June almost over and as anticipated it seems we have hit the seasonal quiet spell between the spring run and the summer run. Fish are now well distributed but I’ve heard that a few are still being taken in the Rowchoish area. A Balloch boat had one of about 8lbs on Friday and an Ardlui registered boat another of similar size on Saturday.

The most significant report has originated from Jim McDonald, brother of Kenny, a regular, experienced Leven fisher. Jim is adamant that at lunchtime on Friday he saw a shoal of 100 plus grilse go through the barrage into the Loch. Although his sighting is uncorroborated two fish in the 7-10lb range were caught on the river the same day. The runs are due so hopefully he’s right!. Two of the ‘Usual Suspects’ reported good fish lying in numbers at the Hen Isle on Saturday. Last season the majority of grilse seem to have been caught in the bottom end of the Loch around the Endrick Bank, Islands and golf course/ McDougall Bank Having said that my own catches were up the top end…… which isn’t surprising as I didn’t really concentrate any where else after June. Maybe the plan should be revised.

I had hoped to get out last Wednesday but due to the unseasonal high winds stayed at home having been reminded the previous Monday that it’s folly to ignore the weather forecast. Setting out and reaching Rob Roy’s cave in a virtual flat calm the wind suddenly whipped up and made for a very uncomfortable journey back down the Loch. I seemed to remember hearing strains of ‘winds freshening from the south west’……not to be ignored again! I bailed more than just water out of the boat when I returned to the Bay.

With the grilse runs comes the joy of lying out under canvas for a few nights…nylon nowadays…while in pursuit of the bars of silver. My long suffering wife has made the long journey up to Tarbet several times to transport fish home. I really feel I should leave her the car in future!

Attached is a photo submitted by Kenny McDonald – an excellent reminder of a good summer trip last season

Regards J.R.