The warm weather continues to have an apparent adverse effect on fishing. Last week saw our annual expedition to the top of the Loch end with three clean boats except for one small sea trout caught on the fly. The temperature was a pleasant 26/27oC most days, sunny with very little cloud. At one point Alan Raeburn’s boat was seen drifting aimlessly over deep water mid Loch between Tarbet and Rowchoish. Further investigation found him lying sunning himself reading the paper!…..summing things up nicely! However we persevered hoping that the evenings would produce fish but with the water temperature as high as 23oC they were not for making their presence felt. Plenty of ‘blips’ were seen on the ‘finders’ particularly between Culness and Inversnaid sitting 10/15 feet down but in the absence of more technical gear… remained there.

One thing I did notice which may also be having a bearing on fishing is the fact that the Loch is still high for this time of year, particularly since there has been very little rainfall. Those who fish the Loch above Rowardennan will notice that the big rock known as the ‘Lucky Chuckie’ is still submerged. Normally it should be showing well above the water level. Have the gates been opened as much as they normally are?

I met John Connolly who related the story of his 20lb salmon caught in the deep water of the cliffs at Doune. It was in fact an orange/black/gold ‘tiger stripe’ toby that took the fish. John tells me that he has had few fish on this lure. I bought one about three years ago and it is still to get wet. Much like my fly box the lure box is full of unused potential ‘fish catchers.’ I think it’s time to dig out ‘tiger stripe’

There were very few boats active ‘up top’ during the week and certainly none with a fish. It was a great week though which we ended by spending the night at Ardlui venturing as far as the famous ‘Drover’s Inn` at Inverarnan. No fish there but the attendant wild life…. stuffed two headed lamb…. grizzly bear etc were of interest….. not to mention the other ‘two legged’ variety!

Gavin Gilchrist had a worthwhile day last Friday. He set off from Balmaha in what he assumed to be less than favourable conditions, sporadic wind, sunny with a hind of cloud. Just south of Strathcashell point he had a strike on his outside rod. A ‘bar of silver’ was brought to the side of the boat which made a last minute successful return to freedom. Later in the day as Gavin approached Rowardennan on his return journey he saw that the ‘play park’ was in full swing. However he continued on his way rounding the Hen isle and as his boat passed the point he had a further strike. This time a fresh, sea liced 4 ½lb grilse was netted…….. to applause from an audience of jet bikes and speedboats. He commented……’had thought of just zooming past because of the amount of speedboats but it just shows you never can tell.’ Gavin saw a few other grilse leaping about that day probably trying to dislodge sea lice.

James Kinnear tells me that on a recent down rigging expedition he noticed the Loch temperature at Net Bay was - 70oF (21.1oC) and at a depth of 30 feet – 65oC (18.3oC). He caught three perch which actually felt warm to touch. James has suggested that trying a ‘jet diver’ on the poker should take a lure down 10/15 feet where it appears fish are lying. This is an idea which is definitely worth a try and I will report back in the near future. Might even have a convert here!

As usual I’d welcome any information, photos, thoughts or comments…..constructive of course!! A photo of Gavin’s grilse is attached.

Regards J.R.