The loch opened a usual on 15 March. The weather was to say the least bit ‘coorse’. Strong westerly winds loaded with sleety rain kept most of the boats tied up at the jetty. The few hardy anglers who ventured out and whom I greatly admire for their dedication to our sport did manage to find some fish but the guys were forced to pack in early and relatively few fish were recorded. Mr Shaw elected to fish the bank and was rewarded with a fine brace the best of which was just under 5lbs. Mr Shaw was fishing a black/green lure.
Saturday’s weather was worse. Dawn brought us a change of wind and driving snow. However some of our regular clubs braved the elements and worked hard for the fish they caught. Fishing a four hour session Waders Angling Club with two boats kept six fish for 19lbs including two over wintered fish over 4lbs. Most fish were caught on intermediate lines and green rabbits.
Again on a four hour stint Heriots Angling Club with three boats on catch and release returned eight fish. Most of the fish were caught on slow sink lines with cutthroat cats and black/green tadpoles.
Falkirk Fly Dressers with three boats kept six fish for 24lbs. Best fish was a fin perfect grown on rainbow of 6lbs on a green fritz and intermediate line caught by Mr K McNicol.
Craig Cowan and his buddy returned four on catch and release before in Craig’s words ”the frostbite set in”.
Ricky Wilson out with the Bridge Inn Angling Club elected to head for the top end of the loch in search of the big over wintered fish – it paid off – with fish of 6lbs and 4lbs in superb condition. Ricky fished a green/black fritz on an intermediate line.
Sunday, 17th was a better day weather wise and 11 boats ventured out catching 39 fish for 112 lbs – an average weight for just under 3lbs per fish. Those fish, two of which weighed 5¼lbs and two at 4½lbs were mainly caught using intermediate or fast glass lines. The catching lures included black/green fritz, blue damsels, a dunkeld and a bunny leach.
We are now offering four hour sessions at £15 for catch and release and £20 for a two fish kill ticket. To book either phone the loch directly at 01506 671753 or book on our Bookings page to ensure you are not disappointed.
Graham Laurie
