Scottish Trout Fishing

Fishery Reviews Supplied By Jim Boyd

The following reports are for the week ending 21st September 2008.

1. BUTTERSTONE (Dunkeld) LATE REPORT TO FOLLOW

2. COYLE WATER (Ayrshire) Fishing is still a little up and down but definitely improving on the fly pond. J Taylor took 2 nice fish for 5lbs 4oz, Mr. Carlisle from Glasgow took 2 for 8lbs 4oz, Mr. Woods also from Glasgow took 3 for 8lbs 4oz and Mr. Hussan 3 for 10lbs. Mr. Howie released a cracking brownie estimated at about 8lbs, Messrs. Tudhope and Gaws had an excellent day taking and releasing fish using a Brown Klinkhammer and Mr. Moncrieff took a nice fish of 3lbs. Kevin Andrews released 6. Mick McGinley and C. Auld had a good day on Saturday taking 5 fish for 13lbs 8oz and releasing several more including a couple of really nice browns. Best tactics are floating lines or at most a midge tip as fish are rising and taking dries readily and small nymphs just below the surface.
The Bait Pond continues its spell of excellent fishing with good bags coming off with young Master McChesney taking 5 fish for 9lbs 8oz, Mr. Middleton 6 fish for 9lbs 8oz, Mr. Holland 5 fish for 8lbs 4oz and Mr. Pearson and friends took 7 fish between them for 16lbs. Messrs. Ash & Allan took 7 fish between them 12lbs, Mr. McNally 5 for 6lbs, Mr. Welsh 3 for 5lbs 5oz and Mr. Keir 4 for 6lbs 4oz. Best tactics have been bubble float using Power Bait – wasp grubs have also done quite well, power bait and maggots combined have also worked well.

3. FRANDY (Gleneagles) On the individual front Mr Findlay from Auchterarder caught 5 fish weighing a total of 13lb 8oz, Alec Prentice (Clackmannan) 2 fish for 4lb 4oz, B Dick & G Hemming (Kinross) kept 5 fish for 13lb 4oz and Mr Pass (Alva) 3 fish for 7lb 8oz. R Westwater from Glasgow took 2 fish weighing 5lb and released a further 5, Mr Primmer (S Wales) 3 fish for 7lb 8oz and G Grattan (Kincardine) 2 fish for 4lb 8oz. H Fulton from Menstrie caught 2 fish weighing a total of 6lb 12oz and G Horne (Perth) 2 fish weighing a total of 4lb 4oz.
All areas of the loch are fishing well and the best flies and lures have been the CDC Hopper, Kate Maclaren, Black Spiders and various versions of the Damsel Nymph.

4. FORBES OF KINGENNIE (Broughty Ferry) Dry flies did the business on Kingennie's Bankside Pond this week. In particular, black Shipman’s and CDC's accounted for most of the fish. Catch and release anglers did particularly well, with several reporting double figures and at least one expert, Gordon Patterson, having a red letter day with 23 caught and returned – several weighed between 3 and 4lbs. Other catches included, Mr Soave, 2, 6lb, Mr Mitchell, 2, 4lb, Mr Ramage, 3, 9lb, Mr White, 2, 6lb, Mr Jamieson, 5, 13lb 4oz, Mr Williamson, 4, 10lb2oz, Mrs Thompson, 3, 9lb and Mr White, 2, 6lb. Fishing a father and son ticket, James Elliot and 13 year old son Jamie
had 5 for 12lb 8oz, with young Jamie getting 3 to his dad's 2.
On the Specimen Pond, browns have been to the fore in catches with the
best going to the rod of Bob Miller at 9lb 8oz. Bob had 5 rainbows and
browns for 29lbs for his 4 outings at Kingennie last week. Other catches
included, Mr Steven, 1, 8lb12oz, Mr Ross, 3, 12lb, Mr Heenan, 1, 7lb, Mr
Johnston 3, 19lb, (best a brown at 7lb 8oz, Mr McCaskill, 1, 5lb 8oz, Mr
Littleton, 2, 14lb (including a 6lb 8oz brown) and Kirkcaldy Deaf Fly
Fishers had 13 for 49lb 8oz for their visit. Successful flies included the Silver Humungous, Black Zonker, Bunny Leech and Orange Fritz.
On the Woodside Pond, some great quality rainbows and
browns have been landed. Best fish for the week was a superb 5lb brown
taken on a worm by George Sanderson fishing an OAP ticket. There have
also been browns at 3lb 8oz and 3lb 4oz. Best rainbow was a fully finned
three and a half pounder which gave a great account of itself on a light
spinning rod and maggot. Catches included Mr Craig, 4, 4lb 8oz, Mr
Douglas, 2, 3lb 8oz, Mr Bartrop, 2, 2lb 12oz, Mr Eton, 4, 6lb 8oz, Mr
Sanderson, 3, 8lb and Mr Black, 8, 10lb 8oz. Mr Barr, 5, 6lb, Mr Ferguson,
8, 9lb 8oz, Mr Bell, 6, 9lb, Mr Grieve, 10, 13lb 8oz, Mr Reid, 2, 3lb, Mr
Gray, 4, 6lb, Mr Fyffe and party, 6, 8lb12oz, Mr James, 4, 8lb, Mr
Simpson, 2, 6lb and Mr Stirton, 12, 15lb. Worm was most successful, though
fly anglers fishing orange Blobs also did well.

5. MARKLE (East Lothian) John Russell from Prestonpans used a PTN to take 12 on catch and release including a rainbow of 8lbs, Paul Rae, Hawick, took 9 on C+R on a Yellow Dancer and Smart Builders AC had a good outing taking 26 fish weighing 81lbs 8oz. J Thomson from Longniddrie caught 3 for 10lbs 12oz, Jim Paterson, Dunbar had 8on C+R and also took 3 for 10lbs 8oz on Dries, Chick Telfer, Gorebridge, had 3 for 9lbs 8oz on a Renegade and Willie Brash, Mayfield had 12 on C+R.

6. ORCHILL LOCH (Braco) There has been plenty of good sport again this week with Daddy's, Hoppers, Sedgehog, Muddlers, Diawl Bach, Damsel and a variety of Frit patterns all doing well. The British Legion from Perth caught 24 fish for 64 lbs, with Tony having the heaviest basket with 5 fish for 13 lbs 14 oz. Also doing well were Andrew George from Linlithgow took 3 fish for 15lbs 8oz – best 10lbs on a Fritz, Alec Whyte, Alva, 3 fish for 12lbs 4oz – best 8lbs on a Black Pennell and Andy Templeman, Blair Athol, 4 fish for 16lbs 4oz on a Bibio. Hugh Bratchie from Lochgelly used a Damsel to take 5 fish for 14lbs 4oz on a Damsel, Alfred Gauld, Sauchie, 3 fish for 10lbs on a Damsel, Tom Adams, Alva, 2 fish for 7lbs 8oz on a Dancer and Tom McCartney, Menstrie, 4 fish 13 lbs – best 4lbs on a Buzzer, Bill Dawson, Dollar, took 4 fish for 10lbs on a Mini Cat, Jim O'Neil, Bridge of Allan, 3 fish 10lbs 8oz on a Damsel, Bert & Damien, Auchterarder, 8 fish 21 lbs Muddlers and Colin Hynd, Dunfermline, 2 fish 9lbs on a Hopper. Last but not least Willie Guild from Dunfermline had a nice brace for 5lbs on a Hopper.

7. ORCHILL LOCH COARSE PONDS (Braco) Last Sunday Steph Hunter won a small match with 44lbs 11oz and Tony Ball was second with 42 lbs 10 oz on the Snake Lake. Dave Olley had 15 lbs on the Snake Lake, Jim Duncan from Stirling had a good day catching 7 tench and 2 carp plus a carp at 7lbs 4oz on the Midton Lake, Brian Docherty and Cumbernauld had 7 carp for 15 lbs on the Midton Lake. Ian Clark from Aberdeen and his son Connor had 11 fish including a 4 lb mirror for Ian and Connor (11) had a beautiful golden orfe for 4 lbs. Ricky Rossier had 40 lbs of mirror and common carp on the Midton Lake using 3 maggots topped with strawberry juice, Stewart Rae had 14 lbs of mixed fish and Margaret Rae had 13lbs 8oz of mixed fish on the tip rod, hair rig – pellets and Sandy McKay, Bellshill, had 57 lbs on the Snake Lake. On the Snake Lake Roy Rooney had 18lbs and Willie McMillan took 15lbs.

8. SWANSWATER (Stirling) An excellent week’s fishing with over 450 fish landed. All different varieties are featuring in the catch returns with plenty top quality blues, browns and golden trout being landed in addition to the rainbows. The fish were near the top of the water all week and taking a variety of flies. Buzzers, nymphs, including Damsel, Hare’s Ear and Montana, wet flies, such as Bibio, and small lures – Cat’s Whisker, Dancer and Ace of Spades – were the favourite patterns, with the best tactic being a floating line and a medium to fast retrieve. Despite the heavy rain midweek, the water is clear and conditions are good.
This week the Fishery will be closing at 7.30pm
This week’s best bag was taken by Stephen Murphy, Motherwell, with 5 for 21lb including 3 Blues, biggest one at 9lb and a Brown. Also doing well were Henry Lawrence, Glasgow, 2 for 9lb 12oz including 6lb 8oz Blue, Craig Orr, Inverkip, 2 for 8lb 12oz including 6lb 6oz Blue from the Meadow Pond, James Elliott, Stirling, 2 for 8lb 8oz including 5lb 12oz Rainbow and a Blue and Sandy Ireland, Lochgoilhead, 5 for 17lb including 5lb Brown and a Blue. Alec Peachey, Scone, 2 for 7lb 4oz including 4lb 8oz Blue, Frank Barr, Falkirk, 7 for 20lb 8oz including 3 Blues, a Gold and a Brown, Danny Doherty, Denny, 7 for 18lb including 4 Blues and Mike Bolton, Maddison, 5 for 15lb 8oz including a Blue. George Reid, Glasgow, 4 for 13lb 4oz including a Brown, Hugh Moore, Airdrie, 4 for 13lb 4oz including 2 Blues, Sandy Jenkins, Carronshore, 4 for 12lb 4oz including a Blue and Peter Henderson, Cumbernauld, 4 for 11lb 5oz including a Gold. George Simpson, Falkirk, 4 Blues for 11lb, Kevin Duff, Alloa, 3 for 9lb, Brian Smith, Cowie, 3 for 9lb 2oz including a Gold and Derek Reid, Newton Mearns, 2 for 6lb 12oz.

9. LOCH LEVEN (Kinross) The fishing has been pretty challenging most of the time this past week. A lack of flies coupled with a diatom (brown algae) presence has made the fishing difficult. However, as always, fish can be found in shallow water just north of St Serfs which produced two nice fish – both returned, for two local anglers on Sunday and along the north shore – Green Isle to Old Manse Bay – fish were seen and the odd one caught on Thursday and Friday late afternoon and evening. The ever consistent Kate McLaren and Snatchers are the best of the flies, with black and silver sparklers being well worth a try.
Carden Bay, Sluices to St Serfs and North Shore are the best drifts, but open water just east of Castle and Reed Bower Islands will work well, especially in quieter conditions. The water clarity is 1.2 metres and the temperature which is now dropping but still a comfortable 13.8˚ C. Fish are still on the fry around the weed beds, but are very difficult to tempt when feeding on fry. As the season “matures” into its last weeks, the burn mouth areas especially after a good spate, are well worth a try, and as already mentioned, shallow water and shoreline drifts should work.

The following reports are for the week ending 14th September 2008.

1. BUTTERSTONE (Dunkeld) LATE REPORT TO FOLLOW

2. COYLE WATER (Ayrshire) Changeable weather has again given us changeable fishing at the fishery. The fish are cruising about a foot below the surface and rising freely to drowned flies but not coming back to them – they are also chasing lures but again turning away at the last minute. Blobs and Crunchers have both been successful as have Olive F Flies fished sub surface.
Mr. McCabe released 8 fishing a big buzzer, Martin Brittan fishing his last evening session before returning back home to Scarborough released 4 fish all taken on dries. Davy and Ian had a good Sunday session taking a fish apiece and releasing 7 between them, B Robertson from Auchinleck took 2 fish for 4lbs 9oz, Messrs. Durkin and . Greenhall from Burnley enjoyed a day at the fishery taking 3 fish and releasing 9. The stocking this week comprised mainly of Tiger and Brook Trout giving the fishers something a little different to target over the coming weeks.
The Bait Pond continues to exceed all expectations with so many full bags we would need the whole column to name all the recipients. Mr. Malloy and friend took 7 fish between them for a total of 11lbs, Mr. Grimes 3 for 5lbs 2oz, Mr. Callan 2 fish for 3lbs 4oz and Mr. Frew 4 for 6lbs. Mr. Welsh 3 for 5lbs 5oz, Mr. Bridgewater from South Wales took 4 nice fish for 6lbs and Mr. Brown also took 4 for 7lbs. Power Bait and Worms are top of the menu.

3. FRANDY (Gleneagles) LATE REPORT TO FOLLOW

4. FORBES OF KINGENNIE (Broughty Ferry) It was another busy week on the Kingennie Bankside and Woodside Ponds with very few blanks and a good many happy anglers catching some of Kingennie's hard fighting trout. The Bankside Pond saw a real mix of lures and flies taking fish with the honours pretty much even between lures and the more traditional flies. Cats Whisker, Yellow Dancer, Cormorants and Zonkers in a variety of colours all took fish while the Floating Fry, Buzzers, Claret Hoppers, Sedges and Diawl Bachs fished on or close to the surface were also successful. Bankside catches included Mr Davidson, 2, 4lb 8oz, Mr Lamont, 2, 4lb10oz and 3 returned, Mr Rigby, 2,5lb, Mr Hayes, 1,3lb, Mr Wells, 3,6lb and Mr McQueen, 1, 4lb8oz brownie. Mr McNeil, 4, 12lb, Mr Reid, 2,4lb, Mr Wilson had a fine basket of 6 for 15lb 8oz and Tam Kemlo had 10 for 26lb 8oz and a number returned for his 5 sessions.
The Woodside (any legal lure) Pond continues to produce catches which include fish in the 3lb class. Worm was particularly successful this week with baskets such as Mr Stewart, 2, 4lb, Mr Robertson, 2,4lb, Mr Watson, 2,5lb, Mr Gibson, 2,4lb, Mr Bartrop, 4, 5lb 8oz and Mr Wangford, 6,9lb. Mr Cunningham, 4,6lb 8oz, Mr McNeil, 4,7lb, Mr Steadman, 4,5lb, Mr Ballantine, 4,6lb, Mr Hamilton, 4,6lb and Mr Stevens, 3,5lb. On Sunday 14th, Mary Ellen Spence celebrated her 10th birthday with a party of her friends at Kingennie enjoying a barbecue, putting and fishing. Everyone, including Mary Ellen, caught fish, with the total birthday catch coming in at 25 fish for 47lb 4oz.
The Specimen Pond was lightly fished last week but the few who ventured out after Kingennie's big fish found them taking a variety of lures including Zonkers, Humungous and a Kingennie favourite, the Green Pea. Catches included, Mr Rodger and partner, 4, 18lb 8oz, Mr Easson, 1, 5lb and Mr Gerrard, 4, 18lb12oz. Ian Willis and party fishing both the Specimen and the Bankside ponds finished with 10 on the Specimen for 48lb14oz and 9 on the Bankside for 20lb 6oz.
Water levels on all Kingennie's ponds are good, as is water clarity.

5. MARKLE (East Lothian) The catch and release anglers did exceptionally well last week with Gordon Scott from Lilliesleaf topping the list with 21 taken on the Black Rabbit and a Cruncher. Tom Russell Jnr. from Earlston used a Dry fly to take 17 including a rainbow at 9lbs 8oz, Derek Powell (Prestonpans) had 15 on lures and Paul Rae (Hawick) managed 13 on a Yellow Dancer and a Black Rabbit. Daryl Young from Tranent caught 2 for 8lbs 8oz on Buzzers, Jack Marshall (Prestonpans) caught an 8lb brown trout on a Buzzer, Mark Anderson (Edinburgh) had a 7lbs rainbow and John McKay (Edinburgh) took a 9lb rainbow on a Buzzer. Last but not least Ray Wiese from Edinburgh used a Yellow Dancer and a Black Ant to catch 3 for 12lbs.

6. ORCHILL LOCH (Braco) Last Sunday the Killin AC had a good day fishing here taking 24 fish for 62lbs 8oz with the heaviest basket being taken by Ian Dunnie with 5 fish for 15 lbs.
The water is very clear just now so the anglers can find it frustrating when they can see the fish swimming past and not taking the flies they are offering but when they do take your fly and you can see the take that's what makes fly fishing exciting and interesting. As owner Elizabeth Jackson says ‘’I can put the fish in but I cannot make them take your fly that's why it is called fishing not catching.’’ A wide variety of flies are catching with dries, small nymphs, Buzzers, Damsel and various Fritz patterns all doing well.
John Payne from Tullibody (2visits) caught 7 fish for 23lbs on a Sedge, Keith Hunter, Tullibody, (2 visits) 7 fish for 18lbs on Dries, Les Mitchell, Musselburgh, 5 fish 13lbs on a Damsel and Dave Mitchell, Edinburgh, 5 fish 12lbs 4oz on a Damsel. William McBeth from Clackmannan (2 visits) had 6 fish for 16lbs on Buzzers, Brian Logan, Alloa, 3 fish for 8lbs 8oz on a Damsel,
Alec Whyte, Alva. 3 fish for 11lbs on a Damsel and Jock Miller, Alva, 3 fish for 6lbs on a Greenwell Glory and Rab Mitchell, Menstrie, 5 fish for 13lbs 4oz on a Fritz. Chris Dixon from Menstrie caught 3 fish for 8lbs 8oz on a Fritz, Jim Miller, Alva, 2 fish for 9lbs 12oz on a Yellow Dancer, Chris Kirk, Methven, 3 fish for 9lbs 8oz on a Bloodworm and Jim Smith, Bannockburn, 2 fish for 5lbs on a Damsel. David Fisher from East Kilbride took 1 fish for 5lbs 12oz on a Dry Fly.

7. ORCHILL LOCH COARSE PONDS (Braco) After last Sunday's match it has seemed quiet this week but another open match is to be held here on the 28th September - tickets are available at £20 each and there is a £650 pools payout based on 50 tickets being sold.
A wide variety of baits are being used including maggots, worms, castors, with various ground baits and sweetcorn. Laurence Crompton-Howe from Blackford had a mixed bag of carp, perch and roach for 10lbs on the Snake Lake. Roy McLaren, Denny had a mixed bag of 14lbs on the Snake Lake, on Wednesday William Eldrige had 6 carp for 43 lbs on the Midton Lake, Jim Craig had 26 lbs of mostly mirror carp including a 7lb mirror carp and Adrian Hallgarth had 30 lb of carp on Thursday. Ricky Rossier had a 10 lb mirror carp and a tench at 6 lbs plus 14 other carp, Paul Aitkinson, Aberdeen, on his first visit on Saturday had 10 carp up to 4lbs and Tony Hayler, Falkirk, also yesterday had 6 mirror carp best 5 lbs, one tench and one roach.

8. SWANSWATER (Stirling) The biggest brown of the year, and the biggest landed for three years, was taken last Sunday – a cracking 11lb 6oz specimen. Several other good browns were landed, including one at 5lb 4oz. One double figure Rainbow was also taken. The fish are very active and can be seen moving all over the water. Most are being taken either on or just under the surface on a wide variety of flies including Buzzers, Bloodworm, Sedge, Muddler, Hopper, Damsel, Hare’s Ear, and small lures, such as Cat’s Whisker and Yellow Dancer. Even when the weather was warm and bright, a rare occurrence this summer, the fish were not deep and were still taking in the top 12 to 18 inches. Closing time is now 8.00pm
This week’s best catches included Stephen Divers, Clydebank, 3 for 16lb 8oz including 11lb 6oz Brown, Roy Hatchard, Alloa, 4 for 18lb including 10lb 15oz Rainbow and a Blue, George Reid, Glasgow, 4 Browns for 12lb 12oz biggest one at 5lb 4oz and Murray Rankin, Polmont, 6 for 17lb including 3 Blues and 2 Golds. S Drylie and son, Connor, 6 for 16lb 4oz including 4 Blues and a Brown, Danny Doherty, Denny, 5 for 18lb including 4lb 4oz Rainbow, Willie Martin, Stirling, 5 for 14lb 4oz including a Brown, John Simpson, Falkirk, 5 for 14lb including 4 Blues and Jim Milne, Alloa, 5 for 14lb including 4 Blues, from his float tube. John Webber, Port of Menteith, 5 for 13lb 12oz including 4 Blues, John Clifford, Dumbarton, 4 for 12lb including a Blue, Grant McCauley, Clydebank, 4 for 11lb including 2 Blues and a Brown and Dave Forsyth, Tillicoultry, 2 for 7lb 4oz. Ronnie Codona, Glasgow, 2 for 7lb 4oz, Andy Wilson, Tillicoultry, 2 for 7lb including 4lb Blue, S Eaves, St Helens, 2 for 6lb 8oz including 3lb 12oz Brown and Stewart Malcolm, Denny, 2 for 6lb 8oz.

9. LOCH LEVEN (Kinross) Better weather for fishing did help last week at the loch - some evenings were just perfect – light winds and low light – and the fish did respond. Dries actually worked a couple of evening, but traditionals fished behind a floating line probably the best method.
Mr Ward had the heaviest fish of the week at 5lb 1oz, Michael Wilson and John Reid on Saturday had six fish between them, Michael’s biggest fish weighed 4lb 2oz and John’s biggest weighed 4lb 11oz, and also on Saturday K Dickson from Kelso had a good fish at 4lb 5¼ oz. Mr Linklater, on holiday from his workplace in Russia had five fish on Saturday weighing 7lb 2oz and three returned just to prove smaller fish are represented in the catch returns.
Best areas are mainly open water drifts between Reed Bower and St Serfs, East and Mid Buoys and Carden Point to Gairney Mouth. Water clarity slightly improved on last week at 1.4 meters, still a fair amount of green algae present. Temperature is steady at 14°c and the best flies are the same as in previous weeks – the Kate McLaren, Snatchers, small Sparklers and when condition permit Dries are well worth a chuck.

The following reports are for the week ending 7th September 2008.

1. BUTTERSTONE (Dunkeld) Fishing at Butterstone over the past week has been a little more predictable and productive with Wednesday to Friday providing some wonderful sport. Yet again last week most fish were caught on a floating line with a mixture of small traditional wets, Snatchers, Diawl Bach’s and a few were taken on Buzzers. Over the weekend anglers were forced to return predominantly to the intermediate line with a team of small lures like the Cormorant, White Cat, Snatcher and Diawl Bach. Water temperature has dropped to 14.4’C due to the cold September evenings as autumn is now definitely on its way as the trees are starting to turn - no Indian summer this year!
The recommended areas are still Buoys Bay towards the harbour just inside the 2M shelf but moving right round to under the trees near the old picnic area, also the drift from Nether Cardney cottage to three trees is now producing good returns – the fish are hugging tight into the margins in that area. Top bay is also a good bet for taking a couple of fish, but they are a little spooky to say the leased but are now calming down.

The average size of fish at the moment is just over the 2lbs 8oz with specimens up to 5 lbs regularly being weighed in also included in the catches are some fantastically hard fighting blues – one or two brownies are being weighed in averaging around 1lb 4oz mark but most are being returned.
Last week Ian & Alex yet again had a good day weighing in 11 fish for 26lbs, Messrs. Eadie and Campbell also had a reasonable day returning 15 on Snatchers, D Carr returned 8 fish, Bert Gibson and Ally Smeaton weighed in 3 and 5 for a total weight of 21lb 6oz. D. Hogg and B Fraser weighed in 9 for 22lbs. On the Club front Perth V Dundee 49 fish for 109lb 5oz for 8 boats, Leslie & Glenrothes weighed in 27 fish for 67lb 14oz for 7 boats, Stormontfield AC had 22 fish for 51lbs for 4 boats and Farmers AC managed 21 fish for 53lb 15oz for 6 boats.
Conditions yet again are predominantly wet and breezy with a high of 17’C.

2. COYLE WATER (Ayrshire) It was a very good week although fishing has been sporadic at times due to the ever changing conditions. Jackie Pride had a great day with 14 fish all taking on a small Spider pattern. Peter Edge released 7, Kevin Andrews released 7, Davy Dick released 6 as did Hugh Munro including a cracking brownie of approx 6lbs 8oz. Martin Brittan continues his holiday in fine style with 2 short visits taking 2 for 5lbs 6oz and releasing well into double figures. Mr. McGhee took 2 for 6lbs and released 2, Mr. Cuthbertson from Mossblown took 2 for 4lbs 8oz and Mick McGinley took 2 for 4lbs 8oz and released 10 including a brownie of around 7lbs. Mr. Dean had 2 for 7lbs, Mr. Howie weighed in 2 for 5lbs and George Young fished for a couple of hours and released 6.
There was a poor turnout for the Sunday Competition with only 10 anglers turning out but it was an excellent day of fishing with 8 out of the ten bagging up and only one blank on the day. In 3rd place was Kevin Andrews with 5 fish for 11lbs, 2nd place went to Peter Edge with 6 fish for 12lbs 8oz and the winner was Dougie Ingles with a total of 9 fish for 18lbs 8oz. Biggest fish on the day was caught by Robert McClay with a fully finned rainbow coming to the scales at 5lbs. Bloodworms, Okey Dokey and Buzzers have featured highly during the week with a mixture of both traditional wets and CDC dry patterns all working well depending on the conditions.
The Bait Pond continues to fish extremely well with almost all anglers taking full bags. Mr. Salmon from Prestwick had 5 for 11lbs, Mr. McTurk 7 for 10lbs 8oz, Mr. Easton 5 for 8lbs 8oz and Mr. Middleman 4 for 6lbs. Mr. Brown 4 for 6lbs 8oz, Mr. Pollock 7 for 11lbs.Mr. Miller from Drongan 3 for 5lbs 4oz and Mr. Findlay 2 for 4lbs. Power bait has fished consistently well with maggots a close second, worms do not seem to have been very productive over the past week. Stocking the Goldies will continue whilst we can still get supplies as these seem to be very popular.

3. FRANDY (Gleneagles) There were some good returns last week with J Robertson from Auchterarder taking 2 fish weighing a total of 5lb, R Paterson (Stirling) 2 fish for 6lbs and released 2, G Grattan (Kincardine) 2 for 5lbs, R Baird (Menstrie) 2 for 4lbs and Mr Miller (Crieff) 2 for 4lbs 8oz. J Hooper from Kinross had 2 fish for 5lbs 8oz, M Corkish, Alva, had 2 for 5lbs 8oz – best 4lbs and I Porritt, Perth, kept 2 fish weighing a total of 6lb and released 6.
On the club front ABC & D A/C kept 12 fish weighing a total of 29lb 4oz, Kinglassie A/C 9 for 22lbs, West Lothian Fly Dressers A/C 11 for 25lb 9oz, Dunfermline Artisans A/C 28 for 68lb 3oz and the Gulls Nest A/C kept 15 fish weighing a total of 38lb.
The favourite flies have included the CDC Hoppers, Daddy Longlegs, Bibio Hopper and various lures.

4. FORBES OF KINGENNIE (Broughty Ferry) As the evenings draw in and 'Strictly Come Dancing' is due to hit our TV screens again a dancer of a different type scored highly last week where the Yellow Dancers seem to be hitting the high spots on all the trout ponds.
On the Specimen Pond Yellow Dancers accounted for around 50% of the fish taken and catches included Mr McIntosh, 2, 10lb, Mr Whitton, 2,12lb, Mr Black, 1, 7lb8oz, Mr Hayes, 3, 18lb, Mr Cuthill, 3, 15lb 8oz,and again, fishing a Dancer, a Mr Anderson had a fine 9lb8oz rainbow which led him a merry dance before being netted.
The Bankside Pond too, saw a number of fish taken on Dancers, though Damsels, Floating Fry, Daddy Longlegs and CDC's also accounted for their share of fish. Catches included, Mr Storrie, 1, 3lb, Mr Jowett, 2,6lb, Mr Edward, 2, 5lb and Mr Pelling, 2, 4lb 8oz. Mr Penrice and partner, 4, 9lb8oz, Mr Sturrock, 2, 5lb, Mr Giacchatto, 1, 2lb 8oz, Mr Cowan, fishing catch and release, had 10 for two sessions on CDC's. On Saturday 6th September, Kilsyth Fishery Protection AC had 34 for 80lb, with the best basket being 6 for 15lb 8oz.
The Woodside Pond (any legal lure) continues to produce quality fish in the 3 - 4lb class included in the catches which included, Mr Black, 1, 3lb,Mr Gibson, 2, 6lb, Mr Thompson, 3, 7lb, Mr Carlin, 6, 8lb 8oz and Mr Shaw,4, 5lb 8oz. Mr Traynor and partner, 8, 12lb, Mr Gourlay, 6, 8lb 10oz, Mr Anderson, 4, 6lb8oz, Mr Laird, 1, 2lb 8oz and Mr Morris, 2, 4lb. Mr McLaren,2, 3lb and Mr Craig and partner, 8, 13lb 4oz.
Kingennie's coarse anglers are enjoying great sport with small carp and some excellent quality perch.

5. MARKLE (East Lothian) There were some fantastic catch and release returns last week with Gordon Scott from Lilliesleaf leading the field with 21 taken on a Cruncher or a CDC, Derek Powel, Port Seton, used various lures to catch 15 and Paul Rae, Hawick, managed 13 on a Yellow Dancer. A Flockhart had a superb basket of 2 for 13lbs 5oz on a Yellow Dancer, Tom Russell Snr. From Earlston caught and returned a fine 7lbs brown trout on a dry fly whilst son Tom used a Black Rabbit to take 4 for 16lbs.

6. ORCHILL LOCH (Braco) The natural looking flies have been doing well as the water is clear and there is loads of natural feeding in the water. The fish have been taking on the top of the water or just under the surface when there has been a wind. George Austin from Errol had 5 fish for 14lbs 12 oz – best 5lbs 8oz on a Buzzer, Wm Heuer, Stirling, 3 fish for 14lbs 4oz – best 5lbs 12oz on a Dancer, Allan Mitchell, Stirling, 5 for 15lbs on Buzzers and Rab Mitchell, Menstrie, 3 fish 9lbs 8oz on a Connemara Black. Harry Robertson from Perth caught 4 fish for 10lbs 8oz on a Snatcher, Peter Adams, Perth, 4 fish for 8lbs 8oz, Graham King, Almondbank, 3 for 11lbs – best 5lbs on a Daddy and Stewart Guthrie, Perth, 5 fish for 19lbs 8oz on Monday using Buzzers and on a return visit on Friday he took 5 for 14lbs on the CDC.K Hunter from Tullibody used Dries to catch 3 for 9lbs, J Payne, Tullibody, 4 fish for 14lbs 8oz on Buzzers and Hamish Carmichael, Alloa, 5 for 15lbs 8oz on a Yellow Dancer. John Leckie from Alloa took 4 for 14lbs on a Black Pennell, Tex Nicol, Cornton, 2 for 9lbs 4oz on Nymphs and Chris Dixon, Menstrie kept 3 for 10lbs 9oz on the Fritz and returned a superb brown trout estimated to weight around the 8lb mark

7. ORCHILL LOCH COARSE PONDS (Braco) Last Sunday the match on the coarse fishery Snake Lake was organised very well by Allan McLoughlin from the ANGLER'S EMPORIUM TACKLE SHOP in Hamilton and was won by Bryan Hewitt with 32 lbs who was delighted to collect £500 prize money. Matt Dunn was second with 26lbs and the heaviest fish prize was won by Colin McKerrow with a 4lb 1oz carp.
Ian Whitson on the Snake Lake last Sunday had 80 lbs of mixed fish, Bryan Hewitt had 72 carp with the pole, pellet and worm, Fred Irvine had 11 fish biggest 3 lbs on sweetcorn and the method feeder and Lindsay Butchart had 14 fish the biggest 3 lbs 5 oz on sweetcorn. Laurence Crompton-Howe, Blackford, had a carp of 10 lbs plus a 20 lb bag of bream, ghost carp, tench and perch, Adrian Hallgarth, Braco, had 21lbs 8oz of Carp on the Snake Lake and Jim Craig, Rutherglen had 20lbs 8oz of carp. Roy McLaren from Denny had 50 mixed fish for 18 lbs on the Snake Lake and Hugh Bratchie, Lochgelly had a 10 lb mirror carp and a few smaller ones.

8. SWANSWATER (Stirling) The fish are still moving on or near the surface of the water despite the more autumnal weather. Browns and blues remain a big feature in the catch returns with the biggest fish of the week being a cracking 8lb 3oz Brown. Dry flies including Muddler, Hopper, and Daddy Long Legs continue to take a good number of fish, with wets including Kate McLaren, Bibio, and Butcher doing well. Small lures and buzzers fished just under the surface were also attracting fish. The boats are proving very popular at present as a lot of fish seem to be favouring the middle of the water. However plenty are also being taken round the banks with the dam area being a hotspot towards the end of the week.
The Fishery is now closing at 8.30pm
James Gallagher, Glasgow, 3 for 12lb 8oz including 2 browns bigger one at 8lb 3oz, J MacAskill, Glasgow, 3 for 11lb 12oz including 7lb 12oz Rainbow, Raymond Baker, Paisley, 3 for 14lb including 7lb 10oz Blue and Willie Martin, Stirling, 5 for 16lb 4oz including a Blue. George Dobbie, Glasgow, 4 for 12lb including a Brown, Brian Smith, Cowie, 4 for 11lb 12oz including a Blue and a Brown, Andy Henderson, Glasgow, 4 for 11lb 12oz including a Blue and Gordon Brown, Helensburgh, 4 different varieties (rainbow, blue, brown and gold) for 10lb. Bill Mouat, 8 for 19lb 8oz including 3 Browns and 2 Blues, Ricky Goodwin, Larbert, 3 for 10lb including a Blue, Iain MacDonald, Stirling,3 for 9lb 4oz including a Brown and a Blue and Gavin Hosie, 3 for 9lb 4oz. George Smith, Stirling, 2 for 8lb 8oz including a Blue.

9. LOCH LEVEN (Kinross) The stormy weather came back to haunt us this past weekend Saturday saw some pretty wicked conditions whipped up, the hardy anglers who went on the loch had their work cut out just finding some comfortable areas to fish! Sunday was better and a few fish were caught, but it was very “hard work”. When conditions did calm down especially in the last two hours of daylight, fish could be found near the surface and feeding. On Thursday evening Brian Hubbocks and a friend had two lovely fish – one at 3lb 10oz and the other at 3lb 14oz, other fish were contacted on their drift along the South shore of St Serfs, very close in.
Small Sparklers mainly black and silver, Silver Invicta, Kate McLaren and Bibio are the best of the flies reported. St Serfs and Sluices are best of the East end drifts, with Green Isle to Old Manse Bay on the south shore all worth a try.
The water clarity at 1.2 metres is courtesy of a prolific green algae bloom and strong winds, mainly from the North East. Temperature dropping slowly to 14.8°C – a sign autumn is approaching. The geese will arrive in numbers in a few weeks time, confirming the onset of autumn.
As the season enters its final week’s fish will start to seek closer to the shore. Therefore, shoreline drifts are well worth a try, especially the windward shore where food should appear and be available, lying in wait in the well oxygenated water.

2nd September 08

LOCH LEVEN

This past weekend saw good fishing conditions and the fish responded - not too easy to catch but fish were to be seen on the surface on both Saturday and Sunday. Smaller fish have made and an appearance in numbers, one boat on Saturday returned 10 fish between ten and fourteen inches - the two anglers kept three fish for breakfast! A fish of 3lbs 6ozs was weighed in on Sunday, so the big fish are still about!

Open water, east of reed Bower, Carden Point, Willows at St Serfs and out from the sluices are the best drifts. Various methods have been working, dries worked for a bit on Saturday but sub surface tactics are probably the most successful method overall. The Kate McLaren still gets mentioned the most, also Claret Snatcher, Pearly Invicta, Bibio and Buzzers are all worth a try.

The water clarity is patchy but it is 1.6 metres in most of the loch. The North Deeps were a bit green at the weekend but fish were seen and caught in that area. The water temperature just on 16º C and the weed beds are much the same as last week. Fry are still making an appearance, and some very big fish have been spotted chasing through the shoals of fry. Corixa are now quite abundant – worth watching the edges of the weed beds where fish should be feeding on them.

1st September 08

1. BUTTERSTONE (Dunkeld) Yet again Butterstone, like most others, has had mixed weather conditions making the fishing interesting. The fish have moved up in the water and the recommended line choice now is floating line or midge tips although a slow intermediate is still a good bet. Fly choice remains very similar with small dark traditional wets like the Bibio, Connemara Black and the Black Pennell doing best but the small dark Snatchers, Diawl Bach’s and Buzzers have started to feature once more. Also working to good effect are mini lures the likes of the White Cat and Cormorants. Water temperature is now a warm 17’C.
The recommended areas are now Buoys Bay towards the harbour just inside the 2M shelf also from Nether Cardney cottage to three trees is now producing good returns as the fish are hugging tight into the margins in that area. Top Bay is also a good bet for taking a couple of fish, but they are a little spooky to say the least. The average of fish at the moment is just over the 2ln 8oz mark with fish anything up to 5 lbs regularly being weighed in and also included in the catches are some fantastically hard fighting Blues, One or two Brownies are being weighed in averaging around 1lb 4oz mark but most are being returned.
Ian and Alex yet again had a good day weighing in 10 fish for 22lb 4oz and returning a further 6, Messrs. Eadie and Campbell also had a reasonable day returning 10 safely back to the loch and, S Malcolm managed 5 for 12 lbs and J McTurk had 4 for 9lb 6oz, On the club front Stanley AC managed 33 fish for 83lb 6oz for 7 boats, Rowbank Ac weighed in 35 fish for 74lbs for 10 boats, Newmarket AC 8 fish for 21lb11oz for 3 boats.
Conditions for this week are predominantly heavy showers with a few bright spells mixed in wind conditions are low but changing direction throughout the week temperatures are mid teens.

2. COYLE WATER (Ayrshire) A great week for the Fly Pond with some fantastic hatches and fish rising and taking from the surface readily for most of the day. Late afternoons saw the fish feeding vigorously just sub surface, so floating lines have been best tactics over the past week. Davy Campbell kept 1 fish and released 5, Martin Brittan 6 fish for 18lbs, John McTear released 5 during an evening session and Hugh Munro had 9. Kevin Andrews 8, Mr. Harly 4 fish for 9lbs 2oz and released several more, Mr. Young 4 for 9lbs and released 1, Davy Dick has released just short of double figures this week, Harry Barclay took 1 for 3lbs and released 5 and his friend Billy McGartland also took 1 for 3lb and released 5. Best flies over the past week have been a variety of dry flies, Partridge CDC in particular, Grey Hare’s Ear Shuttlecocks and grey Spinners during the hatches. The Yellow Owl has taken fish consistently and subsurface the Grey Goose, Crunchers and Diawl Bachs have also done well. There are still a couple of places left for next Sunday’s Competition so please call the fishery to be sure of a place.
The Bait Pond continues to fish really well with virtually all anglers taking full bags. The Burnbank Club visited with 11 members all taking 2 fish tickets and left after their morning visit with 22 fish between them for a total weight of 38lbs. Mr. Steele 4 fish for 9lbs, Mr. Bingham 5 for 7lbs 9oz, Boyle and Wallace 4 for 6lbs and Messrs and Johnstone and McMillan 5 apiece for 8lbs 8oz and 8lbs 12oz respectively. The Goldies are proving to be really popular with all on the bait pond, power bait and maggots have worked best and fishing has been equally good with the bubble float or fished on the bottom ledger style.
3. FRANDY (Gleneagles) S Dunlop from Coatbridge kept 7 fish weighing a total of 18lb 8oz, K MacMillan (Perth) 3 fish for 8lb 4oz, J Hooper (Kinross) 4 fish for 10lb 8oz, A Hawthorne (Inverkeithing) 2 fish for 5lb and released a further 3 and G Grattan (Kincardine) 2 fish for 5lb and released 3. R Baird (Menstrie) kept 2 fish weighing a total of 4lb 8oz, R Westwater ( Glasgow) 2 fish 4lb 8oz and released 6, H Fulton (Menstrie) 2 fish for 5lb, Mr Dunlop (Airdrie) 3 fish for 7lb 8oz, I Guthrie (Glenrothes) 4 fish for 12lb and Mr Findlay (Auchterarder) kept 3 fish weighing a total of 8lb 8oz.
On the angling club front Strathclyde Police A/C kept 41 fish weighing a total of 99lb 15oz and released a further 8, Phoenix A/C 14 fish for of 32lb 9oz, Seafield A/C 17 fish for 45lb – heaviest 5lb 8oz and Bank of Scotland A/C 41 fish for 105lb 5oz – heaviest fish 5lb 12oz. Kinross Ex-Servicemen’s A/C kept 5 fish weighing a total of 12lb 4oz, Neptune A/C 3 fish for 7lb 10oz and the Shell Mossmorran A/C kept 18 fish weighing a total of 46lb.
The best taking flies at present are the Bibio, Bibio Hopper, CDC Hoppers, Ace of Spades and various Snatchers and all areas of the loch are fishing well.

4. FORBES OF KINGENNIE (Broughty Ferry) LATE REPORT TO FOLLOW

5. MARKLE (East Lothian) The top basket last week was a brace weighing 17lbs – best 9lbs on the dry fly by Jim Paterson from Dunbar, Paul Rae from Hawick had a brace of browns (both returned) for 8lbs – best 4lbs 8oz taken on a Wickham’s Glory and Jack Hay, Haddington, used a dry to catch and safely release a brown of 7lbs. A Robb caught 3 for 11lbs 8oz on an Orange Blob, Alec Bowler used a Montana to take 3 for 12lbs, W Mitchell took 3 for 10lbs and Jimmy Kerr from Haddington used a Yellow Fritz to bag 3 for 10lbs.

6. ORCHILL LOCH (Braco) £2,305 RAISED FOR STRATHCARRON HOSPICE CHARITY. Elizabeth at the fishery would like to thank all the anglers who helped in many ways to raise the £2,305 for Strathcarron - it is down to your kindness and generosity. Margaret Wilson's tablet made £630 of the total - Margaret deserves a very special thank you and for all the cakes she made for Sunday's fun fishing day.
The fun fishing day and raffle went very well with only a little rain falling at the wrong time. The competition was won by Allan Mitchell with 5 fish for 13lbs 12oz and second was Rab Mitchell with 4 fish for 13lbs 8oz. The heaviest fish trophy was shared by John Speedy and Bert Wicks with fish each weighing 5 lbs and in total 59 fish were caught for 153lbs 8oz.
Harry Graham from Glenrothes had 7 fish for 28lbs 4oz – best 8lbs 4oz on a Diawl Bach, Anne Orr, Tullibody, 3 fish 10lbs on a Black & Green Fritz, David Pitcaithly, Falkirk, 3 fish 11lbs on a Diawl Bach, G Knox, Bannockburn, 4 fish 9lbs 4oz on a Hopper and Jim McKenzie, Bannockburn 1fish at 5lbs on a Damsel. Wm. Turnbull from Tillicoultry used a Blood worm to take a nice brace weighing 8lbs 8oz, Iain Bayne, Dunblane, 2 fish 8lbs on Buzzers, Mary Anderson Law, 2 fish 5lbs 3oz on a Yellow Dancer and Rab Mitchell, Menstrie, 3 fish for 8lbs 8oz on a Connemara Black. K Hunter from Tullibody caught 4 fish for 12lbs and returned a 4lb brownie, Wm. McAleese, Falkirk, 5 fish 14lbs on a Muddler, John Ross, Banknock, 3 fish 8lbs on a Muddler and Henry Laurence, Glasgow, 3 fish 9lbs 8oz on Buzzers.

7. ORCHILL LOCH COARSE PONDS (Braco) Both waters have been fishing well with a wide variety of baits. A new announcement from the fishery states that ‘ As well as meat, boillies and nuts being banned we have now also banned bread as large pieces and crusts can choke the small fish and it is not good for them.’
Featuring amongst those who had the best catches last week were David House Snr, 3 fish - best 7lbs, David House Jnr. 2 fish – best 6lbs, Ewan Thorp 5 fish – best 6lbs and Brian Docherty a 42lbs mixed bag. Dave Richardson 32lbs mixed bag, Judith Richardson 10lbs, Tonny Laurieston had 56lb of carp best 6lb and 5 lbs on the Midton Lake and Greig Stokes from Bearsden had 36 lb of carp, rudd and crucians from the Midton Lake.
On Monday evening Tony Ball and Mike Slater, Preston Innovations, had a brilliant evening catching loads of fish on the Snake Lake on pellet and paste on the pole. John Whitelaw, Carstairs, had a bag of 36lbs 13oz, Tommy Laurieston, Cumbernauld, 17lbs 5oz Dareen Adams, Motherwell, 12lbs 10oz and David Olley, Balmoral, had his best day's fishing catching 130lbs of carp and tench from the Snake Lake. David Cooper, Crieff, had a 6lb golden orfe included in a good catch from the Snake Lake, David Campbell, Falkirk, had 20 carp from the Midton lake, Alistair Laurence, Dalgetty Bay had 70 lb of fish from the Midton lake and Neil Thayre, Perth had 70 lbs of mixed fish on the Snake lake in four hours today.

8. SWANSWATER (Stirling) There was some excellent top of the water sport at Swanswater this week with the fish moving on the surface and chasing a wide variety of dry flies, with Sedges, Daddies, Hoppers and Muddlers being the most popular. Buzzers and traditional wet flies, fished just under the surface were also giving good results. The biggest Brown and the biggest Blue of the year to date were both landed this week, along with one double figure Rainbow and several cracking Blues in the 6lb to 8lb range. The changeable weather continues to confuse the fish at times, with the best periods for catching being the calm spells on breezy days and the breezy spells on the calm days!
David Haggarty, Kirkintilloch, took the biggest fish of the week and the biggest Blue of the year so far, a superb specimen weighing 11lb 4oz - Ronnie Loos, Stirling, 2 for 13lb 4oz including 10lb 12oz Brown, the biggest of the season, and a Blue and Allan McLay, Plean, 10lb 1oz Rainbow. Gary Devine, Stirling, 7lb 12oz Blue, Peter Bryce, Alloa, 5 for 17lb 4oz including 3 Blues, biggest at 7lb 8oz, John Kirkwood, Glasgow, 3 for 11lb 12oz including 7lb 8oz Blue and 2 Browns and Davy Quinn, Dunfermline, 4 for 20lb including Blues at 7lb 4oz and 6lb 8oz and, on another visit, 4 Browns for 12lb. Rab Don, Plean, 3 for 14lb including 7lb Rainbow, Ronnie Codona, Glasgow, 2 for 9lb including 6lb 8oz Blue, Tom Morgan, Stirling, 5 for 14lb 8oz including a Blue and Danny Doherty, Denny, 5 for 14lb. Toby Mason, Cumbernauld, 4 for 12lb including a Blue, James Gallagher, Glasgow, 3 for 10lb including 2 Blues, Charles Devine, Stirling, 3 Browns for 7lb 8oz and Matthew Fulton, Greenock, 2 for 6lb 12oz including a Blue.