Fishing Reports

Season 2013 Opening Day.

River Leven.

The opening day of the season on Monday 11th February was marked with a ceremony at Bonhill Bridge.

The band of anglers was piped down to the waters edge……

After a short address from the Chairman….

regulars Jack Ferguson and Chic McLean drank a toast ……..

remembering to leave a drop for the River…..

A team photo….

before Chic takes the first few casts……..

………..followed by a masterclass from Jack.

The remainder of the assembly headed off to wet a line….. or seek something wet in a warm place!

Bailiff Colin McFadyen soon spotted Robert Haining at Stuckie Bridge with a good bend in his fly rod.

The well mended  salmon kelt was carefully unhooked and returned to the river.

There was also a report of a 16lb kelt having been caught at Chapel Hole by angler John Brown on a yellow belly devon.

The first few weeks of the season is an ideal time for anyone who hasn’t fished the river before to explore it and find out where the various runs and lies are. Get to know the usual hot spots .The Double Pipes, Stuckie Bridge, Chapel Hole, McKinnons…to name but a few. Time to try out that Christmas present and see how it casts, or just have a pleasant walk up the riverbank and a chat with some of the regulars. Always someone about looking for early signs….

Loch Lomond.

After launching his boat at Balloch, Iain Morison set out in the hope of some opening day sport. As he headed up the east side of the Loch towards the Endrick Bank a reel screamed into life…….

Iain remarks…..

” Nice one for the opening day. Well mended and I estimated it at around the 15lb mark. Got it in the bay just past the Priory. It took a perch imitation rapala. Went back in and swam away like a good ‘un”

The first spring salmon on the Loch are usually caught on the east side of the Loch as they head for the Endrick Bank, particularly around the Boturich rocks area. We’d expect the main spring run to enter the Loch at the beginning of May……but you just never know.

During the closed season our bailiff Colin McFadyen spotted these sheep having a baa’d day out when the Endrick burst it’s banks. We believe that they eventually made it to safety.

JR.

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

Arrival of The New Season.

The Lomond System fishing season 2013 (migratory species) opens on Monday 11th of February. The ceremony will take place at Bonhill Bridge – 9.00am. So let’s get those rods dusted down and reels oiled up for another year . Fly boxes will no doubt be in need of the usual reorganisation and lures cleaned and inspected. A few weeks to get properly organised you would think, but you just never know. Sammy the Seal, seen recently at the Old Bridge at Dumbarton, wasn’t waiting for opening day and certainly has no respect for conservation. Most probably a very unfortunate kelt.

Memberships/Permits

All membership applications received to date have been processed and permits and tags dispatched. Leven tickets are available as usual from O’ Briens store. Anglers are reminded that they must be in possession of a valid membership/permit before setting out on the Rivers or Loch. The new mandatory catch and release and tagging conservation measures are effective immediately. The LLAIA would like to thank Gareth Bourhill Consulting for kindly donating the tags.

Annual General Meeting.

The Annual General Meeting of the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association will be held at Partick Burgh Halls, Glasgow on Tuesday 26th of February 2013. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Admission by ticket only which is included in the Annual Report package being forwarded to members. Membership fees will be accepted on the evening. Hope to see you all there.

Website.

Over the winter the LLAIA website has been given a fresh look and some new features added. There’s an online ‘Catch Return Log’ you can use to record of your catch over the season. If anyone has any problems accessing or using it please get in touch. We have also introduced a ‘Contacts’ page with various options. Any membership or permit queries should be directed to the Treasurer. A ‘Gallery’  has been added for those who are handy with the old ‘Box Brownie’ and wish to contribute. We’ll be refreshing the homepage periodically and on the look out for some good images to include, so please feel free to mail us your masterpiece. There’s a also a useful ‘Resources’ page. The ‘Reports and Blogs’ page……. keep your fellow anglers updated by contacting ‘Reports’ with your news and photos. Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the site. Archiving work is still in progress and access links will be added to the site.

Maintenance.

Some of you may have noticed that work has already started on the River Leven. The ‘Community Payback Scheme’ has been busy opening up paths and trimming back bushes. A date will be announced shortly for this year’s ‘Leven Clean Up Weekend’.  Last season’s work parties were well attended and the efforts of those involved had a major and lasting effect on accessibility.

Bailiff Colin McFadyen has been busy fabricating new water gauges which will be appearing on the rivers soon.

Will the gauges cope with this? A winter spate at the Potts of Gartness.

There’s never a shortage of work on the Endrick. The erection of new stiles will continue and particular attention paid to bank side vegetation before it becomes unmanageable. Fallen trees to be removed. Once again we’ll call on members for their valuable assistance. Bring your wet suit!

Association News.

Newsletters were sent out to our members and associate members detailing the progress made over the past year. The Annual Report will be circulated to members prior to the AGM. It contains a Chairman’s and Treasurer’s report which we hope you will find make very good reading.

The support shown for our ‘Voluntary Catch and Release Policy’ strengthened as the season progressed and the percentage of fish returned was very encouraging. Catch Returns increased, possibly due to the new online return form, providing more accurate figures. A general picture of numbers of fish landed etc will be included in the Committee’s Blog.

Coarse Fishing.

Winter pike fishing is well underway and we’d like to take this opportunity to ask coarse anglers to forward  reports and photos for inclusion in this blog. The Loch Lomond system is not only about game fishing and as we know regularly produces some huge pike. The committee is very keen to raise the profile of coarse fishing on the Loch. This will also be mentioned in the Committee’s Blog. In the meantime, if you get a big toothy critter….let us know!

Were you captured here, doggin school and doon the Leven catchin troots? If you were tell us about it.

Have a great Season!

Regards,

Jim Raeburn.

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The closing days of the 2012 season saw several good salmon landed and returned.

On 23rd October Chic McLean had two fish (20lb) at the Bucks and (6lb) at the Street Run. We reckon that this must be Chic’s 15th fish of the season and all returned. Keith Adams had two salmon the same day (9lb) and (6lb). Davy Watt (5lb) and Alister Kane (15lb), all returned.

On Monday 29th, Harry Williams hooked into a nice fresh 3lb sea trout at Linnbrane.

There were at least 14 similar fish landed on the river at the weekend, many of them returned.

Keith Adams and Andy McIlwee were among a number of anglers that turned out on the river yestereday to see out the season.  Keith’s efforts landed him a (10lb) salmon and two sea trout (2-3lb) at Stuckie Bridge and Andy a (4lb) grilse. All returned.

Brian Stewart, has been a regular day ticket angler on the Leven this season. On the last day, he had his seventh salmon (6lb) at Stuckie Bridge on a small cascade fly.

Loch Lomond.

Last Thursday (25th) Jimmy Malloch, one of the ‘Tap End’s regulars, took a fresh (9lb) salmon on the troll up at Rob Roy’s Cave. There’s always been some debate about how far ‘late run’ fish will travel up the loch….far enough and never too late.

River Endrick.

Chris Turner took a wander up the Endrick on Saturday and despite low water conditions managed to interest this (4lb) grilse, which he returned. Heavy rain on Sunday brought the river back up to a good height for Monday morning anglers. Malcolm MacCormick took full advantage, landing two fish and losing two, while another member apparently netted and returned four.

River Fruin.

The last report that we received this season was from Colin Ferguson, who on the final day had his first (3lb) grilse from the Fruin at the Footbridge Flat pool in big water.

Colin tells us that he had set out originally to fish the Endrick and was disappointed when he checked the webcam to find it in spate. He headed round towards the Leven but decided to check out the Fruin first. For Colin it was a nice end to a good season.

Season 2012 -Looking Back.

How was Season 2012 on the Lomond System?  The ‘Lennox Angler’ summarizes it as follows…

River Leven. 

The first reported spring salmon from the system came to the fly during the Easter holiday at Stuckie Bridge, ending weeks of expectation and speculation. A few reports of springers followed but it wasn’t until mid May that the season began to really get under way. The top end of the river, particularly at Chapel Hole and Double Pipes, began to produce salmon in the 12lb class with reports of much heavier fish lost. This coincided with the River Leven Clean Up, probably the most systematic to be carried out in many years.

At the end of May, with bright conditions and low water, catches began to slacken. It wasn’t long before there was ‘Divine intervention’ and ‘the wettest summer in 100 years arrived.’ By the third week in June the Leven was in top form with excellent catches of summer salmon ranging between 12lb – 18lbs. In mid July, the grilse arrived to swell the numbers. The top end of the river continued to fish very well, good numbers of fish up to 21lbs being caught. Fresh sea trout to 4lbs have been present in the river throughout the season.

To date, the Leven has remained in good condition for all methods. Overall, members and ticket holders have enjoyed good sport this year with several angler’s catch returns into double figures. 

Loch Lomond.

Early in the season sea trout to 10lbs were caught on the troll and released. Over the holiday weekend at the beginning of May the first spring salmon, ranging between 9lb – 12lb, were boated at Boturich, Milarrochy and Auchentullich…..the Lomond system always seems to fish better on public holidays! As the month progressed there was an increase in activity. A 20lb springer was taken at the Boathouse and numerous fresh fish caught on the Endrick Bank. In one particular afternoon, six fish all about 10lbs were landed. .

The Queen’s Diamond Jubillee at the start of June was marked with an 11lb springer off the Loch at Carraig Rock on the troll and a fly caught sea trout of 6lbs at Inchmoan.

Good sport continued on the Loch throughout June until mid July. Summer salmon to 12lbs caught on the troll and fly. Then the monsoon conditions arrived and the level of the Loch rose. Any salmon now entering the Loch didn’t stray far from the bottom end……..much to the frustration of those boatmen who favour the ‘Tap End’. Few boats found fish north of Rowchoish this season.

The good news that grilse had arrived in the system turned to despair as the rain continued and conditions encouraged them to head to where ever nature takes them.

The season continued, with the occasional summer salmon to 20lbs netted, but very few reports of grilse. The river angler preys for rain…but it just fills up the Loch man’s boat! 

River Endrick.

The unseasonal rainfall was a bonus for Endrick anglers. The river ‘opened for business’ during the second week of July with grilse showing in numbers at Barns Ford. By the end of the month it was populated with fresh sea liced fish as far up as Coolies Lynn.

Like any spate river it’s all about timing and those anglers who can manage to get it right have enjoyed excellent sport. Fish to 15lb have come to the fly, one angler landing eight fish in a week, while another netted six in a day and lost eight!

The recently installed webcam sited at Potts of Gartness has proved very popular. It’s an invaluable tool for any member planning a day on the river. 

It has become very obvious over the season that many of our members and ticket holders have supported the policy of catch and release. We would like to thank you on behalf of the LLAIA for making these personal contributions towards the future of our fishery.

Lennox Angler October 2012

We hope that over the season the Reports section has been able to give you a flavour of fishing on the Lomond System. Of course we can only publish what we know about, so a big thanks goes out to those of you who have been prepared to share their season with us. A special mention and thanks to our bailiffs Bryan and Colin, not only for their hard work on the system. Their regular updates and photographs have been invaluable when preparing these bulletins.

Next season’s just days away……..!!

Regards,

LLAIA.

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

Only a few days left until we pack away our tackle for the season. Where did the year go?

Still a few fish about, including this cock salmon in its seasonal colours (18lb) landed at the Piles last Saturday by Stevie Hill, his eighth salmon this year and safely returned to father a new generation.

Recent catches include: 20th October, Paul Kelly (10lb) Brian Ward (5lb) both fish on the worm at the Chestnut Tree (above Linnbrane). Brian Stewart (6lb) on the fly and Derek McKenzie (11lb) worm at the Piles. Iain Quinn (10lb) worm at the Factory Wall. All returned.

22nd October, James Campbell (12lb) Piles on the fly, returned. John Brady (6lb) Bob Baxter (12lb) Wash House Pool.

On the 24th, Brian Ward had another good day with a (5lb) hen and (10lb) cock at the Double Pipes, both returned.

John Paul Donnelly took his grandson out on the river recently for some instruction. The lad landed this 2lb sea trout at the Piles. A school night?….. indeed, with a good teacher!

River Endrick.

Heavy rain at the end of last week meant good conditions on the river for weekend anglers. On Friday 19th, Ben Marshall landed and returned 2 grilse and a sea trout all around the 5lb mark, fishing between Coolies and Netherton. Malcolm MacCormick continued his run with two grilse and a 9lb salmon caught below Fintry and Adam Yacob returned a 7lb fish at Ballochruin.

On Saturday 20th, Colin Smith had fish of 5lb and 7lb at Drumtian and Malcolm MacCormick had a further two grilse at Cowdenmill/ Claylands. All returned.

River Fruin.

On Friday 19th, conditions on the Fruin were good and Jim Muir was rewarded for his perseverance with this nice wee grilse……

…….while just round the corner Denis McLaughlin had also enjoyed success. Both fish were released.

Loch Lomond Fishery Trust.

Some of our members recently visited the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE) at Rowardennan and were given a tour of the facilities.

A three year project on the Annan sea trout is ongoing and we have been able assist by lending some of our hatchery equipment. Information from these studies may be of benefit to the LLAIA in the future.

The LLAIA and LLFT continue to work very closely. At a meeting with Professor Colin Adams the feedback was very positive. The amount of data which has been recorded at the smolt traps and electro fishing sites with the help from our members was noted. Working with SCENE / LLFT can benefit the LLAIA.

Members are reminded that catch returns are now due and should be forwarded to us by 12th December.

Contact Reports at : web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

Rapidly approaching the end of season but still plenty of anglers out on the river. Last week Pat Casey landed a 20lb salmon at the Double Pipes, which was returned and  Bob Baxter (11lb) at McKinnons on the worm.

Things had been a bit slower over the last few days, but we hear that some fish came in to the river on Wednesday. Derek Mackenzie landing a salmon (11lb) at the Piles worming and Brian Stewart (6lb) on the fly. Some late sport is expected, so could this be start of the end of season run? We should find out this weekend.

Loch Lomond.

A few hardy lads still braving the elements while some regulars have decided to stay on dry land and fish the rivers instead. We heard that Jace Chatham recently boated a couple of salmon (10lb) and (6lb) and Ian Steel returned a grilse (5lb) which shows that there are still fish about.

River Endrick.

Heavy rain last Friday ensured good weekend sport for members spending a few hours on the Endrick.

This week’s report includes : Saturday 13th October, Mick King (4lb) below the Meetings. Kevin MacCormick (4lb) and (7lb) at Cowdenmill and the new Claylands beat. James Paris (7lb) Cowdenmill. Malcolm MacCormick (6lb) Claylands. Alex Grant (3.5lb) sea trout at Netherton. All of these fish were returned.

This weekend has started on a positive note for Colin Ferguson. Today at Ballochruin he landed and released his heaviest salmon.

‘ My biggest ever… 12 to 14lbs. Great fight and tough to net all on your own in deep water. Arms are aching!

Congratulations Colin!

River Fruin.

Spate conditions have also been enjoyed by members setting out on the Fruin. The rainfall on Friday 12th, brought Willie Gray a 12lb salmon and Malcolm MacCormick a 5lb grilse. Denis McLaughlin landed two fish and lost two.

On Tuesday 16th, Denis McLaughlin landed two salmon (10lb) and (4lb) and on Thursday netted another 4lb grilse.

Our bailiff’s have been busy again. This time Bryan managed to capture the action as Charlie Anderson plays a Fruin grilse.

One for the album……

………then carefully released.

Catch Returns.

Members will have received the LLAIA October Newsletter, which includes this season’s catch return forms. These must be completed and forwarded to us by 12th December, negative returns included. Forms can be downloaded on this site, completed and emailed to our web address.

Contact Reports at : web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

At the beginning of the week the level fell back slightly but has risen again and looks set to remain at a good height for the rest of the season.

On 4th October, Derek Hughes landed this fine ‘back end’ salmon at the Bonhill pool. It weighed in at 11lbs and was carefully returned. Other catches include:

1st October, Gavin Brand day-ticket (8lb) Bonhill pool-returned. Keith Adams (6lb) Managers, worm-returned and (10lb) Two Lades on a rapala-returned. Iain Quinn (7lb) Linnbrane, cherry devon- returned. Sam Burgoyne (18lb) returned.

3rd October, Euan Slowic (10lb) Piles, worm-returned. Alan Petrie-day ticket (8lb) Managers, worm-returned.

4th October, Rodger McMonagle (5lb) Linnbrane, worm. 8th October, Rab Melville (6lb) Glebe on the fly. On 10th, Brian Stewart-day ticket (6lb) and (8lb) at Bonhill pool-both fish were returned. Alex Davis-aged 13yrs (9lb) McKinnons on the worm.

River Endrick.

Saturday 29th September was a memorable day for Chris Turner. He netted and returned three salmon ranging from 7lb to 14lb which were all released. 2nd October, Bob Rodgers (9lb) – returned.

Thursday 4th October saw two happy anglers. Bob McKinlay with his first fish (4lb) off the system…….

and Paul McNeill (14lb). Both fish came off Craigbell and were quickly returned.

On Saturday 6th, bailiff Colin McFadyen caught Andy McIntee with a good bend in his rod at Coolies……..

caused by this 11lb salmon…… even though it was a bright day and the river level had dropped.

After a couple of photos it was released to continue on it’s way.

LLAIA Chairman Malcolm MacCormick has plenty to smile about. This 8lb cock fish was his tenth salmon in two weeks. Malcolm has also netted a couple of good sea trout. He only tends to spend a couple of hours on the river at a time, but when he does it’s with great results.

and back it goes to join the other nine…….

Earlier in the week, John Bell was fishing just below the Meetings when he ran in to this chap. It’s thought that yellow belly trout like this one, which weighed 4lbs, come out of the Loch into the Endrick every year. It was released. Dr Andy Burrows, LLFT biologist, would welcome any photos and scale samples from similar fish if possible.

New Fishings .

We are delighted to announce that the LLAIA now has the lease of the Claylands  stretch of the River Endrick which extends for approx. 2 miles downstream of Cowdenmill. For full details see – Committee’s Blog entry of 8th October, 2012.

Kenny Johnston contacted us to ask if members could keep an eye open for a ‘Gerber’ multi tool contained in a webbing pouch. He dropped the tool, which is of sentimental value to him, between the car park and Drumtian pool. Let us know if it’s found and we’ll return it.

Bill Candlish contacted us to report landing a 5lb grilse at the Tree Stump run on the Fruin on 2nd October. We’ve not heard much from the Fruin this year, but there’s bound to be a fish or two about.

Unusual Catch.

James Cowan recently came across this alien specimen at the Blue Bridge pool on the River Leven. It’s believed to be a tiger trout, a hybrid cross between a male brook trout and a female brown trout. It weighed 3lbs and is most likely an escapee from a nearby fishery. These fish are voracious predators and can do a lot of damage to juvenile fish stocks. This report will be passed onto Dr Andy Burrows. Should more of these fish turn up in the system please get in touch.

Contact Reports at : web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The autumn colours brightening up the river banks should remind us that we are entering the last four weeks of the season. The river level has remained steady, giving good fishing conditions for fly and spinning.

Euan Slowic recently landed this 12lb salmon at the Double Pipes. It was Euan’s twelfth fish this season and was released back into the river.

Last week Euan broke a rod playing a 14lb salmon on the Fruin. However, the fish was eventually landed and returned.

Andrew Wright had a good day’s sport on the fly last week with three salmon netted, including this 11lb fish. Two 8lb salmon were returned. Well done Andrew!

Other reported catches this week include John Donnelly (8.5lb) on the fly (above). Peter Colatowicz (14.5) McKinnons on the worm. Steven Brown (8lb) Chapel Hole on a black flying-c, returned. Tam Mooney (10lb) Piles on a rapala, returned. James Campbell (5lb) Piles on a spun tube fly.

Willie Brand (13lb) caught on the fly – day ticket.

Martin McLachlan (6lb) Chapel Hole.

On Friday 28th, Chic McLean continued his successful season with a 6lb grilse, complete with long tailed lice, at Managers, returned and Keith Adams landed a 3lb sea trout which he says was a fresh ‘bar of silver’.

River Endrick.

The Spout of Fintry.

Those anglers who can time the river conditions right are having great sport. Denis McLaughlin landed eight salmon in a week, the heaviest 15lbs (above). All of these fish were returned except one which couldn’t be revived. Alan McKee (6lb) Barns Ford, returned. Gavin Ramsay (4lb) (7lb) Bridge Pool and Long Pool, both returned. Jim Muir had a sea trout of 4lb, returned. Malcolm Prescott, two salmon and two sea trout. Malcolm MacCormick, 4lb grilse at Alan Cuthbert’s stretch and 2.5lb sea trout at Cowdenmill.

The Endrick webcam has proved to be very popular, receiving more than 750 hits during the first week alone. It has been welcomed by members as an invaluable tool for planning a day on the river. Although still in the experimental stages, the positioning and clarity are very good. Evaluation continues.

At this time of the year our stocks on the Endrick are very vulnerable to poaching. We are very pleased to report that over the weekend, assisted by Central Scotland Police, our bailiffs made several arrests and good intelligence has also been gained. Patrols will be increased reinforced by our warranted volunteer staff. We thank Central Scotland Police for their assistance and look forward to the further strengthening of our partnership. Good work by Colin and Bryan.

Members have contacted us regarding this most unwelcome obstruction to the river at Drumtian which will be removed as soon as possible.

Loch Lomond.

Some anglers have already taken their boats out for the winter, but for the hardy boatmen there are still a few fish about.

On Saturday David Henderson braved the blustery weather boating a 7lb salmon at the mouth of the Fruin. It had taken an orange/gold jointed rapala and was safely returned to the Loch.

Last weekend Robert Gorman landed a 10lb salmon at Cashel. Robert was going to forward a photo but had rather an unfortunate accident with his mobile phone. He asks that any angler catching a fish in possession of a Blackberry gets in touch……..

Contact Reports at: web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The heavy rainfall on Monday ensured that the river remained in great condition, continuing to provide excellent sport.

On Thursday 20th, Jack Ferguson hooked this cock salmon on the fly at the Bonhill Pool. It measured 38″ in length and 19.5″ girth which equates to approx. 21.5lbs. As you can imagine it gave Jack some great sport, taking him down to the pipes at the bottom of the pool before it was landed. After a quick photo the fish was released back into the river. Well done Jack!

Other catches reported include: Monday 17th, Chic McLean (9lb) Sandy Hole on a black/gold rapala – returned. John Campbell (6lb) Linbrane. Andrew Wright (10lb) Bonhill – returned. Steve Hills (6lb) and (4.5lb) – returned, both on a small copper spoon, also 2 sea trout (2lb) (2.5lb).

On 19th, Brian Ward (4lb) Chapel Hole and the following day (6lb) again at Chapel Hole, both fish on the worm. Mike Palmer (5lb) on the fly – returned. Brian Murray, day ticket (9lb) Piles – returned.

During the week John Paul Donnelly lost a good fish, estimated at around 20lb, on the fly. The next day he took his 4 year old grandson along for a few lessons which resulted in the lad catching a 4lb grilse at the Piles on the worm. Hooked for life!

Bob Baxter (8.5lb) at McKinnons, worm – returned, also (6lbs) Cake Shop, worm – returned. James Brady (9lb) McKinnons on the worm and Sam Burgoyne (13lbs).

Today, Chic McLean landed his 13th (lucky) salmon of the season (9lb) at Sandy Hole on a rapala. We are very pleased to hear that Chic has returned each of these fish back into the system.

River Endrick.

From a raging torrent at the beginning of the week, the Endrick  was at a nice height today and a healthy number of fish were netted.

John Coppola landed five salmon, three from Barns Ford and two at Drumtian including this 12lb fish. Mark Johnstone (6lb) above Drumtian. Bernie Johnstone (5lb) Coolies. Alex Grant (4lb) – returned. Ben Marshall, six salmon landed up to 11lb – all returned and 8 lost!

The Endrick webcam has now been up and running for a week. This project is still in the experimental phase and a vote of thanks goes to the team responsible for the planning and siting of the camera. Our eventual aim is to site similar cameras on the Leven and Fruin.

Bailiff Colin McFadyen has been busy again, carrying out path maintenance on the Endrick at Coolies Lynn.

Colin warns that there are some big holes on the bank side of the path which are now more visible and the path should be used with caution.

On Monday 17th, one of our members was fishing down from the Ballochruin Bridge towards Drumtian when he had an unfortunate stumble resulting in the loss of his rod and reel. If any member comes across an 11ft rod on this stretch please let us know.

Contact Reports at : web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The last two weeks has seen the Leven in good condition with steady catches reported including: Ross MacLeod (6lb) at McKinnons on the fly. Charlie O’Hara (17.5lb) Howgate on the worm. Brain Ward (9lb) Chapel Hole. Sinclair McAllister (13lb) Bonhill Pool on the fly, returned. Brian Stewart (10lb) Stuckie Bridge, returned. Andy McIlwee (7lb) farmed fish, the Glebe on the worm. Chic McLean (9lb)(6lb) at the Street Run and Bucks on the fly. Both fish were returned. Russell Boyd (8lb) Glebe, returned. Simon Griffen 7lb.

River Endrick.

Endrick fisher John McNab enjoys good sport with a 7lb salmon at Barns Ford.

The fish was quickly released to continue on it’s way.

The stile at Netherton is now complete and with the bank strimmed makes for a more pleasurable day out.

Work will continue on the river over the winter period. Thanks again to bailiff Colin McFadyen for his much appreciated labours.

Not many reports received recently from Endrick fishers, however we know that there has been a good run of grilse. The most recent catch was on 14th September by Alec Grant (4lb) at Coolie’s Lynn.

Loch Lomond. 

The continuing high water has not been helpful to the boatman’s sport this season and there was little evidence of the grilse run remaining in the Loch for any length of time.

A few boats are still setting out on the troll. As these anglers discovered there is always the chance of a fish.

Reports have come in recently of sea trout to 4lb being caught on the troll and returned as far up the Loch as Tarbert, Rowchoish and Doune, areas which are not normally fly fished these days.

On Saturday 8th September, Balmaha boatman Scott Sinclair decided to give the top end of the Loch one last visit for the season, resulting in his heaviest salmon to date….

At Rowchoish Scott connected with this fearsome gent who had taken a dislike to his trolled orange rapala. Scott tells us:

‘Caught this handsome chap on the troll up at Rowchoish. He’s obviously been in for a while and would have been some fish when he was fresh. I beached him, took a few pics and released him to charm the ladies up the Endrick or wherever he was heading. Sorry about the black and white pics, wet hands and a touchscreen mobile phone don’t always do what you expect’

‘I estimate this one to be about 20lb. He was 97cm long and approx 44cm girth, but open to any other guesstimates…as long as they’re heavier of course!’

Well done Scott, we certainly agree with your estimate. Different….. a coloured fish in black and white….we get the picture though!

Contact Reports at: web@lochlomondangling.com

Late News. 

**Endrick Webcam** now active. Sited at the Pots O’ Gartness showing 10 minute updates of river height. Select ‘Endrick Webcam’ button on home page.

River Leven.

The river level over the last fortnight has been constantly very high. Overall,the Leven seems to be fishing well.

Chic McLean recently caught and released grilse of 5lb and 6lb, taken on a rapala. A 3lb brown trout was also returned.

On 24th August, Ross MacLeod (4lb) McKinnons on an Allys Shrimp. 25th, Paul Kelly (5lb) at the Piles. 28th, Davy Robertson (5lb) Double Pipes on the fly, released. 29th, David Watt (6lb) Glebe on a brown trout rapala, released.

Loch Lomond. 

The Loch level has remained high for weeks, much to the dismay of boatmen. Even at the weekends there have been few heading out.

However, on Saturday 25th August, Phil Shannon returned to Balloch with a 12.5lb fish onboard.

On Wednesday 30th August, John Bell decided to leave the trolling rods at home and have a day out on the fly. He tackled up  wet fly and dapping rods and set out towards the islands. A good steady SW breeze meant that there was plenty of scope, though conditions were on the bright side…..he thought.

After spending the morning fishing wet flies John decided to try dapping, his first ever attempt. Daddy longlegs imitations were given an airing without any interest, so after lunch he changed over to a Black Pennell style fly. It wasn’t long before a fish came up for a look and shortly afterwards, off the Ladies Point at Inchcruin, he had a good solid take from this 3lb sea trout. The fish gave a great account of itself, stripping line and taking off round the boat. It was netted and quickly released…one happy angler! John tells us he’ll be back out on the dap this week.

River Endrick. 

Fishing the Endrick is all about getting the water ‘just right’ between deluges. Two members who enjoy regular success are John Coppola and Chris Turner. On 30th August, John landed a 5lb grilse at the Meetings. Then on 1st September a 6lb grilse, which was released, also at the Meetings. Chris is pictured above on 30th August releasing a 5lb grilse at Barnes Ford.

The Met Office has announced that this has been the wettest summer for 100 years…..think we had already worked that one out….

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