The weather has been up to it’s usual standard but at least the rain has kept the Loch level up and the gates open. I went out twice recently in flat calm conditions with a constant drizzle. Each day before setting off a cuckoo perched nearby tried to give me some sound advice! Haven`t seen many boats out this month

I don’t have anything in particular to update concerning Loch reports apart from a few fish into Balloch but my sources tell me that the Leven is doing well with a good number of double figure fish coming off. Malcolm MacCormick sent a photo of a fine 13lb 4oz fish taken on the fly. Malcolm is a regular Leven fisher who has promised to give me a tour this season.

I was contacted recently by James Kinnear, a deep trolling enthusiast who operates out of the Bay, on the subject of Ferox in the Loch. James, who also updates the Endrick phone line, regularly has success with his downrigging methods and a couple of seasons ago had big brownies of 6lb, 9lb and 10lb. He has promised to keep us updated this season. James can supply equipment and lures at reasonable cost. If anyone would like further info please contact me.

A very annoyed angler sent me a text last week to say that a power boat pulling a ‘banana boat’ had just totally ruined his trolling plans in the Inchfad/ Darroch area. What next? When he mentioned ‘banana boat’ I immediately thought of the ‘Shieldhall’ which used to sail the Clyde between Govan and the Outer Firth where it dumped it’s cargo of sewage – so that’s how Ailsa Craig was formed! I believe that it’s now a pleasure boat berthed on the Solent – sounds like a good destination for all banana boats. I was reminded of the Glaswegian saying – ‘Dae ye think ah came up the Clyde oan a banana boat?’ – meaning do you think I am stupid. A banana boat on Loch Lomond? …… well frankly!!!

While surfing the net I noticed that we have a champion in our midst. John Bryce won the National Competition for Angler’s With Disability held at the Lake of Menteith earlier this month and also earned a place in the National Disabled Angling Team – well done John! Sea trout watch out!

There should be a good number of spring fish in the Loch by now and some will tend to head up the way. I would be thinking soon about putting the tobies on, turning up the throttle and heading for Rowardennan or beyond. I remember Robbie Brown telling me that he had a salmon off Rob Roy’s cave in mid May a few seasons ago so anything’s possible.

.Just a passing thought…… what happens to the ‘Shieldhall’s cargo nowadays? Re-cycled perhaps? I hear that they can run cars on the stuff but don’t fancy the exhaust fumes much!!

Attached is a photo of Russell Boyd and his 7lb sea trout caught off Darroch at the start of the month

Regards J.R.