Fishing Reports

River Leven.

The gates have remained open since last week providing excellent fishing conditions. Catches mainly coming from the top end. Fly, spinner and worm all accounting for fish.

On 15th May, Ross Linden landed this fresh spring salmon (11lbs) at the double pipes on the worm.

Andy Patrick had his first fish of the season (16lbs) on 16th of May at the Glebe on the fly. This was followed on 19th May with a (10lb) springer which was released, again on the fly at the Glebe.

Finlay McLaren continues his run of success in the Estuary, this time with a fine 5lb sea trout caught earlier this month.

Loch Lomond.

Varied conditions and not much to report, but it’s always a great day out there, fish or no fish….. The Loch always seems to produce on public holidays and the next one isn’t far off.

The Leven barrage has now been open for a fortnight with plenty fish seen going through. Most boats on the troll are patrolling the Endrick Bank, Claddich and Boturich shorelines, where many spring salmon are landed each season.

On 16th May, Peter Archibald decided to troll up the west side for a change and connected with 14lb springer off the Arnburn. Most boatmen still favour rapala type lures at this time of the year, but Peter’s silver toby was the effective lure.

Lamprey Watch SW Scotland 2014.

SEPA are trying to gather as much information information about the spawning of lampreys in the River Clyde and its tributaries including the River Leven.

Lamprey Watch 2014

Open the above link for full information and find out how you can help.

Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust Update.

With this year’s migration over the smolt trap has been moved back onto dry land.

Thanks to all our volunteers for their efforts. We are once again very grateful to Jimmy Bilsland for his continued support. Initially this years results seem encouraging and we’ll keep you updated when the evaluation is complete.

JR

Contact reports and share your stories, photos and catch reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The gates are still open allowing a good flow. Not too many rods on the water but some anglers are enjoying great sport with spring fish.

On Saturday 10th May, Alan Hogan landed his first fish (11.5lbs) of the season at the Top Pool on the worm.

This fine specimen (13lbs) was caught on Monday 12th May at the Piles, on the fly, by Derek Hughes. With the assistance of Robert Curly it was netted and returned to the river. Well done Derek!

Chic McLean continues his successful season with another two fly caught springers at the Street Run, on 9th May (15lbs) and 12th May (14lbs). Both fish were released.

Finlay McLaren reports, while fishing the Estuary on Friday 9th May, landing an 8lb sea trout (above). An absolute bar of silver! Thanks for sharing with us Finlay.

River Leven Gauge.

Daily updates on river conditions are now available on this website. On our home page click on the River Leven link ( left hand side) A new page will open showing the water level that day at Bonhill Bridge. Jack Ferguson keeps a careful eye on conditions on the Leven and it’s thanks to him that this service is possible.

Loch Lomond.

Still quiet on the Loch, but with the gates open there will be fish going through.

Not many boats out midweek, but Wednesday 14th May was a good day for boatman Stuart McBean. He returned to Balloch with a spring salmon (13lbs) caught at the Boathouse on a trolled rapala.

Anglers out on the drift are having sport with sea trout to 3lbs. On Friday 10th May, this Balmaha angler’s rod was seen bending into a fish at the Ladies Point.

A trout of about 1.5lbs was netted and returned. Good sport nevertheless.

River Leven Clean Up.

Just to remind our band of workers that the work party scheduled for this weekend 17/18 May has been cancelled due to river height and weather forecast. Alternative dates will be announced soon.

Committee’s Update.

The latest committee news been posted on the Committee’s Blog section of this website.

JR

Contact Reports at: reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

Recent fluctuations in the Loch level have led to the gates being open midweek, after having been closed briefly. They opened again yesterday and with more rain forecast we should see the river at a reasonable height until the weekend at least.

Monday 5th May was a red letter day for Wullie Little. He successfully landed two spring salmon, 10.5lbs and 11lbs at the top pool, both on the worm. The larger fish was released back to the river. Well done Wullie!

On 1st May, Alex Doey opened his season with an 8lb springer and on 3rd May, Jackie Millar netted a 13lb salmon. Both fish were taken at the Top Pool.

The Leven was quiet last week , but the news of a few fish coming through saw more rods appearing on the river at the weekend……though some never seemed to leave the Bridge car park.

Those of you who fish the river regularly will immediately recognise this marker at the Bonhill Pool, showing weekend low. We hope very soon to be able to bring you daily river height updates on this website. The Endrick and Fruin webcams are very popular but providing the same coverage on the Leven isn’t easy. However our IT wizard is looking at some type of suitable alternative meantime.

Anglers fishing the Estuary are enjoying good sport with sea trout to 4lb. On 3rd May, Iain Morison returned this fine specimen.

Crawford Thompson landed and returned this fly caught bar of silver near Cardross. Anglers fishing the Estuary for game fish are advised that a permit is required.

Loch Lomond.

Last Saturday turned out to be mirror calm and a bit chilly…..

but it didn’t prevent Bank holiday hopefuls from venturing out….

for a day on the troll….

and a good drum up.

One boatman did have success. Phil Shannon boated a 16lb springer at Darroch on a zebra toby.

Fresh and still sea liced.

With the barrage open and increased rainfall we should see a few more shortly.

River Leven Clean Up.

The first clean up on the River Leven will take place on Saturday/Sunday 17th-18th May,depending on weather conditions.  Meet at Bonhill Bridge Car Park 9.00am. Gloves, bags and refreshments will be provided. All welcome. – (Now cancelled to weather forecast and expected river height.)

Glasgow Angling Centre Sponsors Spring Catch and Release.

Once again Mr Paul Devlin of Glasgow Angling Centre has agreed to sponsor our ‘release a springer’ initiative. Every angler who catches and releases a spring salmon before 31 May will receive a £20 tackle voucher from GAC and the LLAIA will increase this to £40. All claims should be forwarded to the committee for decision and must be witnessed and supported by photo or video evidence.

Award of Honorary Life Memberships.

It has come to our notice that some members are unaware of the full circumstances surrounding the grant of HLM’s to Mr Michael Brady, former Chairman of LLAIA and Mr Angus MacRitchie. A full statement from our Chairman explaining the reason has been posted on the Committee’s blog section of this site.

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

A quiet weekend on the Leven with no catches reported. No significant rainfall, so as expected the gates closed during the week.

However on Saturday there were a few hopeful anglers on the banks and as high tide was due late morning, a good chance of a fresh run fish.

During the week some good sized fish were seen turning in the upper reaches and at least two double figure salmon lost at the bank.

It’s encouraging to see that some of us have the ability to persevere and enjoy a good day out.

Chic McLean has good reason to smile. On Monday 21st April he successfully landed and returned his second spring salmon (12lb) at Ritchie’s lade.

Loch Lomond.

More boats have appeared on the moorings at Balmaha and Balloch. The report on Easter Friday of Pat Millar’s 12lb sea trout and last week Peter Lyons netting a 12lb spring salmon at Claddich Point will see a few more boatmen setting out on the quest. The Loch always produces fish on public holidays and with two weekends coming up in May, we should hear of a few more catches. The Endrick Bank, Claddich and Boturich shoreline should be productive for the boat on the troll. Orange/gold and  gold/black rapalas or perhaps the traditional golden sprat all worth a try at this time of year.

River Endrick.

On Saturday the first system ‘clean up’ of the year was held on the River Endrick.

Unfortunately due to heavy overnight rain our band of volunteers could only concentrate on bank side maintenance but the usual enthusiasm prevailed and a fair result achieved. Further clean up dates will be announced very soon.

Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust.

The annual smolt trap monitoring process is well under way. The  LLFT tell us that so far the results have been very encouraging.

When the smolt migration is over the statistics will be evaluated and we should able inform you of their findings.

Production of Permits.

We would like to remind our members and ticket holders that there is a requirement to be in possession of your permit at all times while fishing on the system. Under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation)(Scotland)Act 2003  – Section 6, any person fishing for salmon, including sea trout, must have lawful authority or written permission. Your permit is written permission from the LLAIA and must be produced on request to bailiffs and the police. Recently Police Scotland have taken a very active interest in out bailiffing operation and are themselves challenging anglers. We don’t want to see our members day being disrupted by having a seat in a police van, so please keep yourself covered…..

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

JR

River Leven.

The news of Chic McLean’s springer spread quickly and as one would expect there’s been an increase in the band of hopeful anglers on the river. No further catches reported yet. Only a matter of time…..

The Loch’s still holding water so there will probably another week of good conditions on the Leven before the gates close, unless we have some significant rainfall soon.

Loch Lomond.

Word of the Leven springer also prompted more Loch boatmen to get out on the water. On Saturday 12th April Euan McGrandle set out from Balmaha for his first trip of the season. Despite howling conditions he headed down the Endrick Bank and on the first run connected with a good fish just above Net Bay.

After a spirited fight Euan eventually netted the salmon, sea liced and weighing at 15lb. It was found to have sustained a recent injury at the back of it’s head and flank, no doubt victim of a seal attack. It’s been at least a couple of seasons since there’s been an April springer caught on the Loch, so this is indeed great news.

Balmaha angler Scott Sinclair sent us this photo, but for him there wasn’t a pot of gold at the rainbow’s end…

….just this sparkling, fresh 5lb sea trout, which was duly returned. Always some fine specimens about at this time of year….

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

JR

River Leven.

Easter might be slightly later this year, but the first springer has arrived bang on time!

On Wednesday 9th April, Chic McLean landed the first confirmed salmon this season from the Lomond system at the Managers, a 20lb, sea liced bar of silver. Well done Chic!….surely the first of many.

Chic admits that due to the general excitement he forgot to tag the fish before photographing. However we can confirm that it was tagged shortly afterwards and the tag no. has been recorded. Since it was such a significant catch, and still on the riverbank, it wouldn’t quite be the same without a photo for the record. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all members that dispatched fish must be tagged as soon as possible and photos submitted for inclusion should clearly show the tag.

Since the beginning of the year the river has been running high, but with levels settling down and milder weather, there have been  more anglers appearing on the river than usual and this catch is good news all round. Great to have something to report at last. So get the dust off those rods, tackle bags sorted, waders patched and get out there!

Loch Lomond.

A few hopefuls venturing out on the Loch, but still very quiet with a few pike and some good sized kelts still about. The news of the first fish off the river will spur on a few more boatmen to join the hunt. The first holiday weekend in May usually produces a springer or two off the bottom end. The Endrick Bank, Boturich and Claddich shorelines well worthy of attention.

Opening day didn’t produce anything for Iain Morison, but with picturesque conditions on the Loch, where better a place to be?

News Update.

A full news update has been posted on the Committee’s Blog section of this website.

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

JR

River Leven.

We can’t complain about the amount of water in the system during October, the rain finally arrived. Fairly steady sport reported on the Leven, mainly on the upper reaches.

29th October, Ian Marshall seen here playing a salmon (8lbs) at the Bonhill Pool.

Safely returning his catch, Ian landed a second salmon at the Pool and a third at the Piles. On Friday 25th, Alec McElwee landed three salmon, bringing his total in the last couple of weeks to five.

Recent catches include: 19th October: Kirk Philips (8lbs), 21st: Alec Grant (5lbs), Andy Lambie (7lbs), David Sunman snr (13lbs), 23rd: Jamie Hewitt (6lbs), 24th: John Campbell (4lbs), Kirk Philips (8lbs).

River Endrick.

With good spate conditions during October, some members enjoyed great back end sport.

On 17th, Malcolm MacCormick netted three salmon and this plump (5lb) sea trout, all up in the Cowdenmill  area.

Malky tells us that he lost a fourth salmon, in double figures, with most of the action happening just before the light faded.

The 21st of October was one of those unforgettable days for Euan McGrandle. Fishing the top end of the river he connected with eight salmon, landing five. Once again the river seemed to erupt just at dusk. Euan reckons he also lost a double figure fish.

Recent catches include: 15th and 17th October, Colin Smith (5lbs) & (7lbs),  26th, Paul McNeil (12lbs), Colin Smith (7lbs), Charles Haggerty – 7 year old junior (7lbs).  Fruin: 23rd, Kenny Jack (4.5lbs)

Loch Lomond.

Russell Boyd sent us this report:

Thanks for that Russell.

Manadatory catch and release of all salmon and sea trout caught on the system during October was introduced this season. This policy has been well received by our members and ticket holders and we’d like to thank everyone for their contribution to the future of our stocks. A great beginning!

And so ends another season on the Lomond system. A good year for some anglers, maybe not so good for others……but that’s always the way of it. One thing is for certain though, if you’re not out there….. you’ve got no chance!

Catch returns are due before 31st December. These can now be made via the website. If you have any problems please contact us at web@lochlomondangling.com

Thanks to everyone who shared their days out with us. Good luck next season!

Regards,

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomonangling.com

Bonhill Pool.

Season 2013 on the Lomond System closes on Thursday 31st October. It doesn’t seem that long ago since it opened with a ceremony at the Bonhill Pool, a piper and a couple of drams. Many of our members and ticket holders have once again enjoyed excellent sport at the ‘Pool’, which as we all  know is strictly ‘Fly Only’.

There seem to be some rumours and speculation that on Thursday, to mark the end of season, methods of fishing the Pool will be relaxed. The LLAIA would like to point out that this is certainly not the case and fishing will continue to be by ‘Fly Only’.

We ask members and ticket holders for their full cooperation in this matter. Have a great day out!

JR

Contact Reports at : report@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

Only two weeks of the season left and  the Leven’s at a good steady height with more rain forecast. If you fancy a last minute cast, conditions at present are very good.

The bailiffs recently came across Sam Burgoyne playing a fish at Linnbrane…….

After some late season sport, this cock fish was carefully returned.

Loch Lomond.

Still some good fishing for sea trout on the fly round the islands.

Iain Morison netted this fresh 2lb sea trout at the Long Point of Inchmoan. It took a bibio. The previous weekend Iain had 13lb salmon on the troll at the Endrick Bank.

River Endrick.

Massimo Calesso recently landed his first ever salmon (4lbs). No mean feat in low water conditions on the Endrick.

Jim Muir landed his first salmon of the season off the Endrick. This 5lb grilse was tempted by an Ally’s Shrimp at Coolies Lynn. Unfortunately Jim lost a much bigger fish….but that’s happened to us all!

Members and ticket holders are reminded that during October catch and release of all salmon and sea trout across the Lomond system is mandatory.

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

As expected, the Loch level has stayed high and the barrage open. Quite a few sightings of fish moving, but not many hanging about.

Andy Patrick was recently caught by the bailiffs at Bonhill Pool with a good healthy bend in his fly rod.  Shortly afterwards a gentleman salmon in fine colour was landed and released.

On 24th September, Ross Linden took a wander down the river to hopefully catch some action on his GoPro video camera.

Just above the Blue Bridge he hooked into this 6lb grilse, which was photographed and quickly returned. To watch Ross’s video click here.

Recent Reports: 21st, Ross MacLeod (7lb) MacKinnons on the fly.

River Endrick / River Fruin.

Catches on the Endrick have been sporadic but Malcolm MacCormick, Colin Ferguson (above) and Ben Marshall have banked fish to 10lbs.

The bailiffs report that the Endrick is holding a fair head of fish with numerous salmon and sea trout, including many fresh fish, seen at the Gartness falls. All we need is more rain……heard that said a few times this season. Nothing reported from the Fruin yet, but it’s always been a late river.

Conservation Measures In Force On The Lomond System.

All members and ticket holders are reminded of the new conservation measures in force across the Lomond System. From 1st of October to 31st October   ‘all salmon and sea trout must be returned.’

The recently updated leaflet of guidance ‘Catch and Release for Salmon – an Anglers Guide’ has been forwarded by the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards. It contains some very useful advice and can be viewed on our ‘Resources’ page.

Opening Day – 2013.

River Leven representative Angus Soutter presents Chic McLean and Jack Ferguson with plaques to mark this year’s opening day ceremony. Won’t be long before we’re doing it all over again…….

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com