The 2025 Season is up and running and we have been eagerly anticipating the first confirmed report of the first salmon being landed afor some weeks now!

In the last few days there have been unconfirmed and unreported catches of two fresh fish from the lower River Leven. Unfortunately without forthcoming information from the anglers concerned then these catches cannot be officially confirmed or shared.

However, this morning of 19th April saw reports of the first Loch Lomond Salmon, a lovely fish of 12lbs caught by seasoned Loch angler Alec Doey. Congratulations to Alec on landing the first Salmon of the 2025 season which was safely released to continue its journey.

A warm welcome to all of our existing members and to our new members who have joined this season. Weather and water conditions have been challenging to say the least since opening day with a prolonged period of very dry conditions during March and early April combined with a cold North Easterly. Thankfully this week has witnessed some significant rainfall to at least break this period of dry conditions. Hopefully this recent rain will freshen things and encourage some further runs of fish into the system. If the outlook of further periods of rain showers in the coming weeks holds true then conditions will continue to improve.

Rod pressure continues to be low with comparatively few anglers being seen on the River Leven, hopefully this will increase in the coming weeks.

The Estuary has continued to provide good sport from opening day onwards and is proving to be popular with many anglers who have been successfully fishing the usual marks.

River Leven

In recent weeks the river levels have been fairly constant where this week we have seen water height sitting at around 2.10m. With water levels in Loch Lomond dropping in recent weeks then the barrage regime has been triggered whilst still hopefully maintaining bank to bank water conditions within the Leven. The recent rainfall of the past few days may help to keep the Loch height beyond further trigger levels that may impact the Leven.

River Leven Water Conditions

Image above shows current temperature and water level of the River Leven at the Bonhill Pool, it also includes high and low tides at Bowling and water levels at Linbrane (©SEPA). For the latest water height information continue to check the LLAIA website at https://www.lochlomondangling.com/river-leven/

Additionally the current water gauge level for the River Leven at Linbrane can be obtained from SEPA by following this link https://www2.sepa.org.uk/WaterLevels/default.aspx?sd=t&lc=133107

Local information concerning tide tables can be found here http://www.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/easytide/ShowPrediction.aspx?PortID=0404&PredictionLength=7

As mentioned there have been unofficial and unconfirmed reports of two Spring Salmon being caught in the last week on the lower part of the Leven. However in the absence of any reports or evidence then these catches cannot be confirmed.

Loch Lomond

This morning (April 19th) saw experienced Loch angler Alec Doey successfully hook and land a nice fish of around 12lb on a rapala lure in somewhat breezy conditions. Congratulations Alec on the first confirmed Salmon from the Loch and the system this season, the fish was safely returned following a quick photo.

Alec Doey leading the charge with a lovely 12lb Spring Salmon

Catches of Sea Trout have been steadily been reported in recent weeks by some early boats who have ventured out on the Loch. Experienced Loch angler John East has successfully hooked and landed several nice Sea Trout in recent weeks up to 3.5lbs.

John East 1.5lb Sea Trout 25th March

John East 1st April 2025

John East 1st April 2025

River Endrick

reports of fish off of the Endrick, this is a later season spate water so normally do not expect any catch reports until later in the season

River Fruin

No reports of fish off of the Fruin, this is a later season spate water so normally do not expect any catch reports until later in the season

The Estuary

The estuary has been providing some great action ever since the opening day of the season. Enthusiastic estuary angler Nathan Chlosta has been putting in the effort and enjoying some good catches of Sea Trout from the very first day of the season. Well done Nathan and your commitment and enthusiasm is commendable.

Nathan Chlosta 8th March 2025

Nathan Chlosta 8th March 2025

The Estuary has continued to fish well throughout April with many anglers continuing to enjoy success. Angler Nathan Chlosta added to his success during April with several other nice wee Sea Trout, some caught under the watchful eye of a seal.

Nathan Chlosta 10th April 2025

Nathan Chlosta 10th April 2025

Nathan Chlosta 10th April 2025

A seal keeping a watchful eye on anglers – 5th April 2025

Angler Gordon McPhail enjoyed a successful evening session ion the estuary in April .

Gordon McPhail April 15th 2025

Image couresty of Gordon McPhail/Nathan Chlosta

Footnote

So despite fish being seen entering and moving up the River Leven the angling pressure to data has been very low. Again it would appear that

many anglers prefer to adopt and wait and see approach before venturing onto the river. Remember no rods out equals no fish !

Our bailiff team have been continuing to progress and finish various routine Winter maintenance tasks during the close season including the inspection and refurbishment of styles and benches around the catchment and ensuring that entry and egress points on the Leven were strimmed prior to beginning of the season. A volunteer work party to address forther river clearing and bank work is planned for July coinciding with the end of the protective bird nesting season. Success of these work parties is direc tly dependent upon volunteers coming forward to participate so keep watching this space for more details.

A reminder to all that the Bonhill pool is fly only.

Fallen Trees along the River Leven

It is now believed that all of the trees that were downed as a result of the recent Winter storms have now been addressed as a result of the efforts of the committee, bailiff team and landowners responsible. In some cases this work had to be synchronised such that any required in river work did not impact any of the redds within the river.

LLAIA 2025 AGM

The 123rd Annual General Meeting of he LLAIA was held on 23rd March 2025 in Luss. Feedback from those in attendance indicated that they believed that this meeting was positive and an upbeat session.

Littering – Leave nothing but footprints!

Unfortunately, once more we have seen instances of littering in and around the banks of Loch Lomond which is unacceptable. I am sure that you will agree that we don’t need this kind of irresponsible and damaging behaviour by any anglers or anyone else. Our water bailiffs can only enforce fishery legislation and cant get involved with littering, but if we know beyond doubt who is responsible and they are permit holders, rules on permits say those permits will be removed. This type of behaviour can not only be damaging to the environment but to the reputation of anglers and in turn to your association. What we also don’t need is the park authority or local council blaming our members and anglers for this type of behaviour.