Fishing Reports

River Leven.

A couple of  quiet weeks with not much to report. Little rainfall has kept the Loch level down and accordingly the river at summer height, or lack of it, during the week. Hopefully we won’t have to wait till the Glasgow Fair for a good downpour…..However, low water keeps our sea trout anglers are happy.

Lack of water won’t put salmon off running the Leven….. 23rd June, Kirk Phillips landed this bar of silver (10lbs) at Mackinnons and 22nd June, Angus Dunsmore (10lbs) Street Run.

Loch Lomond.

The month of June has seen excellent sport on the Loch with some anglers lucky enough to land two and three salmon in a day. Certainly doesn’t seem to be any decline in our migratory stocks this season.

Bob Forshaw reports…….

‘Out on the Loch, Thursday (9th June) Three salmon on tobies..(10lbs), (10.5lbs) and on the last run of the day (15lbs). What a day!’

10th June, Stephen Blackwood has a red letter day, After landing a (12lbs) class fish at Ivy Cottage…..he put the trolls back out and quickly landed a second similar sized salmon at Sallochy.

16th June, having lost a good fish on the Bank on 13th (unlucky) June, the author decided to widen the search and connected with this fresh hen fish (14lbs) at Rowchoish…..

…quickly ashore for revival…

…and off she goes.

27 June, John Bell reports….

‘Just when you think you’re in….that big swirl happens when the bob fly (a big Loch Ordie) is on the dangle…all hell breaks loose…..only to be a 15lb pike. A very good fight, coming out of the water several times…maybe next time’

Several other catches made by Balmaha and Balloch based anglers, including on 14th June, Tom Hogg (25lbs) at the Long Point of Inchmoan.

Obituary.

It is our sad duty to report the passing on 22nd of June 2016 of Leven angler Harry Williams. Some of you my remember Harry, who regularly fished Chapel Hole (Harry with his mobile chair).
His funeral is at Glasgow Crematorium Maryhill at 1415hrs Monday the 27th June. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

JR

Contact Reports at: reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The continuing bright, sunny, dry weather haven’t made for the best conditions….unless you want a suntan. However the gates have remained open and the river at weekend height. Rain is forecast for Friday but we’ll need quite a bit or we can expect summer low soon…

During the last two weeks of May the spring run continued, with some nice fish reported.

20th May, our secretary, Angus Soutter has his first fish of the year (10lbs) at the Apple Tree on the fly.

25th May, Tommy Black snr (15lbs) at the Bucks on the fly.

27th May, John Low (14lbs) at McKinnons on the fly.

27 May, George Temple (12lbs) Dalquhurn  Lade.

28th May, John Harris (18lbs) fly caught at Bonhill Bridge.

Other catches: 18 May, Jim McFarlane (14lbs) Top Pool.

Things seem to have now quietened down a bit now as we await the arrival of summer salmon and grilse………and the rain.

Loch Lomond.

The Loch level has now dropped to a good trolling level. At Strathcashel the crannog is clearly showing above water and further up the Loch the waves are just lapping over the Lucky Chuckie. Loch regulars reckon that it fishes best in low water, but the bright, hot, sunny conditions won’t help. On Monday the surface temperature was ranging between 19 – 21 oC. So early morning and evening trolling worth a go, though salmon will still take in flat calm, bright conditions….no rhyme nor reason…

9th May, certainly a blue sky day when Colin Lewis had his first of the season (9lb) at Manse Bay.

1st June, Stephen Blackwood reports…

‘Was out for a wee troll today and to top up the tan. Lucky enough to hook into this cracker at Sallochy, and what a scrap it put up…cartwheels, the lot! After unhooking a quick photo. Sorry about the pic but was in a hurry to get it back into the water. A typical Lomond deep bodied fish. Happy days…..well it made mine anyway!’

Thanks for that Stephen.

7th June, John Bell, based at Balmaha, took Helensburgh angler Malcolm Garrity for a day out on the Loch, Probably the hottest day of the year, but John persevered, eventually heading north into deeper water, but with nothing doing decided to give the Endrick Bank one last go……..a good decision. At 7.30pm day ticket angler Malcolm was  into his first salmon…..absolutely delighted! John can be contacted through his website The Lomond Angler.

Other catches: 18th May, Stephen Gilfeather (11lbs). 22nd May, Peter Lyons (16lbs) Criteoch. 29th May, Russell Boyd (11lbs) Claddich. 2nd June, Scott Sinclair (11lbs) Endrick Bank.

JR

Contact Reports at: reports@lochlomndangling.com

River Leven.

After a particularly wet April, summer has almost arrived and the dry bright conditions, which may please some, make for difficult fishing and lower river levels. However, Scottish Water have kept the gates open, as agreed, and we still have continual weekend height. Thanks again to Jack Ferguson for his Leven updates.

Nevertheless, some good quality spring salmon about….

29 April, John Low (12lb) Street Run on the fly-(above). Gordon Bridges (13lb) McKinnons.

30 April, our Leven Rep. reported this prime (15lb) springer caught by a ticket holder on the fly at the Skimmer (above Linnbrane) .

3 May, Ross Linden (10.5lb) at Dalquhurn.

3 May, Robert Pollock (16lb & 18lb) at Linnbrane.

3 May, Paul Fieldman (14lb) also at Linnbrane.

14 May, John McColgan (12lb) Ritchie’s Lade.

Other catches include: 14 May, Chic McLean (15lb) Sandy Hole. Robert Pollock (12lb) Chapel Hole. Gareth Bourhill, sea trout (2lb) Bonhill Pool.

Loch Lomond.

The beginning of May normally sees the spring run enter the Loch and this year is no exception…

4th May, Balmaha angler John Bell set out down the Endrick Bank in a heavy chop and connected with this spring salmon reckoned to be in the region of 26lbs.

7th May, Euan McGrandle started his season with a fresh spring fish in the 18-19lb class at Strathcashel.

14 May, regular Loch fly fishers Matt Stewart and son Alan arrived at Balmaha to find blue skies and calm conditions. Remembering how to set up trolling rods and rapalas, they set off down the Bank for a sail. It wasn’t long before they were reminded that there’s always a  method to suit conditions. A screaming reel signalled success and a 12lb springer was quickly netted, photographed and released.

Other catches: 13 May, Paul Dorrian (11.5lb) 14 May, Stuart McBean (12lb)

Clyde Estuary.

Estuary anglers still having good sport with sea trout to 6lb.

7 May, Keith Gillies is pleased with this fine, fresh trout…..

while this band of ruffians anglers head out in search of……….

Catch and Release for Salmon – An Anglers Guide.

All our members and ticket holders should be well aware that, by law, all salmon caught on the Lomond system must be returned to the water. Give your salmon the best chance of reaching the spawning redds by following the advice contained in this leaflet which can be found on the Resources section on our homepage.

Reports.

Your photos and reports of success not only keep our members and viewers informed of what’s happening but serve as proof to ‘those who would say otherwise’ that the migratory fish stocks on our system are certainly under no threat of extinction….. the opposite applies.  Keep them coming guys!

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

JR

River Leven.

With low temperatures and cold northerly winds the month of April has been  quiet. Still a few anglers out on the river though, some finding sport with sea trout in the lower reaches and others lucky enough to land a springer.

The barrage gates have remained open allowing a constant, fishable height. Scottish Water have agreed to maintain the flow until at least the end of May. This will help to encourage more spring fish into the system and anglers on to the banks….

Find out the latest river conditions by going to our homepage and clicking on River Leven

23 April, Chris Rocks landed his first salmon of the season at the Craft Stream, Chestnut Tree to be exact, on a black/yellow Monkey tube fly. A fine specimen indeed, which was quickly returned.

15 April, Chic McLean had his second springer (12lb) at Sandy Hole on a flying C

20 April, John McGrogan (18-20lb ) at the Top Pool on a flying C.

Good numbers of fresh sea trout reported in the lower reaches of the Leven and  Estuary.

13 April, Barry McGuigan had sport with this fine trout.

All members and ticket holders are reminded that worm fishing is permitted during the month of May using ‘circle hooks’ only.

Just in case anyone’s in doubt or been living under a stone, the Lomond System has been designated as Category 3 by the Scottish Government for season 2016 viz: all salmon caught must be released….. See Committee’s Blog for more information. This does not affect sea trout which may be retained from 1 May till 30 September, though we do encourage their safe return.

Loch Lomond.

‘Ne’er cast a clout till May be oot’…nothing could be truer out on Loch Lomond. With northerly winds bringing the chill factor to below zero it can be an inhospitable place.

The bailiffs have been on the Loch regularly and report only a handful of diehard trollers and some seasonal pike anglers present.

We expect that from mid May fresh fish will appear in the Loch and give good sport in the southern basin, Boturich, Endrick Bank areas…. that’s normally the case.

At this time of year some really big sea trout can be found in the Loch. Earlier in the month we had an unconfirmed report of a 10lb fish to a Balloch boat.

Iain Morison likes to get afloat early in the hope of one of these big troots. Not the biggest (2.5lbs) but fat and fresh.

Carron Valley Reservoir.

For those of you who enjoy the noble art,  Jimmy Coyne, proprietor at Carron Valley, once again extends a welcome to our members and offers a 10% discount on weekday boats. Every year some really big brownies come to the fly at Carron, which is also well stocked with rainbows. For more info visit: carronvalley.com

Contact Reports at: reports@lochlomondangling.com

JR

River Leven.

There can be no doubt now that the springers are in! This morning regular Leven angler Chic McLean hooked into a big fish at the Managers. Chic had already landed about a dozen kelts this season, but this was definitely no spent fish this time…..

Assisted by our bailiff Sam, Chic successfully landed, photographed and returned the fish which was estimated at around 18lbs in weight.

On 9th April 2014, Chic landed the first spring salmon of the year at the same spot. Going by Chic’s past record this won’t be his last salmon of the season either. Well done Chic!

The gates remain open and with plenty water in the river we expect that it won’t be long before more fish come to the net. During the week there were reports of a couple lost and a few seen….yes, the Leven springers have arrived!

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

JR

River Leven.

With the river at an excellent height we wonder if the Easter Bunny will produce. Historically this weekend has seen a few ‘first salmon of the season’ off the Leven. Last year it was earlier with a  12lb springer caught on the 19th March at  Bonhill Pool  by Danny Docherty. The news of a salmon caught on the Loch already should certainly get our hopes up.

For the latest river conditions click on River Leven on our website homepage.

Loch Lomond.

Hopefully the clock is turning itself back……. as it’s been a few years since a spring fish was reported off the Loch in March.

On 18th March, ferox hunter James Kinnear set out on his travels from Balamaha. Passing the Long Point at Portnellan one of his rods took off…….

After a spirited fight James landed this fresh 8lb salmon, still showing long tailed lice near the vent. It was quickly video’d and returned. Well done James….a few more about perhaps?

Early season for Loch boatmen and not many craft in the water but I guess that things will soon change….

Please keep us updated with your catches…

Contact: reports@lochlomondangling.com

JR

River Leven.

Less than a fortnight of summer low and the river’s back up with the Bonhill Pool gauge this morning sitting 7” above closing height. Low water saw fewer anglers on the Leven but still plenty fish about, particularly grilse.

26 August, Kirk Philips (6lbs) at McKinnons on the worm.

Other catches include: 20 August, Chic McLean (7lbs) Ritchie’s Lade on the worm, returned. 22 August, Steve Banks (4lbs) Glebe on the fly, returned.

We received a report on 24 August that a rainbow trout had been landed at Renton. No, we definitely haven’t started stocking them! Occasionally a ‘bow’ crops up in the system. Escapees from nearby waters such as the Carman reservoir no doubt.

River Endrick.

Apart from salmon and sea trout the lower Endrick has a coarse fish population, with perch caught frequently on the fly.

25 August, Colin Ferguson was in search of silver tourists when this 2lb chub took the fly. Initially a hard fight but gave up half way to the net. Lubbly chubbly….

The Chairman’s Big Day Out.

For LLAIA chairman Malky MacCormick, 29 August was one of those days when you just can’t go wrong, no matter where you go….

Malky started off the day on the Endrick, quickly landing and returning a fresh 5lb grilse.

With the spate running off he headed off to the Leven and in true form landed another grilse, which was also returned. ‘All too easy’ he thought…..

So Malky decided to have another change of scenery and headed off down to the Estuary…..where he landed his third fish of the day…a 7lb sea trout, also carefully returned. The ‘Great Lomond System Challenge’ indeed!!…next time he’s going to hit the Fruin and the Loch. Anyone else up for it?

Obituary – James Paris.

Sadly, we have to report the sudden passing, on 15th of August 2015, of James Paris a member and keen supporter of the LLAIA.

A solicitor by profession, James joined the committee in March 2012 serving for three years. His knowledge of legal and procedural issues was of great benefit to the committee. He ensured that meetings were accurately minuted …a thankless task for some but one which he enjoyed.

Always happy to fish anywhere on the system, he had success on the Endrick and Leven and enjoyed a good day out on the Loch with friends. He will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

On Monday the gates closed and the river level fell to summer low. We’ve had a couple of warm, dry days this week, but this evening it’s rain as usual…..might not be closed for long.

Still plenty of catches reported throughout the river.

3rd August, David Murray (10lbs) Piles on the fly. 4th August, Paul Kelly (8lbs) Glebe Corner on the worm. 5th August, George McAlwee (6lbs)&(4lbs) both returned. Josh McKean (6lbs)Piles, young Josh’s first salmon. Graham Dunsmore (4.75lbs) Piles on the fly. Ross Macleod (7.5lbs) McKinnons on the fly (pictured above). 11th August, Jim McFarlane (4lbs) Top Pool on the worm. 14th August (John Patrick (10.5lbs) Stuckie Bridge on the fly. 15th August (Jim Fleming (5lbs) Street Run on the fly – returned. 18th August, B. Livingston (5lbs) Double Pipes on the worm. D. McKinlay (5lbs) Stuckie Bridge – returned. Graham Dunsmore (4lbs) sea trout, Street run on the fly- returned.

Loch Lomond.

A few fish reported recently from the Loch but activity on the slow side. The ‘Lucky Chuckie’ was just about showing its back at last which means a good level for fishing. Still very little signs of fish up at  the ‘Tap End.

8th August, Bob Forshaw was out on the Endrick Bank fishing the fly and was rewarded for his efforts with this nice fat (5lbs) grilse. Good stuff Bob!

Other catches include: 6th August, John Connolly (16lbs). Scott Laird (10lbs). 7th August, John McClurg (5lbs). 8th August, Russell Boyd (8lbs). 14th August, Eric Donnachie (14lbs).

River Endrick. 

A few nice sea trout and grilse appearing in the Endrick. This river is very much dependent on spates and getting there at the right time.

There’s probably few anglers that know the Endrick better than Chris Turner. On 5th of August he got his timing right…..

…landing and returning three fresh grilse in the 5lb-8lb class in succession.

11th August, Iain Morison’s latest catch from the Endrick.

Still no reports from the River Fruin.

For real time river levels have a look at our webcams.

Fish Mortality on Rivers Gryffe and Kelvin.

We have received a report from the River Clyde Fishery Trust of a large number of salmon in the Rivers Gryffe and Kelvin found dead or dying from an unidentified illness.

This condition has been described as looking as though ‘deep fried in batter’. Whether this  ‘disease’ is localised to these rivers is uncertain.  The results of scientific analysis are awaited.

To date we have had no reports from the Lomond system but we ask our members and ticket holders to be vigilant and report any incidences to the bailiffs or committee. Any fish found suffering from these symptoms must be treated with utmost caution.

Balmaha Angler Missing.

Balmaha regular Joe Brown was last seen on 7th August about 2230 leaving the Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha. The following day his boat was found by an angler, beached at Pilot Bay. Joe had camped regularly for years at Mill o’ Ross Bay and it’s believed that this was where he was headed. However, despite extensive searches he is still missing. Our thoughts are with Joe’s family at this time.

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The Loch level has now dropped back almost to summer average and unless there is significant rainfall it seems likely that the gates will close. This morning the marker at Bonhill was showing 3” above closing, slightly up on yesterday but it’s now a case of ‘watch this space’. July was the wettest month on record, how will August fair?

Some good runs of grilse coming into the river. Last Monday there were at least six landed in the upper reaches, with the majority returned and throughout the week fish in the 4 -7lb class were being landed daily. Fly, worm and lures all proving successful.

Recent catches include: 18 July, Colin Murray (10lbs) Glebe on the fly, released. 20th Jul, Jim McFarlane (5lbs) Stuckie Bridge on a flying – c, released. Ross Linden (6lbs) Blue Bridge on a flying – c, released.

21st July, Ancell Swan (10lbs) – (above) Glebe on the fly.

24th July, Andy Patrick (6lbs) – (above) Piles on the fly. John Sutherland (9lbs) Managers.  Andy McPherson (4lbs) Stuckie Bridge on a flying – c, released.

27th July, the bailiffs arrived at Bonhill Pool in time to capture Stevie Banks with a good healthy bend in his rod.

A really hard take continued into a spirited fight and this fresh (7lbs) grilse was carefully netted…

….a quick trophy photo…

…and then released back to the river. Well done sir! Shortly afterwards Stevie lost a second fish.

Also on 27th July, Chic McLean  landed and returned three grilse on the fly. (9lbs) at Managers and (8lbs)&(6lbs) at the Street Run. John McDade (7.5lbs) Stuckie Bridge on the worm, returned.

Harry Jackson (7lbs) – (above), Stuckie Bridge on a flying – c.

29th July, Charles McGinty – (above) had his first ever salmon (12lbs) at The Hole in the Wall. Mike Palmer (9lbs) Bonhill Bridge on the fly.

31st of July, Russell Brownlie had the last fish of the month (6lbs) at Chapel Hole on the worm.

Now moving into August and the run continues…

1st August, John McGinley (4lbs) Piles on a flying – c. Jim McDonald (5lbs) Chapel Hole and (7lbs) Piles on a flying – c, both returned.

Loch Lomond.

Falling levels on the Loch means a chance of more sport for the Loch boatmen. Catches have still centered round the southern basin and southeast shorelines. Only one report from the top end. Hopefully August will see a few more fish heading up the scenic ‘Tap End’ but with continuing spates there’s no doubt that fish are getting a ‘sniff’ of where they’re supposed to be heading and staying south.

21st July, the author landed this fresh grilse (7.5lbs) up at Eagle Beach. Still lice marked and must have travelled up on a jet ski – alone! Another fish was lost at Cuilness that morning but a further four days of solid fishing produced nothing…

Also on 21st July: Euan McGrandle continued his successful season with a grilse (8lbs) on the fly at Darroch. Euan’s had his best season for many years landing twelve salmon on the troll and fly.

Other catches include: 21st July, Danny Docherty (14lbs) & (7lbs) 22nd July, Manus Shannon (14lbs) Scott Laird (5.5lbs) 23th July, Scott Laird (7.5lbs).28th July, Earnie East (7lbs) Tam McBride (16lbs) 30th July, John Costello (7lbs).

1st August, Robert Wilson sends this report:

‘Hi, my son Cameron Wilson caught his first salmon off the system. 5lb grilse off Loch Lomond at the Long Point. It’s Cameron’s first year as a junior Association member and this will hopefully have him hooked and prove to be a big day for him and the Association. We need a strong junior membership for the longevity of our Association.’

Congratulations Cameron! We all remember our first salmon. Robert is quite right, junior members are the future of the LLAIA. Far too many old codgers and not enough youth coming through….

Rivers Endrick and Fruin.

Both spate rivers have been enjoying some good conditions over the past few weeks. Fresh salmon and some good sea trout showing in the bottom reaches of the Endrick with Chris Turner, Colin Ferguson,Chris Aldred and John Copolla all having success on the Endrick. Nothing reported from the Fruin yet, but early days yet.

28th July, John McVey with a nice sea trout landed and returned on the Endrick. It fancied an Ally’s Shrimp.

The River Endrick and River Fruin webcams are now both operational and can be viewed via the ‘River Webcams’ link on our homepage.

Clyde Estuary.

30th July, Gordon Mackenzie with a fine sea trout from the Estuary. Well worth a go, but make sure you have a permit. The LLAIA Water Bailiffs and Police Scotland Wildlife Crime officers have been very active in this area all season. Unfortunately some individuals will remember their day out…for all the wrong reasons…..

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

No summer this year…so far, but the Leven anglers aren’t complaining. Heavy rain and more forecast means that the barrage has remained open and likely to remain so for the next couple of weeks. Catches of summer salmon have been fairly constant and good numbers of grilse showing. Fly, worm and lures all producing.

10th July, Terry Mallin (12lbs) at the Stuckie Bridge on the worm. Same date: Alex McElwee (13lbs) Stuckie Bridge on the worm. Stevie Banks (12lbs) (14lbs) and sea trout (3lbs) at the Piles on the fly – all returned. Ian Quinn (10lbs) Stuckie Bridge.

11th July, a quick trophy photo as Kenny Carr releases this summer salmon (15lbs) fly caught at the Bonhill Bridge Pool. Same date: Stevie Banks (5lbs) at the Piles on the fly. Alex Allan (3lbs) Flowers. Chic McLean (8lbs) sea trout above the Two Lades on the fly – released.

17th July, LLAIA Chairman Malcolm MacCormick with a (5lbs) grilse at the Stuckie Bridge.

Other catches include:  13th July, Stewart Inglis snr. (12lbs) (13lbs) Bonhill Pool/Glebe Corner on the fly. 17th July, Robert Pollock (5lbs) at the Top Pool on the worm – returned.

Loch Lomond.

The Loch level remains high for the time of year. Most regular loch boatmen will agree that it fishes best in low water conditions, however there’s still fresh fish coming to the net, particularly in the Boturich/ Boathouse area. Grilse also making a welcome appearance. No news of catches from the ‘Tap End’.

27th June, day ticket angler Ritchie Millar had a memorable day out on the troll. He landed and returned this fine specimen sea trout (8lbs) reminding us (as if we need to be!) that Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s top sea trout waters. He also landed two large brown trout (6.5lbs) and (6lbs) – returned. Ritchie’s sea trout won him this weeks ‘Daily Record Fish of the Week’ prize. Congratulations!…. and we know that there are still bigger fish out there…

7th July, Stevie Blackwood with his third salmon (10lbs) of the season, which was returned to join his other two. Well done Stevie!

On the same date, Lee Cameron with his first salmon (10lbs), also returned.

11th July, Charlie Dunn and Harry Gulbransen (15lbs) near the Black Rocks.

Other catches include: 7th July, Stuart McBean (12lbs) Boathouse Hole. 10th July, Eric Donnachie (11lbs). 11th July, Donald Brown (14.5lbs) Pilot Bank. 15th July, John Connolly (5lbs).

River Endrick.

9th July, this brown trout (6lbs) was caught on the fly below the Gartness Bridge. Don’t have the angler’s details but we’re told that it was bleeding badly after taking the fly deep and despatched. As if our Endrick parr and smolts don’t have enough to worry about…..

Reports of sea trout around the 2lbs mark showing on various stretches and a few salmon in evidence.

River Webcams.

We are pleased to report that the Fruin webcam is now operational and can be viewed via the ‘River Webcams’ link on our homepage. The Endrick webcam will be up and running very soon.

JR

Contact Reports at: reports@lochlomondangling.com.