Hadn’t managed out for nearly two weeks due to one thing or another and knowing that the Leven was fishing well I was starting to suffer from withdrawal symptoms. The first Saturday of the month was forecast to be warm in the afternoon so it was as well to be down early. The plan was to put the tobies on and head up the way. That cuckoo started up again offering me it’s advice but I chose to ignore it. Pushing off I noticed a mayfly in the water, only a few days late this year…. An omen perhaps?

I sailed past Anchorage Cottage and headed for Carrick Rock at the same time meditating over my breakfast of chilled apple juice (?) Suddenly I was brought back to reality. The thump of the inside striker weight was followed by line stripping off so solidly I thought….snag! Wrong! I always find it amazing how once hooked a fish will come along with the boat like a dog on a lead. Until the boat stops! Game on and finally after quite a bit of persuasion a fresh 12lb salmon came to the net….which managed to attach itself to a securing cleat on the side of the boat. Nine o’clock and a fish in the boat. A copper/black ‘popeye’.toby was the favoured lure.

As I continued on my way I wondered whether this was a late spring fish or the start of the summer grilse run. I’ve noticed over the last few years that the runs seem to be getting later however it was the second fish of the season and a great start.

The sail up to Rowchoish was uneventful but a what real pleasure to be back up there once more, a different world from the bottom end of the Loch. I passed Joe Brown out fishing the fly at Pilot Bank though he hadn’t had any luck. On the way back down Frank Donnelly and a couple of Balloch fishers indicated the same but while lunching north of Ptarmigan a returning Balloch boat shouted that a 15 pounder had been taken at Rowchoish. So my thoughts were confirmed…..fish had gone up that far. The fish was caught by VOLDAC fisher Davy Miller – well done!

Rounding Strathcashell Point I saw that the ‘playpark’ was in full swing so took an early bath. Back at Balmaha I was disappointed to see very few of the fleet had left port. Come on guys! Get out there!

On a more serious note. I was contacted recently by Archie Dick who had his engine stolen from the back of his boat in Balmaha on or about 11th of May . The padlock securing it was cut. The engine was a Yahama 4hp/ 4 stroke/ 2005 model - Serial No.L1036258N. If you see it or are offered it for sale please contact the police.

Last Thursday I was contacted by Gerd Elsweiler to say that he had passed a Balloch registered boat with a fish of about twelve pounds taken at the fence at Culness. Gerd went up on his first ‘overnighter’ on the Tuesday and stayed till Saturday. Good effort! I`m surprised his wife didn`t post him missing but his luck’s not been quite in yet. Great weather for a suntan though!

As ever I would welcome any photos, news, reports etc. If it’s worth sharing please drop me an E-mail.

Regards J.R.

Apologies but due to lack of suitable material.......me and the aforesaid fish.