Caught our first fish at Stewart’s hole, Endrick bank. 6lb covered in sea lice. Took a home made copper/silver toby. We had  lost two fish at the back of the boat the previous week, one at the Long Point and one on the Bank again! ‘

On Saturday 21st July, David Henderson was out on the Loch on  his second trip this season and landed this fine 11lb salmon at Claddich Point. A green and gold toby was the lure of choice. Several other anglers returned to Voldac the same day with fish, including Ray Pryce and Alan Dorrian.

Tuesday 24th July sees Scott Pryce out on the Loch with son Charlie learning the ropes……

Not long before a trip along the Bank produces this 6.5lb grilse, expertly netted by Charlie…… Young sister taking careful note…..

Other catches from the Loch this week include Ian Steel with this 10lb salmon, Steven Gilfeather (14lbs)and Sammy Burgoyne(8.5lbs).

River Endrick.

The Craigbell Pool fishings are now available for members as mentioned on the Committee’s Blog. Jim McVey gave it a try and had some good sport on the fly with a 4lb sea trout.

Today the following catches were reported on the river. John Coppola, 3lb grilse and Alex Halley, 4lb grilse. Both fish were taken at Drumtian. Jimmy Brown, 6lb grilse at Coolies.

Good numbers of fish have been seen at Barns Ford as Chris Turner tells us…

‘A few people fishing Barns Ford last night. I had a sea trout of 2.5lbs, very silver. As it was getting dark I rose a bigger fish. Plenty of sea trout and grilse moving with the biggies.’

Chris mentions that another angler had a 10lb salmon at the Meetings. This angler, it appears, has fished the Endrick three times and each time had a salmon. Chris can’t quite remember his name, only that he smokes cigars……wonder why!

Contact Reports at: web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

A number of good sized summer salmon and grilse taken over the past week. Frank McGeachie(16.5lbs) cherry red devon at the Stuckie Bridge. Brian Stewart(14lbs) at the Flowers on the worm. Colin Smith had a good fish on the fly at the Glebe which he played for over 20 minutes before it released itself. He reckoned that it would have been his biggest.

Alun Price(10lbs) from the Double Pipes on a flying-c and Euan Slowik with two grilse of 4lbs and 6lbs from the Top Pool and the Stuckie. Both fish were taken on a cherry red devon.

Brian Ward was out early this morning. At 6.30am he was the only angler on the river. In torrential rain he got his reward of a 5lb grilse. ‘Like fishing a six mile private beat’ he commented.

Back in May, Leven regular Chic McLean (left) returned his first salmon of the season but didn’t wish to claim any ‘reward’. As a token of the committee’s appreciation Chic was presented with a box of personalised golf balls by Leven rep Keith Adams. There’ll be a few more fish in the river with Chic’s name on them!

Loch Lomond.

Friday 13th of July wasn’t unlucky for Jim Raeburn (author). More like third time lucky having lost two fish earlier in the month. An evening patrol of the shorelines at the top end just before 9pm resulted in a 7lb grilse at Rowchoish, which stayed on……

It can be worth staying out that bit later at this time of year, early morning and late evening always have an air of expectancy. The brown trout toby proved effective once again.

Alan and Bert Brunnstrom were out from Balmaha on Saturday 14th July. During the course of the day their travels took them down the Endrick Bank into Net Bay where Bert landed a 6lb grilse.

Says Alan… ‘ We actually saw the fish turn in Net Bay and as we passed by in about six feet of water counted the seconds hoping it would take one of our lures, which it did. A copper/brown toby on the inside rod.’

On Tuesday 17th July, Voldac member Alan Cole headed out on the troll for what was to be a productive day.

This fresh grilse fell to a blue and silver toby off Sallochy, on the east side of the Loch.

Robert Wilson had a good day on Friday 13th. He mailed us ….‘I’d just like to report that I was out fishing the Loch on Friday and had a trout of around 8lbs. I didn’t weigh the fish as we just wanted to get it back into the water.It has some of the best markings I’ve ever seen on a trout. Also two pike and a perch which were in perfect condition. The bailiffs stopped and checked our permits, which is the first time on the Loch. It’s good to see them about.’ 

Many of our members will have noticed that bailiff patrols on the Loch have increased, with a presence on week days and at weekends. Colin McFadyen has joined us as a full time member of staff. He brings with him a wealth of skills and experience which he will put to good use on the system. We wish him all the best in his new position.

River Endrick.

Endrick anglers Colin Ferguson and Chris Turner are having a good season. The amount of rainwater recently has helped their sport to no end.

On Thursday 12th July, Colin arrived at the Barns Ford Bridge pool about 5pm. Fifteen minutes later, and assisted by Chris Turner, he had this 10lb salmon on the bank. He and Chris covered several other fish, Chris getting really frustrated with one fish having at least six goes at the fly without hooking up.

Then on Monday 16th July, with bright sunshine and fairly low water, Colin returned to Barns Ford Bridge and landed this 4lb grilse.

The following evening, Tuesday 17th July, back on the Endrick. This time no salmon but Chris Turner had sport with this 3lb sea trout which was landed and returned.

With the continuing rainfall it looks like the Endrick might just be worth a visit……

Contact Reports at: web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

A few fish still coming to the net, though not in quite the same numbers as we saw at the end of June. The constant rainfall has kept the Loch topped up and the river at a reasonable level.

Regular Leven angler Peter Colatowicz recently landed this summer salmon weighing 18lbs, caught on a black flying-c. Peter had successfully netted an 11.5lb fish the previous weekend, his second of the season.

On 5th of July Danny Borzacchiello had a fish of 10lbs at Ritchie’s, also on a black flying-c.

Monday 9th of July was a memorable day for Jim Conroy. Jim, who having only recently taken up fly fishing, had his first fish on the fly at the Glebe. The fish weighing 10lbs took a Blue Charm. Well done Jim, as a beginner it’ll be reassuring to know that you’re definitely doing something right.

There have been a few sea trout coming to the fly on the Leven. Malcolm Campbell with a fish of 2.5lbs and Malcolm MacCormick with two fish of a pound each which were both in really good condition.

Loch Lomond.

The latest news from our Balmaha sea trout enthusiasts Alex Burns and Donald Smith.

Says Alex….. ‘On Saturday 7th July I was out with Donald on Lomond and we returned five sea trout between 1lb and 2lb at the Crin, Long and Short points and Inchfad.’

‘ The day was topped off with a 9.5lb salmon which I caught on a size 8 muddler. On the previous Friday, 30th June, Donald had a sea trout of about 5lb 12oz and another of 3lb. I also returned one of a pound and three quarters. All of these fish were very fresh and in perfect condition.’

Denis McLaughlin was out on the Loch at the weekend enjoying sport with several sea trout to 3lbs caught off Inchmurrin and Auchentullich Bay.

Boatmen on the troll appear to be having a lean time, no doubt due to the height of the Loch.

River Endrick.

On Monday 9th July, regular Endrick angler Colin Ferguson had his first fish off the river this year at Barnes Ford, a 4lb grilse.

This very fresh fish shows that grilse have entered the system and are not wasting much time in the Loch. Fellow angler Chris Turner reports having seen plenty of fish running. Keep us posted gents.

At the weekend committee members and bailiffs visited the stretches that the LLAIA is in the process of buying at Bogside, Kilchunan and Mill of Glenboig.

With an extra foot of water running, these stretches look to have great potential though it’s many years since any systematic work has been carried out. However, we have the tools, the stiles and most importantly the volunteers, so it won’t be long before they are tidied up.

One local resident was seen taking more than a passing interest in the newcomers……..beware !!

Contact Reports at: web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The monsoon conditions we have been experiencing lately have done nothing but good for the River Leven. Summer salmon are entering the river in numbers and our bailiffs report that over the last ten days more than 30 fish have been landed and at least a dozen lost.

Day ticket angler Neill Sproull contacted us to report that on Saturday 23rd June he landed this 12lb sea liced salmon at the Glebe. The hen fish, which took a size 9 Ghillie fly, was photographed and released.

On Saturday 30th June, Derek Hughes landed a 9lb summer salmon at the Bonhill Pool. This fish, which had taken an Irish Red Shrimp, was also released. Day ticket angler Steven Banks also returned a 10lb salmon which he caught on the fly.

This is exactly the type of behaviour that the LLAIA has been promoting and we’d like to thank the gentlemen concerned for their contribution to the system’s future. You can fish with us anytime!

Other successful anglers include Frank McGeachie who  landed four salmon in three days, the largest being 17.5lbs caught at the Chapel Hole. Frank, who generally fishes around the Stuckie Bridge and Double Pipes areas, has been using a ‘cherry red’ devon.

Chapel Hole seems to be a hot spot at the moment. Mark Gibson 10lbs, John Stevens (day ticket) 12lbs, Alun Pryce 10.5lbs, Brian Stewart 14lb(day ticket) and Derek McKenzie 16.5lbs (pictured above) have all reported landing fish there.

The rain is set to continue for a few days at least, so we can expect another good weekend ahead.

Loch Lomond.

Unfortunately too much rain doesn’t please everyone. As all loch boatmen know the Loch fishes best when the level is low and the fish are resting up. The recent rainfall has resulted in a fair rise and any fish entering the Loch will no doubt be heading towards the vicinity of the Endrick, Fruin or wherever their instincts take them. This is not good news for those who prefer to fish the ‘tap end’….but one can still persevere……….

Balmaha angler Gerd Elsweiler, accompanied by a couple of Loch stalwarts, headed up to the Inversnaid area last week to lie out for a few nights. On Thursday 28th June Gerd was out trolling at Culness when he had his first run of the week………

‘I was just passing the mooring buoys at Culness and had brought in my inside rod to clear the lure of debris it had picked up at the mouth of the burn. The next thing I knew the outside reel was screaming and it wasn’t twigs and leaves!!

After a lengthy fight he netted a 12lb salmon which had taken a green and gold toby. The same morning another member of the party lost a fish at Eagle Beach. Some may think it too early to head up the way, but you just never know.

On Saturday 30th June, Jim Muir and Jim Paris ventured out for a day on the fly. It was one of those gusty days but unfortunately they didn’t meet with success. However, they did come across fellow fly fisher who had. Iain Morrison was fishing off the sandy bay between the Long and Short Points of Inchmoan when a good sized fish was attracted to his claret bumble. The sea trout, which weighed about 5lbs, was netted, quickly photographed and returned.

Jim Paris waits patiently…

On the same day, Denis McLaughlin had a sea trout of 3.25lbs at the Long Point and a Leven boat was seen with a fish of about 4lbs. There were three salmon reported into Voldac. Rab Strachan 9lbs, John Stevenson 12lbs and Scott Park 5lbs

River Endrick.

Our Endrick correspondent reports that salmon of 9lbs and 10lbs were caught last week and John Coppolla had a grilse on Wednesday. A few fish have been seen moving and it’s hoped that it will continue to rain……. until at least September.

Contact Reports at: Web@lochlomondangling.com