Fishing Reports

River Leven.
A quieter spell on the Leven with falling levels and fewer anglers out. Nevertheless still a few fish coming off, mainly grilse, and good to know that some anglers are still choosing the catch and release alternative.

On the 9th of August, Jim McDonald landed a 3lb grilse at Mckinnons and the following day a 5lb fish at the Polaroid Bridge. Brian Stewart (8lb) Glebe. Derek McKenzie (8lb) Stuckie Bridge on a single handed fly rod.

Friday 17th, Jack Ferguson (16lb) Bonhill Bridge, released. Saturday 18th, Gareth Bourhill (5lb) Bonhill Bridge, also released.

On Monday 20th the gates opened and there were at least four fish landed.Brian Ward (6lb) at Chapel Hole on a flying-c. Brian Stewart (5lb) Double Pipes. Euan Slowic (8lb) Glebe, released. Paul McNeill (6lb) released.

Tuesday 21st, Malcolm MacCormick landed this 12lb bar of silver at the Glebe. However, it was a farmed fish. We hadn’t heard of any confirmed escapees for some time and there have now been three further reports.

Farmed fish usually look like well proportioned bars of silver and fight hard, but one look at their tail and dorsal fins is enough to confirm their origins. Malcolm will be passing on samples to LLFT biologist, Dr Andy Burrows.

Loch Lomond.

Quite a few boats out on the loch at the weekend with some unconfirmed reports of grilse off the bottom end. Quieter during the week, but some enterprising anglers continue to make their way to the top end to live with nature. However, catches so far this season have been on the lean side, with some boatmen spending several days ‘up top’ only to blank.

Alan Raeburn, Jim Raeburn and Gerd Elsweiler spent a couple of nights up near Inversnaid last week, 13th to 15th and were reminded just how bad midges can be……. eating meals while wearing a midgie hood can be difficult but necessary.

It was worth it for Jim though, bringing a 10lb salmon to the net just off Rob Roy’s cave. The green and gold toby proving effective once again.

Earlier in the month, specimen hunter Robert Wilson set out from Balloch in search of ferox:

‘Hi, just a quick mail to say that I had another great day with the trout last Friday. The day started out glorious and just after 12 we had a nice take. After a fantastic fight with the fish clearing the water by about five feet she was finally netted.’

‘A recovery period in the tank and she weighed in at 10lbs then released to fight another day.’

‘We had a 5lb pike mid afternoon, but just before we called it a day another fish took which gave a great account of itself. On netting was found to be a 12lb cock fish. It was also released.’

On Monday 20th, Alan Sloss had his first fish of the season.

’16lb 4oz salmon caught today trolling with an orange rapala between Inchcruin and the marked rocks. My first salmon of the year.’

Today, 23rd August, Gerd Elsweiler continued his run of success, with a 5lb sea trout taken at the Black Rocks on a green and gold toby.

The fish was weighed and released. Note the ‘luggage scales’…. must be hoping for a monster!

River Endrick.

On 13th of the month Chris Turner fished in low water conditions down from the Meetings pool and attracted this 5.5lb grilse to his Stoats Tail double on the dropper. It’s never easy getting conditions on the Endrick ‘just right’ but with a little perseverance you just never know, there are plenty of fish about.

On 17th, John Coppola (5lb) Drumtain- released. Scott Kidd sent us this account of his day out on 18th:

‘Knew it would be busy at Drumtian and the Oak Tree area, so headed upstream of Balfron. Started at Cowdenmill at 6am, landed a fresh run 5lb grilse at 0730 somewhere amongst the jungle downstream before Kiltrochan. I really need to practice my roll casting! It is my first ever salmon on a fly. Roll on the next spate!’

Work has started on erecting the new stiles on the river, seen here at Netherton.

A fair bit of work to be carried out, but when completed will be of great benefit to the less agile among us, not to mention reducing the chances of torn waders and family jewels……

Bailiff Colin McFadyen recommends caution when negotiating the riverbank up at Coolies. He spotted this wasps nest hiding in a bush. With the vegetation level quite high just now there may be a few more unpleasant surprises lurking.

Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust.

The work of the LLFT has continued over the summer assisted by LLAIA members. Surveys of the catchment area have been carried out and early indications seem to have been very encouraging.

Electrofishing is carried out under the supervision of Dr Andy Burrows.

The results of these studies will help identify areas where habitat improvement is necessary and combined with the evaluation of the smolt traps results earlier in the season, give a clearer picture of the health of the Lomond system.

Unusual Catch.

Here’s one fish that may be of interest to Dr Burrows:

‘Saturday 18th of August, landed this one on my way up the Endrick Bank towards Balmaha. Had just landed a pike 5 minutes earlier and thought it was another. I’m led to believe it’s a tench. that’s my size nine wellie next to it for comparison. Regards, Phil‘

Thanks Phil, wellies have their uses….

Update: Dr Andy Burrows is (99% )certain that this fish is a bream. Only one other bream was been verified in the loch (2006) and he would be very interested to hear of any further catches. Thanks to those who contacted us.

Contact Reports: web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The river has fished well in the last week, particularly the top end, with a steady run of grilse coming through and some heavier fish still showing. The level has remained fairly constant with no sign of the gates closing.

On 1st August, Stevie Blackwood started off the month with a 6lb grilse taken on the fly (cascade) which was returned. Paul McNeill (10lb) Bonhill Pool. Danny McCarron (10lb) Chapel Hole on the worm. Sammy Burgoyne (5lb) Chapel Hole also on the worm.

Malcolm Campbell enjoyed good sport on the fly with this 7lb grilse. The fish was taken on a ‘cascade’ at the Bonhill Pool.

Scott Laird continues his run of success with a 5lb grilse at the Chapel Hole on the worm and then on the morning of Thursday 2nd, another grilse of 5.5lb at the same spot which he returned. In two weeks Scott has landed six salmon, three of which have been returned.

On the 2nd of the month, Jack Ferguson had a 3.5lb grilse on the fly and Gavin Hunter (day ticket) had a good day out with a 7lb salmon at the Piles and sea trout of 3lbs and 2.5lbs, both returned.

Saturday 4th, Stevie McAlinden (14.5lbs) Chapel Hole on the worm (pictured above). Brian Ward (4lbs-returned and 5.5lbs) Double Pipes on the worm. Davy Robertson (5lb) run above the Craft Stream on the fly, which he returned.

On Monday 6th Chapel Hole was still producing fish to the worm with Danny McCarron (above) landing a 6.5lb grilse

Brian Ward with another grilse of 5lbs.

and Robert Wilson with his first fish of the season an 11lb summer summer caught at the Black Bridge

The week continues on the 7th, with Steve Banks (6lbs) McKinnons on the fly, Paul McNeill (5lbs) and Jim McDonald (14lb) at the Glebe on a purple flying – c…. sounds quite psychedelic!

River Endrick.

A good number of  fresh, sea liced grilse moving into the Endrick. On 1st August Malcolm MacCormick and David Howie both had fish at Drumtain. A 4lb grilse and 1.5lb sea trout came to Malcolm’s rod while David netted a 3.5lb grilse, which was returned. Malcolm’s grilse is pictured below with the offending fly, a ‘cindy’……. like something straight out of a box of rainbow lures.

On the 2nd, Kevin MacCormick with a 2lb Sea trout and on Friday 3rd it’s reported that Colin Smith returned a fish of 15/16lbs which was starting to colour. Monday 6th saw Bob Rodger land two grilse of 5lb and 6lb at the Oak Tree Pool. Chris Turner still enjoying his season with a 4lb grilse at Wilson’s on the 7th.

Loch Lomond.

Plenty of boats out on the Loch on Saturday, though no reports of any fish landed. At least the rain was off and it was a good day for a sail.

Lunch Stop On The Murrin.

One Loch angler, John Brown, had a mishap at the weekend losing a 14ft glass rod and Shimano reel over the side while off the south west side of Creinch (near the buoy). Should any angler be lucky enough to recover it please contact us.

A trolled rapala in Net Bay produced this ‘mean ole critter’ for Robert Ramage. A brownie?…. would say so….. and he looks as though he’s been round the block several times….along with a few anglers!

Contact Reports at: web@lochlomondangling.com

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

Loch Lomond.

Even with the recent wet and windy conditions, Loch anglers are heading out and finding fish. The Endrick Bank still remains the most productive area for those out on the troll.

Last weekend, 15-16 June, boat partners Bob Forshaw and Paul Davis made the trip north of the border and enjoyed success on the Bank. Paul landed this 10lb salmon on the Friday and Bob followed suit the next day with a 9lb fish at Cemetery Bay.

Both fish fell to the early season Loch fisher’s favourite, the orange and gold rapala.

The same weekend, despite the wet and windy conditions, Scott Sinclair camped overnight. With no luck on the Friday, he set out again the following morning. After a couple of runs past the Endrick mouth he connected with a good sized fish near Net Bay, which when eventually landed weighed in at 11lbs. It had taken a copper and silver toby.

A special mention must go to Voldac member Kevin Gath, who that same day, successfully netted and returned his first salmon of the season, an 11lb sea liced salmon. This fish was also caught on the Endrick Bank and it’s release was witnessed by other LLAIA members. Hopefully more anglers will follow Kevin’s fine example.

Earlier in the month Alex Burns and Donald Smith were out out from Balmaha on one of the calmer days of the month. After spending the morning on the troll they decided to break the monotony and set up the fly rods.

As you can see, the conditions for the fly were far from ideal when Donald hooked into this 9lb salmon at the Ladies Point of Inchcruin.

Alex was not to be out done and his skill with a fly rod produced a fine 4lb sea trout caught in the same area. For the record, each fish was caught on a size 8 silver invicta.

On Tuesday 19th June, Danny Docherty returned to Voldac with a 12lb salmon caught at the yacht club.

That infamous trio of Jace Chatham, Albert Biddulph and Alex Workman headed up the ‘Tap End’ on Friday 22nd June, an area to which they are certainly not strangers by any means.

Their trip resulted in a 12lb salmon taken at Rowchoish showing that fish which have entered the system in the last few weeks are now, as expected, settling in the deeper, colder areas of the Loch.

While Jace and Co. were marauding up at the north end, Alan Price landed his first catch of the year, a 12lb salmon in Net Bay.

River Leven.

This bar of silver was caught on 12th June by Iain Morrison on the fly at McKinnons, in low water and very bright conditions. Samples were taken and it was quickly returned to the river.

On 15th June, Chris Lloyd landed a 12lb summer salmon from the Top Hole near to Haldane Burn.

The combined effect of the weekend freshet and recent heavy rain hasn’t had that much effect on the river level, but things seem to be moving again. It’s reported that on Saturday 23rd June at least nine fish were accounted for.

Pat Casey landed this 17.5lb specimen at the Double Pipes on a gold rapala.

While Gareth Bourhill netted a 13lb salmon, caught on the fly at the start of the Linnbrane Hole.

June saw the tail end of the spring run and as we move into July we can expect the arrival of the grilse and heavier summer salmon. For those who fish the fly, here is Gareth’s recommended pattern.

Any more takers?

Contact Reports at: Web@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

A fairly quiet week on the Leven, the spring run now over and the arrival of summer salmon and grilse runs awaited. There are however still numbers of fish entering the system. Last week an overnight bailiffing patrol spotted a small shoal of salmon, all in the 4-8lb range, moving at first light. The fish were closely monitored as they headed upstream at a fast rate of knots, even in low water conditions.

On Monday 4th June, Chic McLean had his first salmon of the year, a 12lb fish taken at Ritchie’s Lade on a black and silver flying – c, which he returned.

Wednesday 6th June saw Mark Gibson land an 8lb salmon and a 4lb salmon from the top pool. Both were taken on the worm. Interestingly, the larger of the fish was fin clipped, the first reported this season. There will be no prizes awarded to those catching fin clipped salmon, but we would like to hear about those that do come to the notice of members and ticket holders. On the same day, Neil McSporran had a 4lb fish from the Street Run.

Loch Lomond.

On Friday 8th June, with a strong, cold easterly wind blowing, Balmaha angler Kenny McDonald set off down the Endrick Bank. There’s been a theory going about that the Bank fishes better with an offshore wind…….  After completing a run down to Net Bay and turning about to head back up the Bank, he was left in no doubt by the screaming of his inside reel, that he was into a fish. Shortly afterwards he netted a fresh, sea liced salmon which weighed in at 8lbs. It took a ‘brown trout’ toby and had been lying in about 4 feet of water.

About 10 minutes later, just to the north side of the river mouth, his inside reel sprung to life again. After playing the fish, kneeling on the floor due to the rough conditions, a similar sized salmon was brought to the net, lure removed and the fish quickly released. Well done that man! A double to the ‘brown trout’ toby, a good pattern throughout the season.

We hear that on Saturday 9th June, Pat Millar returned to Balloch with his second salmon of the season, a fish of 12lbs taken of the south shore of Inchfad on a toby. Scott Pryce had his third fish, a 10lb salmon, at Rowchoish the same day.

On Monday 11th June, Voldac members Billy Quinn and Bobby Paterson both had fish off the Loch, Billy with a 11lb salmon which he caught in Auchentulloch Bay on a green and gold toby, while Bobby netted a 10lb fish.

Anglers out on the drift are enjoying good sport with sea trout. Glasgow University members June Donald and Craig Carr were out recently and had fish several fish over the 3lb mark.

River Endrick.

The first phase of the Endrick clean up took place on Sunday 10th of June. Despite the rainy conditions, four pools were opened up. A large tree was removed at Cowdenmill and the main run is now clear. There were various sightings of a man in a wet suit wielding a saw assisted by another man in a rubber dinghy.

Good effort!

There have been no reports of sea trout in the River Endrick, but Chris Turner and Colin Ferguson have had some good sport with yellow bellied browns up to 2lb.

River Fruin.

The River Fruin clean up continued on Sunday and the with the removal of a very large tree.

Another example of a great team effort………

Gone……

Still too early in the season to expect any runs of fish, but the Fruin is certainly looking good.

Voluntary Catch and Return Policy.

Friday 15th June is the last day of the Volutary Catch and Return initiative. We’d like to thank Mr Paul Devlin of Glasgow Angling Centre for his interest and support. We hope that this partnership may be extended in future projects.

Since the scheme went live, we are aware of four salmon having been returned by anglers. One on the River Endrick, two on the River Leven and one on Loch Lomond. Not great numbers, but it is encouraging to know that some anglers are prepared to make a choice, even without any inducement.

We will continue to post photos of anglers with their catch, but would still prefer them to be of fish being released. Try it………

Contact Reports: web@lochlomondangling.com

Loch Lomond.

On Saturday 2nd June the Loch produced a Diamond Jubilee weekend salmon for Balmaha angler Russell Boyd netting an 11lb fish at Carraig Rock.

This mark regularly produces fish at this time of year and shows that the spring run of salmon is now beginning to move further up the Loch.

Loch angler Gregor Gilmour celebrated the weekend with this fine sea trout. Gregor was out fly fishing on Saturday with Jim Muir, putting his new boat through it’s paces. The fish, which weighed 6lbs, was taken on a dapped daddy longlegs imitation on a drift between the Long and Short points of Inchmoan. It was quickly photographed and returned. A great way to christen a boat.

There are two excellent articles on this website posted by Angus MacRitchie, explaining dapping technique and the tying of the daddy longlegs. An Australian angler recently recently contacted the LLAIA after reading them to find out where he could buy dapping floss. It seems that dapping has never been tried in Oz. Hopefully he’ll let us know how he gets on.

Kenny McDonald took full advantage of the Diamond Jubilee holiday, returning to Balmaha on Tuesday 5th June with a 12lb spring salmon. The fish, which was taken while trolling on the Endrick Bank, put up a spirited fight for about 20 minutes before coming to the net. Regretfully Kenny had to despatch the cock fish as it was bleeding heavily and unlikely to survive. It was caught using a green and gold toby on the poker.

Loch Anglers on Saturday 2nd June.

Bailiff Patrols.

LLAIA bailiffs were on Loch patrol at the weekend. On Saturday 2nd June, a total of 25 boats were checked out. One angler was found to be fishing without a current permit. The lapsed member was warned in no uncertain terms and allowed to continue fishing after purchasing a day ticket.

The bailiff force has now been increased with the addition of three warranted bailiffs. Patrols of all LLAIA waters including the Loch will be stepped up. A further two warranted bailiffs will join the staff very soon and this will include another full time member.

River Leven.

There have been no significant catches reported from the River Leven in the past week. Anglers are hoping that some heavy rainfall will bring a fresh run of fish in from the Clyde Estuary.

River Endrick Clean Up.

The River Endrick clean up will take place on Sunday 9th of June, meeting 10am at the Cowdenmill Car Park. All volunteers are very welcome to attend.

Smolt Traps.

The smolt trap on the River Blane has now been dismantled. The trap on the River Endrick will also be removed.

The traps have been closely monitored over the last two months during the smolt migration. Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust will evaluate the findings and report in due course.

Tales From The Loch.

Just in case you hadn’t noticed, the Loch diary has returned with the latest monthly entry.

EGM/Members Survey. 

All members should have received a copy the Members Survey Questionnaire. We strongly urge you to take the time to complete and return it to us as soon as possible. The EGM will take place on Wednesday 13th June at the Woodside Halls, Glasgow. It is hoped that we will have been able to compile the results of this survey as it will form a basis on which the LLAIA will move forward. Remember, admission to the EGM will only be on production of a current full membership card. We look forward to seeing you there.

Contact Reports at: web@lochlomondangling.com