Notices & Reports
Linlithgow Loch Committee has reached agreement that a trial period of pike fishing will start on the Loch beginning Friday, 1 June 2018. This will be boat fishing only and will apply for midweek day or evening sessions and also to evening sessions on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This fishing will be by pike fly only and all pike must be returned safely to the water.
Cost with boat will be £20 per person. Bookings should be made to linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com or by phoning the Lodge on 01506 671753
Report by Graham Laurie 5 August 2018
Over the last two weeks we have had quite a few heavy rain showers and at least the loch level is starting to creep up. This is good because we are already starting to see the Canadian pond weed dying back and the water temperature is down to around eighteen degrees which is good for our fish. Due to the holiday season the fishing has been very quiet but the anglers who have been managing out have mostly been recording decent catches.
Sunday, 29th Jim Russel returned 13 fish on catch and release using sink tip and pearly cormorants.
Perth AC kept 25 fish for 70lbs plus six on catch and release mostly on floating lines and d/bachs G Heseltine and Trevor Gibson kept eight fish for 23lbs again on d/bachs. Two Penicuik anglers kept eight fish for 25lbs on boobies.
On Thursday, 2nd Mr Kelly had a nice limited of four fish for 10lbs on dabblers. Mr Ritchie also had four fish for 12lbs on buzzers. Messrs Dobbie and Paterson returned 12 fish again on d/bachs. Andy Lumsden had his limit of four for 12lbs as did Gibby Scott who also had four fish for 12lbs. Nigel Muckle returned eight on catch and release and Gavin Dunn had four also on catch and release. Largs and District AC didn’t have a great day but kept nine for 24lbs on the same day David Patterson returned six.
Bet flies are d/bachs and buzzers on midge tip or floating lines. We will be stocking next week as usual and the drop in water temperature will help to take some of he stress off the fish
To book phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com to ensure you are not disappointed.
Report by Graham Laurie 21 July 2018
As I write we are enjoying a shower of rain but I’m afraid it will take prolonged rain to get the loch to anywhere near its normal level. The weed is making it tricky to get out to the fishing water but once there most anglers are catching reasonable bags. Gavin Dunn reports taking fish on the western fringe of the weed so its good the fish are moving about again. Various buzzers are still the best flies but damsels and cormorants are also taking fish. The taking depth varies according to the weather but generally the fish are not lying as deep as they were a couple of weeks ago.
Some typical bags have included Mr Ramsay who kept two for 6lbs and six on catch and release. Mr Ramsay was using cormorants. Andy Vaughn from Bo’ness kept four fish for 11lbs on cats whisker. On the same day Mr Graham returned six on brown buzzers and Mr Fairgrieve returned seven on a bunny leech.
Friday, 13th Gavin Dunn and George Black returned 12 on catch and release on damsels. Robin Smith had eight and Jock Cowan also returned eight. Bothwells AC Blantyre kept 19 fish for 37lbs plus 13 on catch and release. Dundee Eastend with three boats kept 13 for 32lbs plus three on catch and release.
On Sunday, 15th Farmers Assocation kept 29 for 72lbs plus three on catch and release. Best flies were Ally McCoist and brown buzzers. Gary Hesletime and Trevor Gibson had a full day limited of 10 fish for 26lbs plus six returned. All on brown or black buzzers.
Monday to Thursday last week was pretty quiet but the anglers who did go out mostly did well. Mr Lambert returned eight fish on black buzzers and Oliver Sneddon had six on d/bachs. Mr Stewart returned 15 all on black buzzers.
Friday, 20th saw our usual Friday anglers out all of whom had fish. The best boat was Mr Mackay and partner who kept a limit bag of six fish for 16lbs. Mostly on the booby.
On Saturday we had Thack AC out with five boats and they managed 19 fish on catch and release. We have a good head of fish in the loch but we will do a stocking next week to freshen things up.
To book phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com to ensure you are not disappointed.
Report by Graham Laurie 7 July 2018
The heatwave continues. This, along with the start of the traditional Scottish holidays means that angling activity on the loch is, for the moment, fairly quiet. The water clarity is very good but it has to be said that the Canadian pond wood is a bit of a nuisance. The one large clear area is the thirty to forty acres of deep water that we call “the hole” which goes down to around fifty feet. Almost all the trout in the loch are concentrated into this cooler area. The best way to target these fish is with buzzers sunk all the way down and fished back up. The fish have been taking at twenty to thirty fee down. Be ready for savage takes.
Last weekend Heriots AC returned 28 fish on catch and release. Regular Edinburgh pair Trevor Gibson and Gary Hesletine had a nice full day limit of 10 fish for 27lbs all on brown buzzers. Ferry Fly Fishers with five boats kept 30 fish for 75lbs plus 21 on catch and release.
Gary Hesletine was out again on Monday and again had a full day limit of five fish for 15lbs. He also returned fish but the amount wasn’t recorded.
David Paterson from Grangemouth had nine fish on catch and release and Mr Anderson had 10.
Jock Cowan gave into the heat at lunchtime on Tuesday but not before keeping two fish for 6lbs and returning eight on catch and release.
Friday, 6th was pretty quiet but the boats yjay did venture out did quite well. The best being Messrs Dobbie and Paterson who returned 20 fish all on buzzers and blood worm. Again in the deep water. Gavin Dunn managed six on buzzers. Robin Smith and Bill Simpson returned eight fish for 25lbs also on buzzers.
On Saturday, we had only eight boats out instead of the usual twenty. However these boats caught 61 trout 37 of which were kept and the rest returned. Once more the favourite fly was the brown buzzer. Top outfit was Last Cast AC from Mid Calder whose two boats kept a limit of 16 fish for 43lbs plus 17 returned.
The continuing hot weather will make stoking next week a wee bit tricky but our experienced guys will manage.
During the holiday period we will be publishing our reports fortnightly instead of weekly. To book phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com to ensure you are not disappointed.
Report by Ricky Wilson 1 July 2018
The weed growth, while limiting the fishable areas of the loch, has not affected the sport and the water is crystal clear.
With the exception of Ian Dobbie and Jimmy Russell who caught 12 on buzzers on Tuesday the few anglers who were out struggled to catch in the bright conditions. On Thursday evening North Berwick AC with five boats including a father and son ticket managed to catch 16 trout – eight of which weighing 27½lbs were kept.
On Friday he overcast conditions appeared to encourage the fish and a number of anglers to include Ian McDougall, Nigel Muckle, Trevor Gibson and Ian Dobbie’s boats caught and released a total of 45 trout. Most of those fish were caught using either buzzers, green bloodworm or a cat bug while the lure fishermen were catching on a humongous.
On the Saturday George Peline caught 17 fish using bloodworms and buzzers.
The holiday month is a quiet period on the loch and boats are available for most sessions. To book phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com to ensure you are not disappointed
Report by Graham Laurie 23 June 2018
The loch is fishing well for the time of year. Water clarity is very good. The Summer weed is up in some areas but this is no bad thing. The weed takes a lot of nutrients from the water which would otherwise nurture the algae. Also quality fish are to be found around the fringes of the weed. Our regular anglers target these fish with buzzers and corixa on a floating line. The majority of fish are however in the deeper water and buzzers (black) are the favourite flies at the moment.
Sunday, 17th we had Rainbow Warriors out with three boats keeping 13 fish for 43lbs. The Saturday AC also with three boats kept 11 fish for 44lbs and Mr Sneddon on a catch and release ticket returned seven fish all on black buzzer.
On Wednesday Messrs Dobbie and Russel returned 12 fish all on black and silver buzzers and Mr Stewart returned 15 fish again on buzzers. Evening pike angler Mr Sutherland returned a fit pike of around 7lbs and also reported a fish in excess of 20lbs following right up to the boat but failing to take the fly. As pike are now part of our game fishing set up we respectfully ask that all pike should be carefully returned to the water.
Friday, 22nd was a bright sunny day with a northerly breeze – not the best conditions – however most anglers did quite well. Gavin Dunn and Geordie Black returned 14 fish mostly on buzzers and damsels. Andy Lumsden with two boats kept 10 fish for 28lbs on buzzers. Falkirk FC with four boats kept 18 fish for 45lbs. Nigel Muckle had a quiet day for him returning six fish on blobs. Ian Dobbie had a busy session returning 30 fish on buzzers and /bachs – fished behind a FAB.
Willie Paton and partner kept a nice limit of eight fish for 22lbs – mostly on damsels and midge tip line.
On Saturday Butcher Boy AC kept 35 fish for 78lbs while ABC & D AC on an evening session caught 15 trout for 40lbs. Mr King had five on catch and release that same evening. The Sunday day session saw Railway Inn land 10 fish for 27lbs.
Boats are available for all sessions next week. Phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com
Report by Ricky Wilson 17 June 2018
The weekly stocking policy has built up a fair head of fish in the water and although not a lot of fish are being seen on the surface anglers are reaping the benefits.
Bright conditions at the beginning of this week did not prevent Ian Dobbie from catching 12 fish on size 14 /16 black crunchers.Other anglers were catching on dry flies and black buzzers. Stewart had 7 fish on Wednesday fishing a red and black buzzer on a bung while Jimmy Russell caught 6 using similar tactics but with a black and silver buzzer.
Windy conditions on Thursday caused the cancellation of fishing but on Friday Glasgow University AC caught 15 fish for 43lb 8oz ; Gavin Dunn on a C/R ticket managed 7 fish on an orange blob and a damsel and Ian Dobbie had 11 on a halo fab and diawl bachs. on Saturday Wiremill AC caught 33 fish for 89lband released a further 4 while Cowdenbeath AC with 5 boats managed 24 fish for 66lb.
The loch was closed on Tuesday for Linlithgow Marches but there are day and evening boat sessions available for every other day including Saturday (2 boats) and Sunday (1 boat) if you are quick enough.
Report by Graham Laurie 10 June 2018
I can’t help noticing that even during this warm dry spell few anglers are fishing the deep water. During the many years I fished the loch I learned that, in June, during a warm spell a lot of fish moved into the hole. We targeted these fish with fast sink lines and a tram of buzzers. A small gold head on the point and three buzzers spaced out above it allow the cast to sink right down to forty or fifty feet and slowly figure of eight with the odd wee pull back to the surface. Watch out for fierce takes. Some guys on a kill ticket would no doubt prefer to fish boobies.
The water clarity is very good and although we have some weed appearing it is not a problem
Last Sunday we were pretty quiet but loch regulars Priory AC with three boats had an excellent session keeping 20 fish for 67lbs and returning a further 38 on catch and release. Mr Padgett and partner returned 13 fish mostly on blobs and Mr Blackie and partner returned 12 on Sedgehogs. Doc Boyle returned five fish on buzzers and Trevor Gibson on a full day ticket kept five for 15lbs plus five on catch and release, also on buzzers.
Friday, 8th most anglers did pretty well. Gavin Dunn and partner returned 15 on catch and release. Robin Smith and Bill Simpson returned 11. Ian Dobbie returned 30 fish to his own rod using crunchers and d/bachs and I reported a lot of fish around 5lbs. The fish are feeding on migrating snails. Jock Cowan fished away quietly for nine fish on catch and release. Once again we have the angler known only as Tam in the book returned his limit of four fish for 12lbs.
The thundery weather on Saturday must have upset the fish a bit but despite this some good catches were made. Grangemouth AC did well keeping 18 fish for 47lbs and returned 15 on catch and release. Gilmerton AC with seven boats kept 23 fish for 71lbs and three returned. Wellington AC with five boats fished catch and release and returned 38 fish. Best flies on the day were black crunchers and black d/bachs.
We are now allowing pike fly fishing but the weather has been a bit bright for pike fishing. We will report on results as the season goes in.
A few boats are available for day and evening sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Either phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com
Report by Graham Laurie 2 June 2018
Just back from holiday and I am delighted to see that the water has at last cleared after the winter silt. This showed up in Friday’s catches and the fact that it was a dull day also helped most anglers were fishing either blobs or buzzers with most fish being taken on the buzzer.
Gavin Dunn and George Black returned 18 fish mostly on brown buzzers. Georgie Black reported fish in the 4lbs – 5lbs range. Andy Lumsden kept three fish for 10lbs. Robin Smith and Bill Simpson returned 11 fish all on buzzers. Nigel Muckle fishing crunchers in fairly deep water returned 20 fish to his own rod. Local man Lindsay Neary and his boat partner were pleased with their days sport returning 15 fish all on buzzers on the edge of the hole. Another angler named only in the book as Tam had a nice limit of four for 12lbs.
On Saturday most boats did well. Regular angler George Pelive returned 20 fish to his own rod. George was fishing black buzzers. IBM AC with four boats kept 25 fish for 86lbs and released a further 26. Buzzers and d/bachs were best flies.
Town Hill AC from Dunfermline with 17 boats kept 45 fish for 124lbs plus 35 returned. Jock Cowan returned seven on catch and release fishing buzzers under a bung. Gulls Nest AC with three boats kept 21 fish for 60lbs and returned 14 on catch release.
The majority of fish being caught are over 3lbs in weight and takes are pretty fierce. We recommend that anglers use nothing less than 8lbs leader material.
There are two boats left for day sessions for Saturday and four boats for Sunday if you are quick enough. Either phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com
Report by Graham Laurie 20 May 2018
A person or persons unknown have been circulating a nasty rumour that human excrement has been seen floating about on the loch and also that the discolouration of the water is the result of a brown algal bloom. We asked SEPA to have a look and they came out very promptly and just as promptly let us know that there were no toxins or algae in the loch. Nobody would find any signs of human waste. Every year about this time the thin crust of decayed weed which has settled on the bottom during the Winter is forced up by the new Seasons weed growth and floats up to the surface – this looks a wee bit unsightly – I suppose with a bit of imagination it could look like raw sewage. The colour in the water is simply the result of hundreds of tons of silt being washed in over the winter. It just hasn’t settled down yet. The very low water level isn’t helping but the Peel Warden has the sluice closed down as far as possible so all we can do is wait for a bit of rain.
Our regular Friday anglers mostly did well. Andy Lumsden kept five fish for 15lbs and Robin Smith returned six on catch and release. Falkirk Municipal with four boats kept 13 fish for 36lbs and four returned. Best flies were buzzers under FAB. Willie Paton and partner had a good day with an eight fish limit for 21lbs. Mr Johnston and partner also kept eight fish for 23lbs. Trevor Gibson, on a full day ticket, fishing his favourite buzzers kept five fish for 14lbs and returned a further 14. Jim Russel also fishing buzzers returned a dozen on catch and release. Doc Boyle returned four on catch and release.
On Saturday, Thack AC caught 40 good quality rainbows on a catch and release basis. Hedgehogs with two boats kept seven trout for 18lbs 11 oz and released a further three fish.
Day session boats for next weekend are all booked but there are opportunities to fish during the week and every evening.
Either phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com
Report by Graham Laurie 13 May 2018
Over the last week the fishing has been a bit tricky despite a large head of fish in the loch. Our anglers have been having to work hard to find pods of feeding trout. We put this down to adverse weather and fluctuating atmospheric pressures. Some days we are experiencing several complete changes in wind direction, not only is this putting the fish down it is also keeping the silt stirred up which upsets the clarity of the water. The forecast is for amore settled spell – bring it on.
Despite all this fish have been getting caught. Western AC kept seven fish for 19lbs and return 13 on catch and release.
Falkirk Fly Dressers kept 23 for 62lbs plus four returned. ABC & D Club kept 20 for 63lbs and six returned. Tom Smith returned eight on catch and release.
Edinburgh PO returned 18 on catch and release mostly on buzzers. On the same day Craig Cowan returned a rainbow of around 8lbs and another around 5lbs. Craig was fishing cormorants. Balbeggie AC were out on Friday evening and despite very unseasonal conditions – cold blustery winds – they managed 11 fish for 29lbs.
Weather wise Saturday, 12th was a better day and the anglers fared fairly well. Grangemouth with two boats kept seven fish for 23lbs. Best fish 4lbs 8oz on a booby. Mr Blackey and partner inadvertently went over their limit keeping nine fish for 27lbs. Penicuik AC with three boats kept 13 fish for 36lbs and returned a further four on catch and release. Waders AC with two boats kept 12 fish for 33lbs.
Best flies are still cormorants and buzzers but quite a few anglers are fishing the booby due to the colour in the water.
Evening sessions have now started and we also have a few day boats available for weekends.
Either phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com
Report by Ricky Wilson 6 May 2018
Sunday, 29th April saw 37 anglers catch a total of 81 trout with an average weight of 2lb 12 oz. Weather conditions during the week showed an improvement and so did the catch ratio with pearly or silver cormorants proving to be most effective. On Saturday Falkirk Fly Dressers caught 24 fish for 65lb while ABC & D Angling Club had 20 trout for 63lb plus 6 fish which were returned to the water to fight another day. On the same day Tom Smith and two pals caught 12 fish on a catch and release basis.
With the improvement in the weather several boats are now venturing towards the east end of the Loch where several larger over-wintered fish have been caught. On Sunday 6th May one of those boats with Gavin Dunn and Jimmy Russel, fishing red buzzers, brought 5 good trout to the net before returning to the lodge for lunch.
Evening boats with fishing from approx 4.0pm till dusk, are now for hire and as we go to press there are some boats available for Saturday 12th May.
Report by Graham Laurie 29 April 2018
Over the last week the weather has been pretty variable but despite this catches have been quite good. Most anglers are still pulling lures but cormorants – mostly silver body – are taking a lot of fish as are buzzers held up by AFAB. Favourite lures include cats whiskers black cat, ace of spades and dancers both red and yellow.
Last weekend two anglers from hedgehogs AC had a nice kill limit of eight fish for 20lbs plus five on catch and release.
Dr Carboni had seven on catch and release and George Pelive had five. WL Fly Dressers with seven boats kept 44 fish for 105lbs plus 36 on catch and release. Ferranti AC with three boats kept 23 fish for 60lbs plus three on catch and release. Alexanders FFC with six boats kept 27 fish for 67lbs and Mr Sneddon had a good day on the bank returning eight fish.
On Sunday, Trevor Gibson and and partner kept six for 19lbs. St Mungo AC with five boats kept 15 fish for 33lbs plus six returned on the same day. Ferry Fly Fishers with five boats kept 25 fish for 66lbs and local man Colin Snedden on the bank returned 11 fish.
During the week Keith Anderson returned 18 fish on catch and release. Keith was fishing cormorants and buzzers. SPRA, who took 15 boats managed 46 fish for 120lbs plus a dozen on catch and release. On the same day Mr Fairlie returned seven on catch and release. On Thursday, Davy Paterson reports returning a superb overwintered rainbow in the 7lbs – 8lbs class. Also on Thursday Mr Maitland kept his four fish limit for 12lbs and Mr Abel returned five fish all on the old faithful ace of spades.
We had our usual good turnout on Friday. Loch regulars Nigel Muckle and his boat partner returned 12 on catch and release including fish of 4lbs – 5lbs and a spade tailed specimen of around 7lbs – 8lbs. Nigel favoured the black cat on the day. Messrs Dunn and Black returned eight fish mostly diawl bachs. Local man Lindsay Neary returned seven fishing black and green lures. Ian Dobbie returned 13 fish. Ian was fishing oliver buzzers at the top end of the loch. Mr S Fairlie and partner returned 14 on catch and release. Willie Paton and partner kept six fish for 16lbs on boobies.
The fish are well spread out over the loch and all areas are fishable with good water clarity. We continue to stock weekly.
Evening sessions have now started and we also have a few day boats available for weekends.
Either phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or e-mail linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com
Report by Graham Laurie 21 April 2018
I start this week’s report with an apology to Gavin Dunn. I said last week that Gavin had blanked when in fact he and his pal had 12 fish on catch and release which is not a bad days sport by any standards.
The loch has been very busy over the last week and best flies are still cormorants fished slowly and the buzzers are also starting to score. Best lures are yellow dancers and cats whiskers – also coral boobies. Though we remind anglers that boobies may not be used for catch and release. The fish are well spread out over the loch and a good percentage of over wintered fish were being caught last weekend. Hedge Hogs AC with two boats kept 13 for 36lbs and returned six on catch and release.
Gartcosh AC were out in force with 11 boats and had a good day keeping 49 fish for 130lbs and returning a further 25 on catch and release. Kenny Gray had eight on catch and release and Craig Cowan had nine. Mr O’Neill and partner had 14 on catch and release and John Walker had ten.
On Sunday, Jim Russel and partner returned 24 on catch and release mostly on cormorants. Rosyth AC kept 27 fish for 72lbs with the best fish 5½lbs. On the same day Dunfermline Rusty Nail AC kept 15 fish for 42lbs.
On Monday and Tuesday the loch was very quiet due to the weather but Dundee West End AC took seven boats out on Wednesday and found the fishing a bit tricky keeping 20 fish for 53lbs. Best fish was one at 4½lbs on a coral booby. Mr Hanniford had five on catch and release on a humongous and Mr Stewart also returned five.
We had the Scottish Police (West) out on Thursday and they worked hard for 56 fish for 144lbs. Best fish was a six pounder, if you don’t count a splendid pike or around 15lbs which was safely returned.
Friday was very bright with a North West wind. Not ideal conditions and all the boats struggled. Edinburgh Trout Anglers with four boats didn’t do too badly however, keeping 15 fish for 35lbs. Lochinch AC also had four boats and kept 17 fish for 41lbs plus six caught on catch and release.
The loch is well stocked and water conditions are very good. We continue to stock weekly.
There are a couple of boats available for Saturday, 28 April and Sunday, 29 April if you are quick enough.
Report by Graham Laurie 13 April 2018
Over the last week conditions did not improve. Cold easterly and north easterly winds loaded with rain continuously buffeted our anglers and made fishing very tricky indeed. The weekend boats all struggled a bit. On Saturday 7th Thack AC kept five fish for 15lbs and returned a further five on catch and release. Roslin AC kept nine for 26lbs.
Luggie Bank AC kept five for 17lbs and returned 12 on catch and release. George Peline returned eight on catch and release and Craig Cowan had five on the same day. Doug Skedd returned six from the bank on Sunday. Jim Russel and partner had 16 on catch and release on cormorants and midge tip line.
Ferry Fly Dressers kept eight for 22lbs.
Mr Morris with two boats kept 10 fish for 26lbs and one returned. Fife Club Gartmore kept 20 fish for 53lbs.
Alistair Goldie had 10 from the bank on catch and release and D Skedd had four. There were few boats out during the week due to the weather.
On Thursday Mr Kerr from Falkirk braved the elements and was rewarded with a nice four fish limit for 10lbs. Mr Kerr reported missing many offers. He was fishing bloodworm in black or red.
Friday was a much better day and most anglers did very well. Unfortunately, my friend Gavin Dunn blanked again but things will come good for him when he tries flies with hooks on them. Robin Smith and Bill Simpson returned six on catch and release.
Falkirk FC had a busy day with their four boats keeping 23 fish for 62lbs and returning a further 16 on catch and release.
North Berwick AC with five boats kept 27 fish for 69lbs plus 13 on catch and release. Bill Ramage and partner returned 20 on catch and release.
Nigel Muckle and partner returned 30 fish on various lures. Ian Dobbie returned 22 on catch and release. Ian was fishing D/Bachs and cormorants. What a difference the weather makes!
The fish are lying in the shallower areas of the Loch but are feeding near the bottom. Easily reached with a sink tip or floating line.
Report by Graham Laurie 7 April 2018
Last weekend the weather was slightly better and it showed in the catches.
On Saturday, 31 March Falkirk Fly Dressers with five boats kept 25 fish for 67lbs and returned two on catch and release.
George Peline from Glasgow returned nine on catch and release.
Last Cast AC with three boats kept nine fish for 25lbs and Seafield AC with four boats kept 16 fish for 49lbs. Best was a grown on Rainbow of 6½lbs,.
On Sunday Aberdour AC with seven boats kept 31 fish for 79lbs. Earlston AC with six boats had a limit catch of 48 fish for 136lbs, mostly on cormorants. Mr Wilkinson and partner also had a limit catch of eight fish for 23lbs, also on cormorants.
On Monday the weather was back to bitter wind and rain and only the Scotsman Pensioners braved it out with one boat instead of their usual three. The old boys did very well to manage their limit of two fish each plus two on catch and release. Mr Campbell on the bank worked hard for a fine brace on catch and release.
Due to the foul weather no boats went out on Tuesday or Wednesday.
On Thursday Messrs Russel and Dobbie went out and had a good session on pearly cormorants in the relatively shallow water of the West Bay. The guys were on catch and release and returned fish of 4lb - 5lb and one stonker of around 8lbs. All of their fish were over wintered. On the same day Mr Nelson returned six on catch and release. Best fish was around 5lbs; using blood worm.
The Friday boats - mostly did well. Best boat was Nigel Muckle and partner who returned 16 fish on cormorants and various lures. Robin Smith and Bill Simpson returned 12, again on cormorants.
Water clarity is very good and we continue to stock weekly.
The fish are not lying deep and are well spread out over the Loch.
We have just received information about a cormorant having to be put down by the SSPCA after being hooked on a poachers et line which had been tied to a tree. We ask our anglers, particularly the regular bank fishers to watch out for SRT lines. If you find one please remove it from the water and report it to the boatman. This will help us to keep on top of any poaching problem. We will also step up our regular inspections of the water.
A few boats are still available for this weekend.
Report by Graham Laurie 31 March 2018
The weather gods are certainly not on the side of the anglers at the moment. The cold blustery winds are constantly veering from West to East most days going round by the North. Neither anglers or fish have been able to settle into any sort of a routine since the start of the Season. However some anglers are managing to get fish but are having to work pretty hard for them. Most of the guys are having to pull lures with black and green or yellow dancers and blobs being favourite. Best lines are sink tip (either midge or ghost tip) and intermediates as the fish are not lying deep. Best areas are Peel Bay and Hatchery Bay and anywhere along the North bank but this of course depends on which direction the wind decides to blow from.
Our regular bank anglers are starting to appear again and are mostly taking some quality fish on mini lures and cormorants. The bank ticket is very good value and well worth a try for anyone fit enough to wade. On Saturday, 24th which was another testing day, Grangemouth AC with two boats had four fish for 13lbs. Falkirk Municipal with three boats had 10 for 29lbs. Priory AC with five boats had 19 for 55lbs and Cowdenbeath's five boats kept 16 for 42lbs and returned five on catch and release.
On Sunday J Russel and partner kept five for 15lbs. Catch 22 kept 12 for 38lbs. Hedge Hogs AC with two boats kept nine for 22lbs and returned two on catch and release, mostly on cormorants.
Dunfermline Artisan with six boats kept 15 for 38lkbs and Edinburgh PO returned 28 fish on catch and release mostly on black and green lures.
Mr Kerr had a fine brace of fish for 8½lbs. Best fish was a perfect grown rainbow of 5lbs.
The loch was quiet during the week but Messrs Stewart and Sinclair had a good session on Tuesday returning 11 fish on catch and release, all on yellow dancers.
Mr Fyuie had three for 9lb on a tequila blob. Also on Tuesday a beautiful brown was returned. It was around 4lbs in weight.
The Friday boats mostly came in early due to the weather. Gavin Dunn returned four as did Nigel Muckle but Ryan Craig from Falkirk had a better day returning 12 fish on catch and release. Ryan was fishing a black lure on midge tip., Ian Dobbie also returned four fish. The weather has to improve some time. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.
Report by Graham Laurie 25 March 2018
The cold blustery weather continued well into the week. One of the few anglers to venture out on Monday was Mr Graham' who was rewarded with a fine brace of fish for 8lbs -- best one 5lbs. These were caught on a Green Lure.
On Tuesday Messrs Ramsay and Gillies returned seven on catch and release. On the same day Mr J McDougal had a nice 5lb fish on an Ally McCoist on a slow sink line. Also on Tuesday Mr Paton and partner kept seven fish for 24lbs. Messrs Russel and Dunn returned seven on catch and release. Most of those were our over wintered fish in the 4 - 5 lbs range. The catch was made on pearly Cormorants and midge tip lines. Messrs Dobbie and Paterson returned eight on catch and release, again on cormorants.
Wednesday was another wild day but a couple of clubs went out. BP AC with four boats had a poor day managing seven fish for 20lbs. Scottish Fire and Rescue with six boats did a bit better keeping 29 fish for 88lbs. These were mostly caught on black and green lures and cormorants with intermediate lines.
Friday brought more wind so once again the anglers had to work very hard for their fish. Robin Smith and Bill Simpson returned ten fish on catch and release. Falkirk FC with four boats had a good session keeping 14 fish for 48lbs. This included fish of 5lb and 7lb. Mr Muckle and partner had 12 fish on catch and release on coral tadpoles. Andy Gillespie had a nice brace for 5lb on a black and green lure. Ian Dobbie was out with Jim Russel and they returned 20 on catch and release on crunchers and cormorants. The guys were concentrating on Peel Bay.
Because of the windy conditions, pulling lures, is at the moment the best chance of taking fish. It is impossible to fish static nymphs or buzzers when the boat is swinging about. Everybody has their own favourite lures but you can't go far wrong at this time of year with black and green. The fish are lying in the shallower areas so a sink tip or intermediate line in adequate.
Note that there are a few weekend boats available. Please contact The Lodge on 01506 671753.
Report by Graham Laurie 18 March 2018
The Loch opened for the new season on Thursday, 15 March. I have to say I have the greatest admiration for the stalwart anglers who braved the elements on opening day. A bitter east wind loaded with rain did not make for good fishing. Despite this some anglers managed to connect with fish. The top boat was manned by Messrs Bell and McBride who kept six over wintered fish for 24 lbs and returned two on catch and release. The guys were fishing black and green lures on midge tip lines in the Peel Bay.
Jim Frew had a superb grown on fish of 6 lb on a Minkie. Mr McDougall from Haddington managed two for 8 lbs as did Trevor Gibson from Edinburgh. OAP's Mr Elgie and his boat partner kept three fine fish for 12 lbs and also caught on catch and release. Various other anglers caught fish on catch and release but no large catches were recorded.
Friday brought an improvement in the weather but only four boats ventured out. Gavin Dunn and Bill Simpson did well to return eight fish on catch and release, including several fish in the 4 - 6 lbs range. All were fully finned with perfect tails and were taken on a variety of blobs. Ken Wood and partner also had a good day keeping seven fish for 24 lbs.
Saturday was another wild day. Herriots FPAC went out with five boats, mostly on catch and release. However, no record of the catch other than one angler taking a fish of around 6 lbs was recorded. Falkirk Fly Dressers did well, as usual, with their five boats keeping thirty three fish for 92 lbs plus returning seven good fish. Their best fish was a grown on Rainbow of 5lbs. Bank of Scotland AC had a poor day recording five fish for 15 lbs.
Weather wise we could not have had a much worse start to the season. Let's hope it settles down soon.
Report by Graham Laurie 28 February 2018
We are now only 15 days away from the start of the new season. The guys have been busy repairing boats where necessary and giving them a general tidy up. The loch itself is in very good fettle. It is showing a wee bit of colour due to the high winds stirring up the silt but this will clear away in the fullness of time. I did my usual survey of the cormorants throughout the close season and can report much less predation of trout than usual. For most of the time the scarts seemed to be feeding heavily on the large shoals of young braise (roach). This of course is good for the trout but not so good for the roach.
We expect a good head of over wintered trout to supplement our usual stockings of high quality rainbows which will be going in shortly. Our regular anglers will have their own ideas about how to tackle up for the start but I suspect that along with midge tip lines black patterns will be favourite.
For advance bookings we now ask our anglers to phone 01506 671753 (9 am to 4 pm) or by e-mail: linlithgowlochlodge@hotmail.com
Report by Graham Laurie 7th October 2017.
The loch is now back to normal. Clarity is very good and except for a few patches in Peel Bay, there is no problem with the weed. Our anglers are favouring fry patterns like humongous, Pearly Cormorants and Minkies. Last Saturday (30th), Grangemouth AC with four boats kept 16 fish for 48lbs plus 5 on C & R. Paisley Patterns with four boats kept 30 for 98lbs and returned 25 on C & R on the same day Alastair Golding returned 10 on C & R.
The Sunday boats did not do badly with Aberdour AC keeping 17 fish for 50lbs plus 3 on Catch and Release. Best flies were cormorants. Jim Russel and his partner kept 10 fish for 32lbs plus 7 on C & R. Best flies’ black lures on a midge tip. Pentcaitland AC kept 16 fish for 55lbs – best flies – boobies and yellow dancer.
There was little angling activity during the week due to the weather but the Friday boats did very well in the clearer water. Gavin Dunn and his partner had 10 for 29lbs plus 9 on C & R. Robin Smith and his partner returned 25 on C & R. Mr Muckle returned 12 on C & R, as did Trevor Gibson along with his kill limit of 5 for 15lbs. T Graham returned 16 fish and Ian Dobbie and David Paterson returned 42 on C & R. Best flies were minkies.
At this time of the season the margins at the top end of the loch (east end) always hold large grown on Rainbows. Anyone willing to do a bit of prospecting, especially along and close to the North bank should get some exciting sport
E & O E
For Bookings, for the current (2017) season, please contact the lodge direct on 01506 671 753 (9am to 4pm)
For more information / enquiries please visit our website
www.fafa-linlithgowloch.org.uk
ADVANCE Bookings for 2018 – please email
Linlithgow Loch report by G Laurie 26th March 2017
Due to the foul weather the loch has been very lightly fished at the beginning of the weak. No anglers braved the elements on Monday 20th but Tuesday saw the BP AC out with five boats and they did well considering the conditions. They kept 27 fish for 77lbs. On Wednesday Mr Stewart and his partner kept 7 for 22lbs. The only other angler out was George MacKintosh who blanked. No anglers out on Thursday, but Friday was a much better day and the boats were out. Scottish Fire and Rescue AC had a good day and kept 53 for 174lbs. This included a new record Brown Trout of Eleven Pounds. Unfortunately, we do not have the anglers name or what the fish was taken on. This fish beats the old record by 1 ½ lbs – well done. The top boat for the day was Ian Dobbie and David Paterson from Larbert. They returned 38 on C & R. Ian reported about half a dozen over wintered fish in the 5 – 6 lb range. Most fish were taken on cormorants and fabs. The guys were fishing in the Peel and Hatchery bays. On the same day Nigel Muckle returned 15 on C & R; Falkirk FC with three boats kept 20 for 54lbs plus 4 returned – best fish was a 5lb Rainbow and best fly was a hothead damsel; Andy Lumsden and his partner had a fine kill limit of 10 for 27lbs.
I realise I did not put in catches for Sunday 19th – Herriot AC with 4 boats on C & R returned 31 fish and the best flies were candy cat-dabbler and orange blob on fast glass lines. Craig Cowan and his partner fished the top end and returned 17 on C & R – best flies were black and green rabbit and damsel rabbit on fast glass lines. Falkirk Municipal AC with 7 boats had 24 for 58lbs including two over 5lbs.
Full house again on Saturday. Grangemouth AC with 4 boats kept 22 for 67lbs – George MacKintosh did a bit better with 5. George Peline returned 10 on C & R; Cowdenbeath AC with 4 boats kept 16 for 46lbs; Craig Cowan returned 20 on C & R; Seafield AC with 4 boats, kept 24 fish for 59lbs; Priory AC with 5 boats kept 23 60lbs and returned 2. Best flies appear to be rabbits, damsels and cormorants and best lines slow and fast glass
E & O E
For more information, please see our website www.fafa-linlithgowloch.org.uk.
For Bookings, please contact the lodge direct on 01506 671 753 (9am to 4pm)
Linlithgow Loch report by G Laurie 20th March 2017
Weather wise the loch did not get off to a quiet start. Blustery winds and heavy rain gave our intrepid anglers a pretty uncomfortable time over the first couple of days. A lot of fish were caught, some were kept and a fair number were released. As usual at this time of the year the best lures were the various black and green combinations – orange blobs and cats whiskers. Of the smaller flies the cormorants were the best bet. Most of the fish were caught in town bay – from Sam’s Dyke along to Gasworks Bay. Four boats have tried the top end of the loch. This will change when the regular weekend anglers come out to play. We should then hear of some big over wintered fish being taken. A fair amount of Bank Anglers have been out and we know that fish were caught.
WE RESPECTFULLY REMIND ALL BANK ANGLERS TO HAND IN ACCURATE CATCH DETAILS AT THE END OF YOUR SESSION. We need this to enable us to maintain accurate records
– you can phone in to the lodge – 01506 671 753 or use the web form on our website.
Some examples of catches are – on Opening day Gavin Dunn and Geordie Black kept eight fish for 23lbs, mostly on blobs and minkies; Richard Sneddon had a nice kill limit of five for 14lbs; Andy McAlpine and his partner kept eight for 24lbs and George Peline and his partner kept 10 for 30lbs – most on pearly cormorants. Also with 10 for 30lbs were Jim Russel and partner who were also fishing cormorants and blobs. On Thursday Mike Elgie had 10 for 26lbs but best boat was Chris Dawson and partner with 10 for 29lbs. George MacKintosh and his partner from Laurieston had a nice bag of 6 for 18lbs, - . including a perfect overwintered fish of 4 ½ lbs Nigel Muckle and his partner they returned 19 on Catch & Release. Nigel was out again on Friday, this time with his brother and returned 21. On Saturday Falkirk Fly Dressers had a good day – keeping 52 for 140lbs and returning 5; The Bridge Inn kept 9 for 25lbs including a sparkling 5 pounder; Wellington AC with 5 boats kept 41 for 90lbs.
We are now on to our weekly stocking program
E & O E
For more information, please see our website www.fafa-linlithgowloch.org.uk.
For Bookings, please contact the lodge on 01506 671 753
Linlithgow Loch report by G Laurie 6th March 2017
Here we are again. The new season will kick off in less than a fortnight and as usual our hardworking committee members, with some friends of the loch, have been repairing and maintaining boats, lodge and sundry equipment during the winter.
We are pleased to say that we will be taking delivery of a new Wheely boat early in the season. This will add greatly to the comfort of our disabled anglers. We would like to thank the following, whose funding has made this possible
Land Trust; West Lothian Council; Landfill Community Fund and the Wheelie Boat Trust.
This wonderful boat is being built to our specifications by Coulam Boats.
The loch itself has wintered well and although we have had cormorants for most of the winter, they have not appeared in their usual numbers and we expect to see a fair number of over wintered fish – especially those in 3lb to 6lb range to have survived as part of remainder of stocked fish from last season. The stocking for this season begins on Thursday 9th March
The recent heavy winds and rain have put a wee bit of colour into the water, especially at the top end (East end). This should clear in the next week or so. Anglers seeking the grown-on fish should try looking for them at the end if past seasons are anything to go by.
I would say that best early season lures will be black and green tadpoles; ace of spades and various dancers. Best flies should be cormorants and daiwl bachs on a midge tip line.
Once more we respectfully remind our anglers not to fish too light a line. Anything less than 8lb nylon or FL carbon will not stand up to the savage takes.
We wish you all Tight Lines for the New Season
For more information, please see our website www.fafa-linlithgowloch.org.uk.
The Diary will be at the loch from 15th March
– contact them direct on 01506 671 753