Heading up to Inversnaid on Wednesday I noticed that the fish finder was showing the Loch surface temperature as 21oC. ‘Any hotter and the fish’ll be coming up cooked’ ..I thought………as I toasted in what was reckoned to be the hottest day of the year so far. Flat calm, bright and sunny, not the best conditions for fish one would think but a salmon will still take. I’ve found time and time again that a fast trolled flashy lure can still produce. Fishing the River Tay last season with Alan Raeburn we were assured by the ghillie that the bright sunshine wouldn’t put the fish off. We persevered and were rewarded with a 6lb grilse each, our first Tay salmon, one to a lure and one to the fly. So don’t give up…..river or loch….just get the shirt off, factor 25 on and enjoy it! But go easy on the refreshments!!!

The warm weather does however cause one lochside pest to become very active – the cleg!! You’ll see their dark brown shapes fluttering about waiting for a chance to land and draw blood. Their probiscus can penetrate shirt or trouser material and they’ll come 100 yards out onto the loch to meet you, settling on your boat and waiting till your back is turned before they strike. I’ve noticed a fair increase in their presence on the loch. They’ve even developed an attack strategy.... hunting in pairs ….one distracts you while the other lands for a quick feed. Nasty blighters!

There’s still a fair armada of Balloch fishers up the top end. I gathered from a brief passing conversation with Ernie East that things had been pretty quiet for the boys with only a few fish taken.

Thursday saw a change in the weather for the better. Good cloud cover and a cooling breeze. I felt optimistic as I headed Balmaha bound. Reaching the Ross Isles though I was still fishless. As I passed Anchorage Cottage I wasn’t aware of the outside striker lead suddenly fly over the side but was brought back to reality by the sound of line stripping off at a fair rate of knots. I noticed that I was in about six feet of water and almost on the shore at the Blue Rocks. While I brought my rods in a bar of silver leapt out the water behind me. A 5 ½ pound grilse was eventually netted. – in excellent condition. Returning to Balmaha I was contacted by Frank Donnelly who had also just landed a 4lb grilse on the Bank. Great news Frank – the grilse are on the move it would appear.

Angus MacRitchie sends the following message on behalf of the Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust……

…..’If any angler catches a salmon he is keeping would he remove the adipose fin and a few scales from behind the dorsal fin and the fish’s lateral line. These will be used to assist the Genetic programme being carried out by the Fisheries Trust.’ ‘Samples were taken last year of salmon parr and these are currently being screened for their genetic makeup. Comparisons can be done to see which river or part of a river salmon come from and the timing of these runs. The spawning destination of these fish in the rivers can be worked out.’ ‘This could lead to habitat improvements for example where spring salmon spawn etc.’ ‘Phials containing preservative are to be had at the National Park visitor centre at Balmaha. Please include date/place of capture for the attention of Andy Burrows (biologist). Sample phials are also located at VOLDAC and the tackle shop at Bonhill Bridge.’

A very worthwhile exercise indeed Angus and hopefully we’ll all be able to oblige very soon.

Next week sees me off up the loch for the annual camp accompanied by ‘the usual suspects’. By the looks of things we may just have timed it right this year. I’d better call in and collect some sample phials just in case!!

Sorry to include yet another photo of me and a fish……….

Regards J.R.