Fishing Reports

River Leven.

The gates have been open all week giving good fishing conditions, however today they were raised again to weekend level. Heavy rain is forecast for the beginning of next week, so we can hope they’ll be dropped on Monday.

A few grilse landed, mainly off the top end of the river.

4th September, Bernie Johnston (5lb) at Linnbrane Hole.

On the 5th, Iain Morison had this fine sea trout on the fly:

‘Got a proper one this evening. About the 3.5lb mark. Took my reliable black needle fly around 21:30 at the Lade. Fish was in great condition and although not clear from pic was a plump fish. It’s back in to carry out its mission.’

On the same date, Eddie Fraser (4lb) at Linnbrane Hole.

Saturday 7th of September, Stephen Japp plays his first grilse off the Leven at the Bonhill Pool.

The successful fly.

Our roving reporter came across John Paul Donnelly nearby, teaching his grandson the art of fly fishing. Note the skip cap, life preserver and safety glasses…. good luck !

Stuart Campbell watched these two anglers enjoying their day on the river on Tuesday 9th September.

Within half an hour they both landed and returned grilse on the fly at the Bonhill Pool. Well done gentlemen.

Yesterday Neill Sproull decided to have a a few casts after work. This cock salmon (8lb) soon put a bend in his fly rod before being returned to the river.

Our happy bunch of volunteers have been busy again. McKinnons down to the Boat Hole trimmed and strimmed. Good work guys.

Loch Lomond.

The Loch has been fairly quiet, though fewer boatmen are venturing out during the week. September and October are usually good months for sea trout on the fly. Plenty of daddylonglegs about just now too. Surface temperature 14oc and falling.

Recent Reports: Saturday 7th September, Scott Sinclair (5lb) grilse at Inchmurrin and Russell Boyd (6lb) at Ross Point.

River Endrick/River Fruin.

Heavy rain expected on Sunday/Monday….watch the webcams!

Wanted – Prospective Angling Coaches.

LLAIA have the intention of forming a joint project with an angling charity called “ANGLING FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT” (Charity No SCO39286) which offers people of all backgrounds & abilities the opportunity to participate in angling and angling related subjects, thereby improving their quality of life.

We need Lomond system volunteers willing to give up 3-4 weekends (9am-5pm) to be trained FREE OF CHARGE to become qualified angling coaches with Lomond AFYD Hub.

AFYD patrons include Professor David Bellamy OBE & Fiona Armstrong

AFYD Introduction Summary

JUNE 2013 AFYD Newlsletter

Interested in being part of this very worthwhile and rewarding project?

Contact : web@lochlomondangling.com

JR

Contact Reports at: reports@lochlomondangling.com
 

River Leven.

Another quiet week on the Leven but it goes without saying that this year’s weather has been a complete contrast to last year. Hopefully the rain gods will be good to us soon.

On Saturday 30th, the month ended for Andy Patrick at the Bonhill Pool with a grilse (6lb). We’ve had a recent unconfirmed report of a 12lb sea trout landed near McKinnons. Anybody shed some light?

Other Leven reports 26th August, Andy McIlwee (6lb), 31st, John Harris (5lb) returned.

Some great work carried out last week by the bailiffs and volunteers. The bank on the Renton side of McKinnons has been cleared and manicured…

….and the path on the industrial estate side of McKinnons strimmed. This goes from the Polaroid Bridge down past McKinnons. Thanks to those involved.

Loch Lomond.

Still a few fish coming off the Loch, mainly around the islands and bottom end.

On Friday 29th August, John McClurg landed this 13lb cock salmon off Darroch, taken on a trolled orange/gold rapala.

Peter McFarland contacted us with this report:

Other Loch reports: 13th August, Craig John (5lb). 16th, Dave King (7lb). 17th, Scott Pryce (14lb) Jace Chatham (15lb) James Scanlon (4lb) Alan Millar (7lb). 21st, Kevin Gath (16lb). 22nd, Jim Raeburn (17lb)(above), Rab Strachan (13lb). 24th, Scott Pryce (6lb). 29th, Donald McKellar (7lb)

River Endrick.

Wednesday 28th August, proved to be a memorable day for Alan McKee. Despite low water, Alan managed to land this 8lb salmon, net and return another, and lose a third……perseverance.

The bailiffs have been busy tidying up the Endrick, strimming………

….and cutting…..closely supervised of course!

River Fruin.

We are very pleased to announce that the River Fruin webcam is now up and running and can be viewed by clicking the ‘River Webcams’ button on the homepage. This facility will provide real time water level updates, refreshing at 10 minute intervals. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all who were involved in this successful project.

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The gates have been open all week, and with regular sightings of fish heading and tailing, mostly in the upper reaches, we could be  heading for a good weekend.

Last Saturday, 17th August, the bailiffs came across Neil Sproull playing a good fish at the Bonhill Pool.

A fresh summer salmon, weighing about 13lbs was quickly photographed and released.

Also at the Bonhill Pool, John Paul Donnelly with a 7lb grilse.

Other reports: 13th August, Mick Garry (17lb). 19th August, Paul Kelly (6lb).

Loch Lomond.

Any activity is still centered around the bottom end, islands, golf course shore and Boturich shore/ Endrick Bank. Very little happening beyond the Ross Isles.

Saturday 17th August was a good day for Derek Ranachan with this 10lb salmon taken at the Boathouse on a toby.

River Endrick.

Heavy rain last Saturday brought the river level up and the following day, salmon and sea trout were seen freely ascending the falls at the Potts. Since then the level has dropped back but Colin Ferguson reports large fish still moving midweek. Some more rain is what we need…but that’s always the story on the Endrick.

On Wednesday, Harry McLaughlin’s silver invicta attracted this 2.5lb resident brownie, just up from the Meetings.

River Fruin.

Still a bit early for the Fruin, but we are very pleased to report that the webcam is almost up and running.

This is the view that we expect to be able to show on the webcam which, like the Endrick cam, will be accessible from our website homepage.

The Ferox Project.

SCENE Field Station, Glasgow University, Rowardennan, are currently engaged in ‘The Ferox Project’. Their aim is to find out as much as possible about ferox trout using ‘all manner of means’, including the help of anglers. The attached letter explains more about the project.

An open letter to the LLAIA

‘Keep us updated’

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

At the end of last week the bailiffs reported seeing good runs of grilse heading up river and on Saturday 10th August there were at least six fish lost.

but this one stayed on for Iain Morison, fishing the fly at the Garden Stream.

Iain commented on the good work done by our bailiffs with the strimmers opening up access to some of the overgrown parts of the riverbank. Well done guys and Angus!

On Monday 12th, two fish were landed at the Bonhill Pool. Alistair Miller (5lb). Stevie Blackwood (14lb) returned.

The gates closed on Monday and the river’s back to summer low. The latest forecast is for heavy rain on Saturday.

Loch Lomond.

Reports suggest that good numbers of grilse have passed into the Loch and are hanging about the islands waiting to head up the Endrick and Fruin.

On Friday 9th, Balmaha boatman Donald McKellar christened his new craft with a 5lb grilse taken off the north shore of Inchfad on a silver/copper salmo. Donald also netted a couple of sea trout.

It was a ‘glorious twelfth’ for these Balmaha anglers. After hearing about Donald’s success, Walter Gilchrist decided to head out. Not only did he land a fish at Buccinch but ‘amigo’ Donald netted his second grilse of the season at the Short Point of Inchmoan. Copper tobies and salmos producing.

At the beginning of the month Mario Pelini headed up to the Tap End for a few days in search of ferox.

His patience was rewarded with this 15lb specimen landed near Inversnaid.

Other Loch catches reported: 10th August, Andy McIlwee (15lb) returned and (6lb). Gregor Gilmour (10lb).

Great Scottish Swim.

Anglers are reminded that the Great Scottish Swim is on Saturday 24th August with approx. 2000 participants. The Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway at Balloch will be closed between 8am on Thursday 22nd and  7pm on Saturday 24th August.

JR.

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

July’s dry, hot weather had the expected effect on the Lomond system with very few salmon coming to the net. The river’s level stayed at summer low for some time and even the weekend compensation flow didn’t make much impression. At the beginning of the month a few grilse were reported but catches quickly tailed off. Some fish were seen in the pools but as many regulars know, Leven grilse will run the river’s six miles to the sanctity of the Loch very quickly. Even though there’s only a few inches of water, they won’ t be held back. Morning and late evening anglers had the best chance in these conditions. Early on 26th July, a fresh 15lb summer salmon was landed at the Linnbrane Hole and on 30th Davy Watt (7lb) at Stuckie Bridge, returned. July ended quietly.

On 1st of August, the heavens opened and injected much needed cold, fresh water into the system.

By Saturday 3rd August grilse were running the river in good numbers. Opening the scoring was chairman Malcolm MacCormick (6.5lbs) at the Washhouse Pool on the fly. Malky also landed several fresh sea trout to 2.5lbs.

David Darling landed this brace of grilse (5lb&6lb) at the Bonhill Bridge Pool and Brian McCaskey(5lb)at the Glebe. Two anglers landed fish (5lb and 10lb) also at the Glebe. Unfortunately the rain didn’t last long and the gates were closed on Monday morning. Hopefully there’s more to come soon.

Loch Lomond.

Most Lomond boatmen report that the only things caught during July were the sun’s rays…..  Normally at this time the Tap End of the Loch begins to produce good catches of grilse and summer salmon, but recent expeditions have come back blank.

This 18lb ferox was taken on the troll off Inchmurrin by Amanda Jenkinson. Her nephew David seems quite impressed.  Most loch boatmen tend to stick to the shallow shores in search of salmon, so ferox trout aren’t often caught. However, enthusiasts are having surprising results.

While anglers on the Leven were enjoying sport, 3rd August was also a better day on the Loch for some boatmen. At least three fish were taken into Balloch. Scott Pryce (11.5lb), John Currie (6lb) and Davy King (6.5lb). Balmaha angler Alan Brunnstrom had sport (6.5lb) taken on a silver/copper toby at the Long Point.

The Loch’s still at a good level. With fresh water and surface temperature dropping it won’t be long before sport improves for the fly and troll. Over the past few years August has become the ‘grilse month’ and this year looks like following suit.

River Endrick/Fruin.

Both rivers need a reasonable spate to get fish moving up from the Loch. The Endrick webcam was introduced last season and proved to be very popular. It’s up and running again at the Potts of Gartness, giving a good view of water conditions and can be visited on this site.  A similar webcam on the Fruin will be operational shortly.

The heavy rain gave Endrick anglers some hope. At one point it looked as though it was about to burst it’s banks at Drymen Bridge, but quickly dropped off again. Robert McKinlay reports landing a 5lb grilse (above) and losing two. Plenty of fish showing but they only seemed to have one thing in mind……..running the Potts.

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The warm, dry weather is still with us……as if we hadn’t noticed. Not much showing apart from the occasional sea trout.

Recent catches: 5th July, John Smith (9.5lb) and 6th July, Paul McNeil (8lbs) at the Piles on the fly (above).

Anglers are reminded that only disabled drivers may use the towpath to access certain sections of the river. Vehicles must be driven slowly and care taken to give way to pedestrians and cyclists.

Loch Lomond.

On 10th July Ernie East landed a 12lb fish off Ross Priory and lost another two, at the Bank and Knockour.

Willie Nixon with his 12.5lb fish taken off Inchcailloch on 1st July.

Loch boatmen are reminded of National Park byelaw 3.5(6) – the requirement to carry appropriate life jackets for all persons on board. The NPA have a zero tolerance policy and have recently reported several boat owners to the Procurator Fiscal. We don’t think any of our members are involved.

Great Scottish Swim.

The Great Scottish Swim will take place on Saturday 24th August. This mass ‘open water’ event is expected to attract over 2000 participants and will be run from the Duncan Mills Memorial Slip/Lomond Shores area. Waves of 300 swimmers will set off at half hour intervals over a two mile course. This event may cause some problems for Balloch based boats. Full details are awaited.

Bailiffs.

On Thursday 11th July, three LLAIA bailiffs, assisted by local police officers, arrested two men in possession of a net and quantity of fish. They were charged with various poaching related offences and reported to Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

On Sunday 14th July, a bailiff patrol came across three men illegally fishing on the Leven. Fishing equipment was seized and a report submitted to the Fiscal.

All members and ticket holders are reminded of the requirement to tag dispatched fish as soon as possible with the numbered tags issued. If submitting photos of fish for inclusion on this website, please ensure that the tag is clearly visible.

The latest weather forecast suggests that the current weather conditions will continue until at least the end of July……….

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

Last week we mentioned that John McGrogan had a rather unfortunate experience while releasing a salmon back to the river.

On 25th Jun John hooked into another fish at the Top Pool……..

a 12lb summer salmon which was released without mishap. Well done John!

29th of June and the month ended for Colin Smith with another nice catch on the fly……

‘Caught an 11 lb sea-liced fish in the Cordale Steam this afternoon. It took a black, orange and red cone head fly fished on the single hander. I ended up beaching it 100 yards downstream in the Pike Hole. ‘

The river has been at summer low all week, though there are still fish showing, including sea trout to 2.5lb. Warm weather forecast for next week, but it’s July……. the rain can’t be far off.

Loch Lomond.

On Monday 1st July, Kevin Gath boated a 14lb sea liced fish at the Guide Hut on an orange/gold rapala.

It was carefully returned to the Loch.

Also opening the month with a fish: Willie Nixon (12.5lb) off Inchcailloch. Rab Strachan (6lb) returned.

Still not much to report from the ‘Tap End’. At least seven boats up there last weekend and a few up midweek, but nothing reported. Best chance of a fish still seems to be the southeast shoreline, Auchentullich Bay and the golf course shore. 

We can now confirm that on 29th May a 27lb salmon was landed by a Balmaha fly fisher. It took him almost an hour to get it to the net…….shades of Hemingway’s ‘The Old Man and The Sea’……

JR

Contact Reports at: reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

The Leven has been quiet this week with a few rumours, though no confirmed catches. The gates were kept closed last weekend due to the Clean Up, but have remained open since Tuesday giving a good steady flow…..and fewer snags.

The clean up was well supported and covered from the barrage down to the Polaroid Bridge. It started on Saturday morning at Bonhill Bridge where Mrs Tracey Brittain, representing the Robin House Children’s Hospice in Balloch was presented with a cheque for £250 by LLAIA vice president, Eddie Edmonstone. This money was proceeds of the raffle at the  AGM of a rod donated by Glasgow Angling  Centre.

Despite poor weather conditions in the morning, the team of 15 LLAIA/VOLDAC members and volunteers worked away in high spirits

and by the afternoon managed to clear the river down to Bonhill Bridge.

On Sunday the 18 participants concentrated their efforts on the stretch between Bonhill Bridge and the Polaroid Bridge.

Over the weekend approximately 9 tons of waste was collected.

The following items were recorded for posterity: 18 x Bicycles. 12 x Scooters. 2 x Supermarket trolleys. A variety of pots, pans and grills. A Teasmade. 7 x Hoovers. 1 x Bank deposit safe. 2 x typewriters. 2 x mattresses. 6 x Carpets. 9 x Traffic cones. 1 x 3 metre pipe. and a Cuddly Toy found by Keith Adams in an uncuddley state!

Future work party dates for the Leven, Fruin and the Endrick will be announced in the near future.

Return a Springer Initiative.

The LLAIA ran the ‘Return a Springer’ scheme again this year jointly funded by the Association and our partner Mr Paul Devlin at Glasgow Angling Centre.

On 27th June, Neil Sproull (2nd left) Vincent McMenamin (centre) and Ally Barrowman (right) were presented with their £40 tackle vouchers by Angus Soutter, River Leven Rep. (left). Five other anglers anglers will receive their vouchers in due course. We’d like to thank all of them for their conservation minded actions.

Angler John MgGrogan was presented with a reel for ‘almost returning’ a spring fish. In May, John landed a springer at Stuckie Bridge and was adamant that the fish was to be returned. As he carried it to the water’s edge it slipped from his grasp and unfortunately dispatched itself on the bank.. A fishy story?….no, it was all witnesses and caught on video. We’ve heard that since then John has landed another salmon at the same spot, which was successfully returned.

Loch Lomond.

A quiet week on the Loch, though still a few boatmen out on the troll.

Saturday 22nd June saw David Henderson out on the Loch for the first time this season, landing this 15lb salmon off the Ladies Point at Inchcruin. Last season David had similar success on his first trip of the year….obviously getting some good advice from his boat partner…..

JR

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

Unfortunately the rain at the weekend didn’t have much effect on the system, certainly not enough to top up the Loch level. The gates have been closed since Monday and the river is at summer low. Not much activity reported, which is not unusual at this point in the season. The spring run has gone through and the arrival of summer salmon and grilse is awaited.

Still fish to be caught though with a few sea trout coming to rods willing to persevere. Russell Hall recently landed this fine looking brown trout of 2lbs at Stuckie Bridge.

Leven Clean Up.

The clean up takes place this weekend meeting at Bonhill Bridge, Saturday/Sunday at 10am. All welcome and (soft) refreshments will be provided. Anglers are advised that the gates will remain closed over the weekend to enable debris to be removed from the river, but should open again on Monday morning.

Loch Lomond.

After a couple of busy weeks the Loch’s beginning to quieten down. The spring run will be well dispersed by now, taking up residence wherever they can hide…….

Saturday 15th June was a particularly inhospitable day out on the Loch weatherwise, but Alan Dorrian landed this cracker of a sea trout off Inchmoan. It weighed approx.12lbs and was returned.

Jim McNiven had success in the more sheltered south end of the Loch with an 8lb fish taken on the troll off Lomond Castle. There are still reports of salmon being landed, mainly in the Claddich, Net Bay and Endrick Bank areas, but in fewer numbers. Only a handful of boats have ventured up the ‘tap end’ of the Loch and there have been no reports of any activity.

Recent Catches include: 10th June, Robert Paterson(12lb), 12th June, Alec McElwee(10lb). 13th June, Steven Gilfeather (13.5lbs) returned. Rab Strachan(12lb).14th June, Albert Biddulph (14lb), Eric Donnachie (8lb), Ross McNair(12lb)&(8lb), 18th June, Dave King (15lb).

Obituary.

It is with much regret that we announce the passing on 19th June 2013, of George Malloch. ‘Geordie’ was a very keen fisherman and with his 81 years experience, probably knew Loch Lomond better than anyone. He had been a member of the Vale of Leven Angling Club ‘since it was built’ and was well known and liked by his fellow anglers. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts at this time are with his family, to whom we offer our condolences.

George Malloch’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 25th June at  the Vale of Leven Cooperative funeral parlour at 11am, thereafter to Alexandria cemetery.

JR.

Contact Reports at : reports@lochlomondangling.com

River Leven.

Another prolonged dry spell, but unsettled weather’s on the way with heavy showers forecast for Friday and Saturday. Still fish going through so it may well turn out be a good weekend…..the eternal optimist. Recent catches include..

28th May, Derek Mackenzie with a (12lb) salmon caught on the worm and returned at the Top Pool.

31st May, Terry Mallin (12lb) at the Stuckie Bridge on the worm.

1st June, Tam McBride (14lbs) Top Pool on the worm (above). 30th May, John McGrogan (12lb) Top Pool, worm. 3rd June, Scott McFarlane (10lb)

Colin Smith’s been having good sport…..Friday 7th June  ‘I had an interesting day on the Leven today despite bright sunshine. I was broken by a fish in the Bonhill Bridge Pool. I then hooked and lost a fish in the laid stream below Flowers. Finally this 12.5lb fish stayed on. All fish hooked on a single handed rod on a small black conehead fly’

Colin then reports returning to the same stream the following day and landing an 11lb salmon…..what more can you ask for?

In the last report we mentioned that Ally Barrowman (above) had landed and returned two salmon (10lb) and (15lb) on 21st and 23rd May. Ally has forwarded some video footage of the larger fish being returned which we’ll share with you shortly. He’ll be receiving GAC vouchers for his conservation minded action.

River Leven Clean Up.

The clean up on the Leven will take place, weather permitting, on Saturday/Sunday 22nd-23rd June, meeting at Bonhill Bridge at 10am. Skips, poly bags, gloves and refreshments will be provided. All members, ticket holders and volunteers will be most welcome.

Loch Lomond.

The Loch has remained at a good height for boatmen with some excellent catches being made. After last year’s poor season, mainly due to high water, it’s refreshing to hear of so many fish coming to the net.

Catches include: 1st June, J. O’Neill (11lb). Scott Pryce (14lb) Davy King snr (14lb). 3rd June, Jim Conners (12.5lb). Stuart McBean (9lb). Charlie Pryce (14lb).

4th June, Bobby McClurg comes out of retirement for a day on the troll and lands this 6lb trout off Little Ireland followed by a 4lb sea trout off Inchmoan Long Point. Both were returned.

4th June, Alan Dorrian looking well pleased with a 14lb salmon caught on the troll at Net Bay. After a photo it was carefully returned.

 Catches on the Loch continue: 4th June, Danny Docherty (7.5lb). 5th June, J.O’Neill (16.5lb). Alec Doey (11lb) – (above). 6th June, Geordie Fyfe (13lb) off Cashel Burn on a black and gold rapala. 7th June, Alastair Bruce (5.5lb). 8th June, Scott Sinclair (8lb) and Bob Forshaw (12lb).

LLAIA member Bob was up from Merseyside for the week and had seen at least five boats with fish. Perseverance finally paid off and on his last day he struck it lucky on the Bank. 11th June, Steven Gilfeather (24lb) & (8lb)

Today, 12th June, an extremely happy John McClurg had his first fish of the season at the Claddich shore on an orange and gold rapala. Weighing approx. 10lb, it was safely returned and certainly deserved to be…….watch John landing his fish in true ‘Tales From The Loch’ style by clicking on……. http://youtu.be/MFnE5TmgkNw

River Endrick.

No more reports from the Endrick yet, but just watch this space……….

JR

Contact Reports at: report@lochlomondangling.com