Fishing Reports

ANOTHER STRETCH NOW OWNED BY LLAIA:

The present Committee are delighted to inform everyone that the well known and very productive stretch of the River Endrick referred to as Netherton by members of the LLAIA has been purchased by the LLAIA.

The deal has been officially signed sealed and delivered by both parties as of today.

This has only been possible by the careful and professional manner in which the LLAIA has been run over the years by the Present Committee. The monies paid for this massively important stretch has been taken from our “Members Fishings reserve” of which the present Committee have been entirely responsible for the existence and successful building up of this reserve over their tenure.

It is a well known fact that members park their cars at Coolies Lynn and walked up through Collies to get to Netherton fishings, which over the years has produced far more fish than Coolies Lynn for example and long may this continue.

Once again our full members can now have access to ANOTHER River Endrick salmon fishings stretch forever more.

For whatever reason a significant number of River Leven anglers have complained about the current committee purchasing fishing stretches on the River Endrick. Do those same anglers not realise the benefits to them of these purchases?

The burden of annual rentals will never again be required.

This reduces our annual expenditure every year and that expenditure has a bearing on the price of fishing permits throughout the LLAIA controlled waters that we offer permits for! Because of this reduction, permit prices are kept in check and restricted to inflation adjusted increases only.

The River Endrick is the main spawning area for salmon that run the whole system. These fish have to enter and reside whether temporary or otherwise in the River Leven and therefore have a direct bearing on the potential numbers of fish offering sport to the River Leven anglers.

The LLAIA by owning such stretches is therefore in control of the main spawning river that provides the bulk of the fish that run the system. Given that our full members are restricted to Fly-Only on the River Endrick means that the waters are given some measure of protection against over exploitation and should it ever be necessary to impose further restrictions, that could only be done if you own the stretch concerned.

So in essence the purchase of fishing stretches on the main spawning stream of the system thereby gives another tool to protect and control the runs of fish and greatly reduces the potential of a significant spike in the price of ALL PERMIT PRICES throughout the LLAIA leased and owned waters etc.

A member emailed the secretaries last week worried that we might lose Netherton if a New Committee were installed. That member and every other member might have many worries, but one of the most important ones can now be ticked off, as Netherton stretch of salmon fishings is now owned by LLAIA.

The Committee LLAIA

David Clark who was a founder member of the LLFT has died after a long hard fight with Cancer over many years. David will be remembered by us for his nice persuasive manner in which he managed to get an annual donation from the owners throughout the Loch Lomond system to contribute to the LLFT. Without his assistance the LLFT would have struggled to have got started!

He will be missed by many who had an involvement in the fishery trust and to those who knew him.

Our condolences go to his family, our thoughts are with them.

 

THE COMMITTEE LLAIA

There has been a total of 12 fin clipped fish caught throughout the system. Alec McElwee had one. Ben Marshall had two. Donald McKellar had one and Euan McGrandle also getting one that was fin clipped.

It is too early to say whether the success is due entirely to the smolt stocking or the fingerling stocking or a combination of the two. We will give more details in the next report

I (Michael Brady) had been asked at the AGM by a member what number of fin clipped fish would be seen as a success in terms of returns. I had said i would be happy if we got 12 fin clipped fish from the first returns due which covers grilse this year AND two sea winter fish next year. So getting 12 fish over that two year period would in my opinion make the programme a success.

We have exceeded my own expectations by getting 12 fin clipped fish in the first year alone!!!

Scientists believe we only catch 10% of the actual runs of fish. That would mean there are one hundred fish out there possibly available for spawning in just our first year of operations. It is fish on the redds that will make this programme a success; the catches obviously are an additional bonus.

We will provide more details in the next report which will include a more general report on the fishings etc.

It has been a busy period for the committee hence we have had little spare time to update the web etc.

This Sunday  30th October we are going up to Fort William to fin clip the fingerlings that are in the hatchery. We badly need some help with this operation which requires little skill but some enthusiasm and concentration to help out for a day.

If anyone is interested in coming along on Sunday please telephone Michael Brady on 07703118003 or 0141 7811545 and get in touch. We generally leave early on Sunday morning and share cars so keep costs down etc. Any mileage you do in your own car you will be reimbursed by a mileage allowance given for each mile.

You can also contact Angus MacRitchie on 01501 732505 Either of us can arrange for pick up points etc. We meet up at Fort William at Morrisons at 10am for breakfast  (supplied by LLAIA) before moving quickly to Drimsallie Hatchery. We supply the scissors etc. just bring warm clothing. You will be made most welcome.

The Committee  LLAIA

The Loch Lomond Fishery Trust is having an open day at Duntreth Castle on 23rd October.

Below is a link to the event.

http://www.rafts.org.uk/events/16/loch-lomond-fishery-trust-open-day/ The LLFT is hoping for a large turnout of interested anglers and members of the LLAIA.  We hope you all make it a big success and turn up for what hopes to be a pleasant and enjoybale day out. Why not bring the family along there is plenty of interest to keep everyone happy and you support a good cause as well.

LOCH LOMOND FISHERIES TRUST “OPEN DAY”

 

 

at Duntreath Castle, Blanefield G63 9AJ

12 noon on Sunday 23^rd October 2011

ADMISSION BY TICKET ONLY

 

Tickets include lunch, (drink, soup & a roll) Adults £10, Children £5, Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £20

Tea, Prize Giving and Raffle Draw at 4.00pm

 

RSVP by 7^th October. Cheque payable to “LLFT” enclosing a stamped addressed envelope to: Mrs Robin Willis, LLFT, C/o The Pundy Byre, Balfron Station,G63 0QY  Tel: 07767 316777

 

Dress: Warm, casual and wellies

Programme:

Welcome by Eddie Edmonstone. 

Update from Dr Andy Burrows, Trust Biologist, on Trust work over the last 5 years.

Presentation on “Powan in the Classroom” by Pupils from Luss School

Slide presentation on current LLFT projects

Questions

Outdoor Activities:

 

Watch electro-fishing with our biologist on the River Blane, (a short walk from the castle gardens)

 

Demonstration of remote operated

underwater camera by Stuart Wilson

 

Invertebrate “kick” sampling and identification

in the River Blane

 

Casting demonstration by Ryan Brady

(2^nd in 2008 CLA Game Fair

Distance Spey Casting Competition)

Indoor Activities

Loch and River fly tying demonstration by Duncan  Ferguson.

Fly tying competition –

Prize of trout print fly box, nipper & forceps

donated by Orvis

                                                                Fish face-painting / makeup by Carol Wilson, Sisstars

           Demonstration of how to make a fish plaster cast by Euan McGrandle

Study of salmon/trout scales on a digital

scale reader

Raffle prizes include:

·         “Dinner for 2” worth £50 at the Inn at Kippen.                                 Box of loch flies tied by Colin McCrory

·         Cut & Blow Dry at Maxwell & Finley, Esporta,.                                   4  x Day permit for salmon / sea trout from the LLAIA

·         2 x Day permit for salmon / sea trout from the LLAIA                     Stillwater Trout / Sea Trout net, Glasgow Angling Centre

·         Stillwater Trout Bag, Glasgow Angling Centre                                Hand painted picture of a fish by Sabrina Campbell

·         30 minute treatment at Tranquillity Health & Beauty, Esporta,       Weekly permit for salmon / sea trout from the LLAIA

·         Weekly permit for salmon / sea trout from the LLAIA                     Framed photograph “Fish in Play” by Colin Riach

·         Framed photograph “View of Luss” by Colin Riach

·         Bottle of 17 year old Glengoyne Malt Whisky and a distillery tour for 4 people courtesy of Glengoyne Distillery

All wecome to come along and enjoy a great day out.

THE COMMITTEE LLAIA

Willie Brand the passing away of a fine old gentleman

Willie Brand died on Friday. He will be cremated at Falkirk Crematorium on Friday 16^th September at 3pm for anyone that wishes to pay their respects.

Willie was a fantastic likeable chap a pure gentleman in every possible way. Willie is pictured here with a summer salmon he caught in June last year.

The loch will miss someone who was just happy to get out on Lomond which he fished over this past 20 years. I knew Willie personally when i was a mere youngster at the age of eighteen fishing on Linlithgow Loch. He was a great guy them and remained that way till his passing away. Ive little doubt the Golden Gates will be opened for Willie and he will be welcomed with open arms, goodbye my friend I am sure many will miss you.

There has been a fourth confirmed fin clipped fish caught. This was a 5.5lbs grilse caught by Scott Laird on the River Leven.

Scott laird with his fin clipped fish his seventh so far this season 5.5lbs

There is a competition between Scott and Alun Pryce to see who between them will catch the most fish on the system. Scott was equal at that point with Alun at seven fish each. But big Bryan went down to the river leven on Friday 9th of September and gave Scott his prize of a litre of Grants reserve whisky for catching a fin clipped verified fish, so delighted in fact he cast out smiled and hooked into another fish which he landed at at 8lbs, i hear he now has eight fish so far this season.

Scott’s fin clipped fish. Anglers should NOT expect a missing adipose fin, you are far more likely to get a partially clipped fin.

Bryan our senior bailiff has spoken to Alun Pryce who had caught a partially fin clipped fish some time ago (a small grilse) but at the time did not realise that the fin could be just partially clipped. He did notice the fin but the photo on the web at the time showed a salmon parr with full adipose fin and another parr without the fin, the conclusion was drawn that the fin had to be missing. We now know that is unlikely to be the case and this was definitely another fin clipped fish. Scott Laird also confirmed that he too had a fish exactly like this one with a partially clipped fin earlier on in the season but likewise did not know. We have John Campbell who claimed he also had a fin clipped fish, John does not have a  computer so was unaware of the need to report. He only mentioned it to another angler when he was told he could have received a bottle of whisky for his catch. We also have the larger fish of 10lbs which could have been a fin clipped fish. None of these anglers are now looking for a prize but mention it so it is acknowledged. We know that both Alun Pryce  and Scott are very experienced anglers neither of whom wish any prize for their catch, we feel it is entirely reasonable to include at least two of these fish to our final tally. Discounting the larger salmon that would be SEVEN FIN CLIPPED FISH that have been reported caught but only FOUR DEFINITE CONFIRMED FISH. To save any accusations we will stick to the four confirmed for the time being.

We should point out that it has been another poor grilse run experienced throughout Scotland and in the West Coast of Scotland in particular. In our system although we have had periods of good catches most of the fish caught were salmon and not grilse. Given this fact we estimate there has only been just over 50 grilse caught so far this season. This would imply that the fin clipped grilse are representing around 8-10% of catches. We find this remarkable given that there is still another six weeks to go before the season finishes. We have also to take into account that we still have next years spring and summer salmon to show up with fin clipped fish. All of this in only our first year of expecting returns when many were predicting no returns at all.

According to the scientists we should have around 36 un-caught fish that are fin clipped available for spawning purposes. That is only counting the four confirmed verified fin clipped fish to date.

On the question of costs to produce etc. One has to take into account the extraordinary work that has had to be done to provide the facilities over a two year period. There has been three major large holding tanks and materials for their foundations. Back up pumps for water etc and electrics installed plus a whole host of materials joists slabs etc. Digging out foundations and so forth. This year we should be able to roughly estimate our likely annual costs. It is likely to be significantly less than the costs over this last two years.

We have very little time just now to get proper reports from the loch but due to the poor grilse runs we dont expect any fireworks from the loch. It is a similar story from the River Endrick. I have been up the Potts of Gartness when conditions were suitable and only once seen a small amount of fish at the potts. Fish are being caught, just not in any great numbers.

The River Leven had a week of low water levels before the rain finally allowed the gates to be opened. The fishing on the leven has now picked up but there are not that many anglers out fishing though.

Paul Kelly with a nice salmon from the River Leven on the 6th September 2011

Paul also had a cracking 15lb salmon today Monday 12th September.

Big Keith Adams had a fish of 13.5lbs on the Leven and old Willie had a 10lbs fish on the fly only section. Always difficult to keep track of fish caught but the leven has not done too badly at all.  At the end of August Robert Wilson landed a nice fish of 7lbs, I forgot to mention it in my last report so sorry to Robert who took the time and trouble to email his catch to us. Gareth Bourhill landed an 8lbs fish on the fly at the Craft Stream.

Gareth Bourhill 8lbs taken on the fly River Leven August 2011

Jamie Wallace had a 5lbs grilse on 27th August, Thomas Andrew had a 7lbs fish which was returned and Brian McCaskie had two fish on the fly at 6lbs and 8lbs both returned. Alan Leitch a grilse of 5lbs all on the30th August. On the 1st September John Sutherland had a 5lbs grilse, On the 2nd of September John Campbell a 7lbs fish and James Campbell a 9lbs fish

Jim Patterson was having a try for the small sea trout with a golden Olive bumble when he hooked into a decent sized salmon. After a hefty fight his mate Tam tried to land it with his small trout net but it got off. Jim reckons that is one claimed as catch & release as it was going back anyway.

Jim’s mate Tam Dennet was more fortunate when he hooked into a fish just above the Bonhill Bridge Pool. Whilst playing the fish a group of tourists amasses behind him and once landed a big cheer went up much to the surprise of Tam who was unaware he had an audience. Ah big show off lol.

Tam Dennet with his fish 8.5lbs River Leven September 2011

Frank McGeachy had two more fish on the river leven bringing his total to nine fish so far this season.

RIVER ENDRICK:

Iain Morrison usually gets his share of fish over the season. He landed a coloured fish at the end of August on the River Endrick and kindly returned the fish as it was coloured and a female. The fish was caught on one of the stretches we own.

Iain Morrison’s Endrick fish estimated 10lb which he returned.His mobile phone camera was a bit shaky on this one.

Iain’s fish returns to hopefully spawn in the winter of this year.

Iain also landed another two fish on the Friday 10th  one witnessed by John Coppolla both returned. Both fish from stretches we now own.

Fergus Thomson joined the LLAIA this year and on only his second visit landed a nice wee grilse down at the Meetings Lynn on the River Endrick It weighed 3.5lbs. He tried to return the fish but its gills was damaged so it was killed.

Fergus Thomson’s first season and second visit nets him a nice wee grilse at 3.5lbs from the River Endrick. Well done and welcome to the LLAIA.

Alexander Grant landed a grilse of 4lbs on the River Endrick on the 9th September he also lost a fish about 5lbs the day before, it jumped out of the net. Come on Alex pull the other one (only kidding) well done. At Drumtian John Coppolla had lost two fish on the Thursday I think and Malcolm Prescott landed two that same day. The following day there were two more fish caught at Drumtian.  Colin Johnstone had two fish (I think) possibly at either Wilsons or the Black Lynn. there was not much fish actually showing though. I have heard of a few other fish caught but they have been coloured salmon and caught up at the Cowdenmill stretch in the deeper pools.

Ben Marshall was out on the Friday having renewed his permit that day and headed out to the Endrick and landed a double figure fish at the round pool.

LOCH LOMOND: Not much boats out but Jim Raeburn continues to meet up with success with a 6lb grilse at Inch Fad on Saturday and Alan had a 2.5lbs trout which was returned. There are fish getting caught just not in any numbers. Sport on the loch should improve now we are into the last six weeks of the season.

BANKSIDE IMPROVEMENTS AND REPAIRS: Goodness me where do I begin!

Well full marks to West Dunbartonshire Council for the repairs at Linn Brane. They certainly know how to do a first class job. The glass half empty brigade will no doubt moan about the other areas of the River Leven Banks that need addressed but these days with major cuts everywhere I think the council have done rather well all things considered to have completed this section for this year.

An excellent job done by West Dunbartonshire Council River Leven Linn Brane

At the end of August the big cutting machine finally got the rest of the River Leven banks cut. There was also extensive strimming done by Norrie and myself in areas the machine could not reach.

The big cutting machine goes to work on the river leven a month late but better late than never. The rain had stopped us completing the work earlier.

River Leven: Areas such as McKinnon’s leading to the Washhouse area in Renton required
strimming.

River Leven:  Flowers stream section has been strimmed right all the way down.

It is not just the River Leven that gets attention but the River Endrick also receives a lot of attention. The Committee and I often get accused of looking after the Endrick anglers to the exclusion of the River Leven but one has to take into account that on most seasons those who restrict their fishing solely to the river Endrick are lucky to get two months fishing, particularly now with the grilse runs throughout the West Coast being poor. By keeping the Endrick stretches in good order they become an absolute joy for anglers to fish and the value for money derived from members who restrict their fishing to the Endrick becomes much improved when careful and considered work is completed on the various stretches.

Drumtian is probably the best stretch on the whole of the Endrick and it has been strimmed and the branches once again been cut so at to allow reasonable casters to fish throughout the whole stretch without much difficulty but still leaving some cover for the salmon lies.

River Endrick: Cover is important so the branches are cut carefully each year. Drumtian stretch is owned by the LLAIA.

The upper stretch of Drumtian above the bridge  is not fished as much but the banks still have to be heavily strimmed as its quite wild in this area. We have cut a fair amount of branches and small trees pruned to allow easier access for members. We also cut paths down to suitable parts so as members can fish without worrying about their clothing being torn etc with brambles and the like.

River Endrick: New stiles have been placed at the top of Drumtian stretch

We have also put new stiles in other parts on the upper stretch.

River Endrick: Upper Drumtian, this stretch along the fence was completely covered by trees. We cleared it all so members can walk through this section or they can go over the new stile now placed below this section and walk to the side of the field, its your choice.

The Black Lynn stretch of the River Endrick used to be a popular area to fish for members. Many years ago the then Head Bailiff ordered a JCB and put large boulders at the top of the pool. Many old hands reckoned it ruined the pool causing the flow of water to go down the centre of the pool and causing a back eddy at the deeper sections close to the banks. It has not helped that the trees hang down into the whole pool area stretching for some 100 yds or so. We tried cutting the branches some years ago but the amount of branches and larger trees sticking out and into the pool was extensive!

River Endrick Black Lynn: The large boulders placed there some 20 years ago pushed the flow out into the shallower water in the middle of the pool.

This year I decided to tackle the Black Lynn and clear the branches and trees properly once and for all. When we were in the middle of operations you could hardly see the water for the amount of branches lying in the river! Iain Waddell a member came down to fish the pool on Friday afternoon when it was raining and the river was started to rise slightly and could not believe his eyes. Sorry Ian but we just had to finish all of the cutting. By late Friday night the whole area had been cleared and ready for members to fish.

Look no boulders!  What a difference with the current now flowing over the deeper water and no back eddy.

The large stones were removed by Big Bryan and myself with a little leverage from iron bars and scaffolding tubes etc. It took us five hours to move the stones but eventually the job was done and few improvements have given me more satisfaction than this one.

River Endrick: The completed newly improved Black Lynn. Note the flow now concentrated on the far deeper side of the pool. We hope you like it.

Further down the pool you can see the current is now in where the deep water is. I am positive this will make a difference to the whole pool right from top to tail end.

Our next move is to get a new bench and rod rests fitted out at the top of the pool. Hopefully it will be done in the next few weeks time permitting.

We also did a lot of pruning and cutting at the top part of the Black Lynn.

Other parts of the Black Lynn stretch were also cut and pruned.

We have brand new signage boards ordered as well as promotional boards to advertise the fishing we offer to anglers. They will hopefully be ready soon and will thereafter appear throughout the River Endrick in all the stretches we lease and own.

We will not manage Cowdenmill stretch this year which is a pity as it requires extensive pruning and the removal of some trees, but the potential of that stretch particularly in its lower reaches is already good but could be very good once cleared. It is a matter of pride and satisfaction that we now own stretches of the Endrick. It is only right and fitting that we ensure these stretches that we own are in prime condition.

Bailiffing is continuing all the time and I have put a lot of extra hours in this year to ensure we are protecting what fish we have and at the same time keeping costs down. Some members get annoyed when they dont see the bailiffs out and about talking to them. I have major problems with some long standing members who seem to think bailiffing is about checking known members permits all the time and having a chat about the fishing. Such tactics is wasteful of resources.  We ask our bailiffs to ignore regular members most of the time unless they want to find out what is being caught. Bailiffing is not a Public relations job and letting regular members see you about and chatting to them all the time is not bailiffing. An odd chat with a new member is quite acceptable but regular chats and the bailiff is simply not doing his job.

Big Bryan has been doing an excellent job this year and has everything much in control on the River Leven. Night patrols with Bryan and I have shown that there is much to be pleased about with the bailiffing at night as well with little activity so far. Norrie has got things down to a fine art on the Endrick and we will try and get Old George out for spell before he finally hangs his boots up.  There is no room for complacency though so we will keep at it throughout the rest of the season and beyond.

Tight Lines

The Committee LLAIA

It was not long after we put the first fin clipped returning grilse on the web when on Monday 22nd August, Keith Adams landed a grilse about 5lbs. It was thanks to Peter Jordan who said to Keith it looks like that fish might be fin clipped, did Keith realise the possibility? We also have a full member of the LLAIA who was speaking to Davy Sunman and reported landing a fish and noticing the fin was partially clipped but ignored it because he thought any fin clipped fish would not have an adipose fin at all. Unfortunately for the angler concerned (name withheld until M Brady confirms) he will not qualify for a bottle of whisky but since Keith’s fish was confirmed he will get his bottle.

Michael Brady examined the fish and confirmed it was a fin clipped fish. So number two was reported and confirmed.

 Number two fin clipped fish caught by big Keith Adams.

Keith has had a disappointing season so far having lost several fish including a cracking springer possibly weighing around the 25lbs mark. So it is great to hear he has finally put to bed that bad start and things are now looking a very bright silver instead.

Keith Adams delighted with his grilse and pleased to get a fin clipped fish.

On Thursday 25th August John Sutherland landed a nice wee grilse and it was found to be another fin clipped fish. It weighed about 5lbs

The third fin clipped fish is recorded and confirmed.

A closer look at the Adipose fin of the third fin clipped fish.

 John Sutherland with his 5lbs grilse the third fin clipped fish to be caught.

We can report a couple of fish from the Endrick on the 20th August Saturday  and 2 fish from the River Leven a 12lbs fish for Frank McGeachy and a 6lb grilse from Jim McDonald.

The water bailiffs boat was out checking permits on the Saturday and reported all was fine. There were plenty of boats out and although a bit on the sunny side it still looked good for a good day with the trolls. It was somewhat disappointing that we could only confirm two fish caught that Saturday.

 A happy angler holds up his fish caught on Saturday 20th August 2011

There were two fish lost that Saturday and a small number of sea trout landed. The bailiffs passed a boat at Boturich and he reported seeing grilse splashing further down the Boturich shoreline.

Alan Cole landed a grilse caught on Loch Lomond: Saturday 20th August 2011

It was a difficult day for the fly fishers but at least there was a decent wind. Dave Sunman and his boat partner gave Murrin a good thrashing and his boat partner rose five fish with Davy not rising any fish at all. The best we heard was three small sea trout which were returned and some of the trolling boats also had returned a few smallish sea trout.

Dave Sunman and partner fly fishing on Inch Murrin.

River Leven update: As stated there were at least two fish taken on  Saturday 20th August. On Monday 22nd August we can report eight definite fish taken on the River Leven Possibly more all on the morning tide. There may have been more in the evening but we are keeping a close eye on the mouth of the river and Estuary so we have no reports that we know of for Monday night. The same chap with blond hair from last Monday had a fish, Gary Borz had a 10.5lbs fish, Ewan Slowic had two fish at the top end of the river. Big Keith had a 5lb grilse. A chap called Chris landed a fish about 12-12lbs at the Glebe and returned it.  Others had fish as well but dont know their names. Will try and find out if time allows.

Steve Banks has been doing well with the fly so far this season and lands another fish on Monday again. All fish taken on the fly River Leven.

I spoke to Steve on Monday and he was saying a lot of fish arrived at the Bonhill Bridge Pool on the morning tide but quickly disappeared presumably heading for the loch.

Steven Gilfeather landed a strange fish at the top pool near the Haldane burn, it weighed 12lbs. Steven reckoned it was a farm salmon and another angler thought the same. I thought it looked like a sea trout but possibly a hybrid. Its tail was sea trout its body also, though its dorsal fin was damaged. Its head was like a salmon as was its pectoral fin. Anglers can make up their own mind?

Steven Gilfeathers 12lb fish caught on Monday 22nd August River Leven.

On 23rd Tuesday Scott Laird had another 5lb grilse and Alan Leith landed a 6lbs fish. There were a lot less rods on the water so it is difficult to say whether Mondays have been better due to heavier rod pressure or not?

On Wednesday there were a number of fish lost with Alun Pryce failing to land a good fish.

On Thursday 25th August Steven Gilfeather landed a 5lbs grilse and Ewan Slowic an 8lbs fish which he returned, Tam Kilbride landed an 11lbs fish and as reported John Sutherland a 5lbs fin clipped grilse.

One positive highlight of this year is the number of bigger summer  fish running with the grilse.

We seem to be getting a mixture of grilse and summer fish so far, but time will tell on that front.

There is a lot of bankside work been done on the River Endrick in preparation for the next spate or two which should see things hot up on that river. We will post more news after the next spate.

Hopefully this Sunday should see the big cutting machine completing the work started on the River Leven but halted due to problems. I will be out with the bailiffs strimming the parts the machine cannot reach or most of the parts anyway. In future the big cutting machine will be out in early July rather than waiting till the end of July start of August before cutting operations begin.

There is loads of other work which is being attended to as well, so it is a busy period for the association and likely to get busier as we move into the last two months of the season.

TIGHT LINES THE COMMITTEE

The first fin clipped grilse has been caught by Duncan Ferguson on Loch Lomond on Saturday 13th August 2011. Since Duncan’s was the first fin clipped fish perhaps the committee will give him a top quality whisky ? Anyone who catches a fin clipped fish must report it immediately to Michael Brady at 07703118003 or by telling the bailiff who will photo the fish and contact Michael Brady who will verify it is a genuine fin clipped fish. Once this has been done a bottle of whisky will be given to each successful angler.

As you will see in the photo it is only part of the fin that is missing! That is what we would expect given that many of the fin clipped fish have just a tiny top section cut. The reason for this is simply that as anglers we are wary of cutting into the flesh of the small fish so we often only cut the very top of the adipose fin.

The first fin clipped grilse showing what the fin looks like.

Below is a photo of a grilse with a full adipose fin.

A fresh grilse with the full adipose fin completely intact.

Hopefully there will be more fish caught that are fin clipped. If you have any doubts please contact us and we will check the fish out.

Based on the scientific assumption that 10% of the fish in any system are caught by anglers, that would imply that another nine fish are now in the system that would not have been if we had not been operating a fingerling/ smolt stocking programme. So lets hope a few more fin clipped fish are caught.

One other aspect is that some of the really large fish caught over this past few years ie over 20lbs have only been two years at sea. So it is entirely possible to have grilse going into double figures so please check any fish up to say 12lbs.

It is also worth bearing in mind that there will also be the opportunity next year of two sea winter springers and summer salmon also appearing as fin clipped fish. In other words the returns are not based on one year but over two years.

RIVER LEVEN UPDATE:

There are now ten fish confirmed caught on the River leven on Monday 15th August. Although we have twelve fish said to be caught by some anglers. We can only report what we know and there are fish that go unreported no doubt. On Tuesday there were six fish landed that we know about, J Campbell had two grilse at 5lbs, Lambsie had a 6lbs grilse on the fly-only section, and  J Smyth had a 7lbs fish. Scott Laird landed another fish of 6lbs and Robert Wilson landed a nice fish of 12lb.

Well known leven angler Jim McDonald with two nice grilse both weighing in at 5lbs from the River Leven on Monday 15th August

Most of the River Leven fish were caught either side of the tide but there is also a good chance of a fish outwith the high tide times.

I have been down the Leven quite regularly in the early mornings and even on the high tides anglers have been thin on the ground. I was down again on Monday at 6pm onwards and was amazed when a run down the river saw only three anglers on the river! Later on a man and his daughter made it five anglers which is very low numbers indeed with six miles of riverbank available. So anyone looking for a day on the river with relative peace and quiet and a few miles to themselves might well find it midweek on the leven except high tide time.

Bob Baxter landed this 10lbs salmon  on Monday 15th August on the River Leven and was well pleased with his success.

We had a look at the photo shown here and used the larger photo with more pixels could this be  another fin clipped fish? Everyone is entitled to their opinion and since we have not examined the fish perhaps Bob could contact us if he still has the fish in his freezer.

The dark bit on the right of the fin is the mans sunglasses, the fin does not look complete? The Committee are divided on this one with some suggesting the top lobe could just be folded over on itself perhaps with lying on the grass prior to the photo? Until we get more details we will put this down as a possibility only. Perhaps Bob will let us know in due course.

Scott Laird picked up another fish a grilse of 5lbs on Monday  and Alun Pryce landed two fish, a cracker of 17.5lbs salmon and a grilse of 5lbs on the Monday. There’s certainly a battle going on between the Pryce family to see who catches the most fish at the end of the season lol.  Steve Banks fishing at the fly only section landed two fish on the Monday, one of 9.5lbs which was returned and one of 13lbs which he kept, well done for returning the fish. Ally from Clydebank also landed a nice fish. There was also a 7lbs fish landed and an angler who assisted in netting the fish reported this to us.

Robert Wilson with his 12lbs fish taken on Tuesday River Leven.

Robert Wilson also landed a grilse today Wednesday 17th  weighing 6lbs and a sea trout of 2lbs. Mick Frice(sorry if i got name wrong Mick) landed a nice fish of 10lbs today Wednesday 17th.

On Saturday 13th there was three grilse landed, Paul McEwan landed a 14lbs salmon. Jim Stewart had two grilse of 4lbs and 5lbs. Thereafter during the week saw Colin Smith with two grilse of 4lbs and 6lbs.Frank McGeachy 6lbs grilse ( i think it was 6) his mate Martin had a 9lbs fish, Jim McDonald had a 10lbs fish. Paul Muirfield had a 7lbs grilse. all fish coming from the leven. Angus Souter had two sea trout.

There have been reasonable good days since the rain has arrived when we seen four fish off the leven that day and several the following day. I was worried that we might lose fish to elsewhere as the leven was down to summer level so i nipped up to the the River Clyde which had been up  several feet the previous day and had maintained that level the following day again and rising. Had a look at the weir at Blantyre on the River Clyde that Tuesday (the 9th August)  and was surprised to only see only two possibly three fish leaping at the weir in conditions that i would consider excellent. In other places they are reporting that the grilse are late so perhaps they have been later afterall and are only now finally starting to arrive in numbers

It is exciting times on the Leven for those fortunate to hit it right, it would appear that shoals of fish are stopping briefly before pushing on into the loch. Any angler fishing at that spot is quickly connecting with fish. No sooner have they landed the fish when several casts later they are into another fish and then nothing, the assumption being the fish have moved on.

This would explain why we are not seeing anglers in numbers other than on the high tides. During the low water of late July there was little activity bar the odd fish caught so it could well be that anglers dont want to make the effort unless they are pretty sure the chances of hooking a fish are good. During that lull Frank McGeachy had a 7lbs fish and Scott Laird a fish of 10.5lbs. Chic McLean landed and returned a fish of 18lbs so well done to him for this sporting gesture. Hary Williams took an 11lbs fish and Jim Stewart one at 12lbs. A few other fish were caught, not much, but  there were few anglers bothering to fish!

RIVER ENDRICK UPDATE

On the River Endrick: Chris Turner had two salmon and two sea trout all returned on a stretch of water that has rarely produced much in the way of sport over this past five years despite what is often said of this stretch.

Chris Turner Fishing at Drumtian August 2011

This was followed up at Drumtian by the usual successful anglers with Colin Ferguson getting a 4lbs grilse John Coppolla had an 11lbs salmon and a 4lbs grilse and someone on another stretch had a couple of sea trout about 2lbs. Malcolm Prescott had a 5lbs grilse and a 2lbs sea trout and on another early morning stint landed a small rather thin looking 3lbs grilse all at Drumtian. The Endrick water levels were back down low by Sunday night and throughout Sunday i never seen any fish at the potts or elsewhere.

On Monday Gary Bateman decided to give Cowdenmill stretch a try after i suggested it held good fish just now and was worth a go. This is Gary’s second season on the waters so he was delighted to report a 13lbs salmon at the Cowdenmill stretch on Monday night, well done.

Gary Bateman seen here at Drumtian landed a 13lbs fish at Cowdenmill stretch. Monday 15th August 2011 

Nice to see the benches and rod rests being used by our members.

The next spate could do the trick for the Endrick as fish are clearly going through the leven in reasonable numbers right now with the excellent water levels on that river likely to stay like that for at least a week hopefully.

LOCH LOMOND UPDATE:

The summer salmon fishing which started off well in June and continued right through till the second half of July. We then had a spell of quieter activity with the odd fish still being caught but some anglers gave the loch a rest until August.

Gerd Elsweiler’s 2nd Fish from the big loch 9lbs.

Some anglers take their usual annual leave and spend a week on the loch camping. Jim Raeburn got off to a good start when he was heading out to camp out for the week. His brother Allan landed a 5.5lbs grilse and Jim landed a 6.5lbs grilse.

Duncan Ferguson with his grilse caught on Saturday 13th August Loch Lomond.

Jim sent me a report which i attach below.

A successful camping trip up the ‘Tap End’ this year from Monday 25th July to Sat 30th July. On the way up Alan Raeburn had a 5 1/2 lb grilse at the Blue Rocks and not to be outclassed by young brother I had a 61/2lb grilse the same afternoon at Ardlui. It went kind of quiet due to the heat and sunshine ( which forced us off the water and into a well known hostelry. On Wednesday morning I lost a fish about 6/7lb at the side of the boat on the road shore at Ardlui. Wednesday afternoon saw Gerd Elsweiler with a 9lb fish at Inversnaid. Thursday evening I had a fish at 13lbs just up from the ‘cave’ and on Friday morning (6.20am only out 5mins) a 5 1/2lb grilse at Eagle beach. A couple of photos attached of the 6 1/2 and 13. I think Alan and Gerd should be forwarding their own photos. Also a couple of ‘old goats ‘ who shared our campsite!

Regards,
Jim.

Jim Raeburn with a nice grilse. July 2011 Loch Lomond

Camping on the loch for a week. Aye and fish caught as well. Jims 13lbs salmon.

Rab Strachan has landed his tenth salmon on the loch on the 8th August, it weighed 11lbs so we all know where to go for salmon steaks lol. Peter Lyons was out with Alastair Mair on the Saturday and they lost a grilse about 6-7lbs.

We don’t have much in the way of reported catches coming through to us from the loch, come on guys get the photos coming in.

Jim Raeburn also landed a nice fish of 14lbs at Ardlui on Tuesday 16th August and on Wednesday landed a grilse of5.5lbs which he returned.

Jim with his latest capture a 14lbs salmon: Loch Lomond 16th August.

Returning a grilse 5.5lbs Wednesday 17th August 2011 Loch Lomond.

A returned grilse heads off into the loch after being released. August 2011.

We have introduced a variety of conservation measures such as, All sea trout to be returned until 1st May. All coloured fish should be returned in October and this year we banned all bait fishing until the 1st May on any given year. We now have some anglers fishing with plastic worms and no doubt planning to use these at the start of next season to get past the bait ban. Well I can assure such anglers that the rules will ensure that all such bait fishing including the use of imitation worms plastic or otherwise will be banned until 1st May for next year.

We are possibly one of the more measured associations managing any fishery and do our utmost to try to introduce rules that can be enforced and ones that will make a difference to fish stocks without taking away the anglers choice ie kill or return. We have been very successful in enforcing all the rules we have introduced whilst other fisheries nearby  have had mixed results in some of the more stronger measures. We have introduced a fingerling/smolt programme to attempt to make up for any possible shortfall in fish stocks.

The Committee LLAIA

 LATEST NEWS IS THAT THE BARRAGE GATES WENT DOWN YESTERDAY. SO WATER LEVELS ARE REALLY GOOD.

Another busy period for us over these last few weeks prevented us from getting reports done as frequently as we would like them to be done. Priorities in this administration  at this period of the season centres around ensuring that poaching is kept well under control which means night and daytime bailiffing duties. There are a lot of items to deal with not least also ensuring that the association secures (purchases) more salmon fishings for its members.  In this respect we are making progress and we are dealing with lots of other aspects that use up my own time as secretary.

The second half of June provided our members and permit holders with reasonably good fishing with some nice fish being caught.

Here’s a happy member, Ray Pryce with two cracking fish weighing in at 14lb and 13.5lbs. Caught on Loch Lomond on the second half of June 2011

I was hearing that Ray’s sons have also being doing well with catches of salmon with  Scott reported to have had six salmon off the loch so far but cant confirm if this is accurate or not?

Another wee chap who always manages a few fish is wee Geordie Fyfe, he came into Balmaha on the 18th June with a nice summer salmon pictured below.

Wee Geordie with an 11lbs salmon: Loch Lomond 18th June 2011

It is always good to see fairly new members continuing to get success on the fishery and Alan Brunnstrom landed another salmon to add to his tally for this year. Alan does well with the sea trout so nice to see him catching salmon as well.

Alan Brunnstrom 11lbs salmon: Loch Lomond 18th June 2011

 Another member and regular lomondite Gerd Elsweiler got his first of the season on the second half of June it weighed in at 15lbs.

Gerd Elsweiler with his 15lbs salmon taken in the second half of June 2011

 Alec Burns and his boat partner Donald Smith have had seven sea trout from their two trips on the loch (18th and 24th June) ranging in size from 1.5lbs - 3lbs.

Matt Stewart and his boat partner have been doing well with sea trout up to 3.5lbs.

 Ian Carr who is a long standing member of our association had a cracking sea trout on the loch as pictured below.

” 73 years young Ronnie (Ian) Carr pictured with a Sea trout estimated between
8lb-9lbs caught during a flat calm on the Loch on Monday 20th June on an olive
dry fly and 6lb leader. It took twenty careful minutes to land this sea trout
which has turned out to be his biggest to date.”

Ian Carr with his cracking sea trout estimated between 8-9lbs Loch Lomond June 2011.

Below is another photo of the big sea trout which have been more numerous this year.

 What a cracking sea trout 8-9lbs estimated. Loch Lomond June 2011

 Other anglers have been getting sea trout which have continued to surprise us with better sport than perhaps otherwise expected.

Donald Smith with a 3lbs sea trout loch lomond June 2011

There have been salmon caught on the loch and on the leven without any reporting of these catches. It is virtually impossible to bailiff the system and attempt to collate any catches other than what we get reported to us etc.

Jason Smith landed another salmon to his tally with a 12lbs fish in late June. Earlier in the season Jason collected a daily record fish of the week prize for capturing the first fish of the season off the loch and got a new fishing rod for his efforts. In late June he gave the rod a try out on the River Leven which had been fishing well throughout June and promptly landed the first grilse of the season.

 Staying on the River Leven for the time being we have Jim Duffy reporting landing a nice salmon of over 13lbs from the river on a floating line with a short sink tip. well done. Another cracking salmon from the leven was caught by Scott MacFarlane at 14lbs.and Scott Sinclair had a sea trout at 3lbs. Frank McGeachy had a 13 lbs salmon. I heard Stuart MacFarlane landed a salmon of 13lbs on the river and Scott Laird one at 10.5lbs. Also A Slowic had an early 10lbs salmon off the Endrick at Kiltrochan. Gordon MacKenzie had a nice slamon off thetop pool at 11.5lbs Tom Kilbride 10.5lbs Jim Stewart had a 12lbs fish at Linnbrane with big fish around the 16-18lbs showing in the pool all day. There was a 15lbs salmon landed by an angler whom i must apologise since his name escapes me right now, but Jack Ferguson kindly netted the fish for him well done to both of them.

Back on the loch and we have Charlie Kennedy with an 8lb salmon Alan Doran with a beauty at 16lbs and Rab Strachan just cant go wrong with another salmon of 12.5lbs

Another salmon for Rab Strachan 12.5lbs Loch Lomond June 2011

Russell Boyd landed a nice salmon of 12lbs on the loch end of June early July. One of our Committee was going by at the time and pictured him playing the fish.

Russell Boyd playing a lively salmon Loch

Russell brings the salmon to the net.

 

Another happy angler on lomond……………Nice 

Russell with his 12lbs salmon: Loch Lomond 2011

Robert Gorman kindly sent me a few photos of boats moored up at Inversnaid. I would like to thank everyone who has sent photos in, it is greatly appreciated.

Regular Lomondites stop off for a erm…….brew up at Inversnaid

Robert Gorman seems well pleased with this 12lbs  salmon Loch Lomond early July 2011.

Sadly it is not all good news see below:

JOHN BRICE 1950 - 2011

 

Well known Balmaha angler John Brice died on Sunday 19 June 2011. He fished both fly and troll and started fishing Lomond seriously when it became difficult for him to fish the Leven due to the deterioration of the arthritis which he suffered from for half of his life.

He immediately took to the Loch and its challenges and made many friends from both Balmaha and Balloch.

Although it was never easy he spent many hours fishing alone in his boat, but was equally happy in company and around the drum-up.

He understood that there was a social aspect to Lomond that was as important and as enjoyable as the actual fishing.

Much as he loved the loch he had many other interests and could converse with authority on a large array of subjects.

An Engineer to profession he also turned his hand to commercial diving and scaffolding.

He was a keen shot and dog lover, a board member of SANA, and a member of the Scottish Disabled Fly Fishing Association as team captain, manager and President.

He was also President of the Greenock and District Fishing Association, and was known the length and breadth of the country for his contribution to the sport.

John developed Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 29 and subsequently underwent numerous joint replacements, but it never stopped him doing the things he enjoyed.

Wherever he went John made friends, not just passing acquaintances, but lifelong friends.

Lomond drum-ups will never again be as eventful or humorous.

Note: Dont forget to keep a look out for any grilse with no adipose fin or partly removed adipose fin. If you telephone me Michael Brady on my mobile 07703118003 i will come and check the fish to verify it has had no adipose fin and you will qualify for a bottle of whiskey.

 

THE COMMITTEE LLAIA

 

Both the river leven and the big loch are still producing fish so get yourself out fishing and enjoy some good quality sport whilst you can!

Just a quick note on the  May sport. Apparently there were seven fish taken off the loch on the 26th May  which is quite remarkable all things considered. It does look like we missed reporting more than a few fish but were just pleased to see anglers catching fish!

John Bennett landed a nice salmon, John usually fishes for the sea trout so he would be pleased with his result.

John Bennetts salmon taken off the big loch May 2011

Let’s get started on June and on the first Saturday 4th June we hear that on Loch Lomond Scott Pryce landed a 10lbs salmon and  Brian Marshall one at 15lbs with Scott Laird getting a cracking sea trout of 7.5lbs. On the River Leven there was at least one fish taken by the chap that was fishing with big Keith, Willie is his first name, it weighed 12lbs and was taken at the top pool on the Leven.

Donald Brown couldn’t manage to get up the loch until later in the afternoon. I bet he was glad he made the effort as he returned with another salmon, it weighed  13lbs.

Donald Browns 13lbs salmon 4th June 2011 Loch Lomond.

The improved position with sea trout continues. Staying on the Saturday 4th June I know that Matt and Alan Stewart had two sea trout, Andy and Gavin Gilchrist had four sea trout, Euan McGrandle had two sea trout, a friend who was out with Jim Muir had two sea trout and Alex Burns and friend Donald had three sea trout. Angus MacRitchie also had two sea trout and on the Thursday before that he also had two sea trout, on that same day Colin McCrory and Jimmy Millar had five sea trout. Scott Sinclair also had a nice sea trout of 3lbs that Saturday.

River Leven: On Monday 6th June, Chic McLean landed three salmon and two sea trout. The three salmon came in at 15lbs , 14lbs and 14lbs, the two sea trout were 3lbs and 1.5lbs. These were fresh run fish straight up from the tide with long tailed lice. All the fish were caught on the fly.

Jim McDonald had a salmon at 14lbs also from the  River Leven that same day. Staying on the River Leven, on the 7th June Davy Watt took an 11lbs salmon at the Stuckie Bridge.

Pat Millar was already on a high with his cracking 11lbs sea trout caught at the end of May but he would also be mighty pleased when he landed a salmon coming back from the loch it weighed 16lbs.

 Pat with this cracking 16lbs bar of silver: June 2011 Loch Lomond.

Davy King landed a nice salmon of 16lbs  heading to the loch from the VOLDAC. Scott Laird took another salmon from the River Leven at 15.75lbs. There was also two salmon reported caught on the Endrick as well as some nice sea trout. Also good to hear of an early start on the Endrick.

Bailiffing has been stepped up on the Endrick as fish are moving through earlier than usual. It might well be the higher water levels and once they subside these fish could quite possibly head back down to the lower reaches or perhaps even back into the loch. We never quite know what fish do these days in terms of early ventures up the tributaries and back down again into the loch. On one particular night patrol on the Endrick recently I noticed salmon sized fish heading back down the river at night, strange but then again it is possible they could have been well mended kelts just delaying their journey back down the system who knows?

The regular rods that fish the Endrick have been taking sea trout and both Yorkie and Chris Turner have been picking up the odd fish here and there. Colin Ferguson also catching fish.

By the following week Chic McLean had another salmon off the River Leven this one weighed in at 11lbs and Steven Gillfeather had one at 10lbs. Robert Mair took a salmon off the loch it weighed 10lbs.

Again on the River Leven Chic McLean had another salmon this time a whopping fish of 18lbs. On the loch Alec Doey had a salmon of 13lbs and Jason  took two salmon off the loch at 11lbs and 10lbs. Dene Thomson sent me an email regarding his day out on the loch on Friday 10th June.

Hi,

Left Balloch early on Friday morning ((10.06.2011), to trawl the Boturich shoreline, up to “the bank”. Conditions were far from ideal; almost a flat calm, with broken cloud. I touched nothing until heading east, into the bank after fishing net bay, where I had a take to the inside rod (an Orange and gold rapala). I headed out into deeper water as there was a fellow angler behind me. I promptly lost the fish and looped round to fall behind the following boat. A take!!  Unfortunately, not to my rod but to Rab. I pulled in the lures and watched the fight. When the fight was complete, Rab had netted another salmon, his fourth I believe, to either a silver or copper toby (I think). It was the proverbial bar of silver.

Dene

So that’s Rab Strachan with another salmon landed.

We heard that there were  more fish off the loch on Saturday 11th June including another large sea trout, will have to get more details. In the meantime here is a nice salmon caught by Scott Sinclair it weighed in at 12lb.

Scott Sinclair with his salmon of 12lbs: Loch Lomond 11th June 2011.

I received a nice email from a fairly new season permit holder on the river leven. He was asking about the large trees now lodged in at the Bonhill Bridge pool and at the Glebe. both areas, as he rightly points out are popular areas to fish and he asked if there is a plan of action in removing the trees.

The Committee are ensuring that skilled people will be available to remove the trees and new equipment will be bought to ensure that trees in the River Leven and elsewhere will be removed as and when it is both safe and convenient to remove.

Yours truly decided to take a lady friend out on the loch on Tuesday  7th June. As the day was a very wet one I wisely delayed the start until late in the afternoon. Its one thing having someone moan to you for a short while re the weather while you head back to base, it’s quite another to have it happen at the start of a full days fishing! We managed a troll down the Bank to Ross Priory with not a boat in sight! This was more to do with the wet weather and the occasional thunder and lightning  than anything else.

The weather was bringing up some unusual scenery The net Bay area Gatocharn.

We headed back up the Bank and heading for the Black Rocks when the heavens opened up. I suggested she use her umbrella as modern waterproofs are pretty useless in this kind of downpour. I didn’t quite mean it to be used in  that way!!!! women honestly……….

Kym puts her umbrella to er… good use during a very wet spell. June Loch Lomond 2011. Singing in the rain, aye the loch affects us in different ways.

Typical of the loch though when i was explaining the run up to the Black Rocks was by far the best part rather than the uneventful Black Rocks itself when the best part was blank and the uneventful Rock itself provided us with a strong screaming reel as  away went the inside rod in twenty feet of water. I told Kym to pick up the rod and play the fish, quite convinced it was a salmon as it fought really well but then it just popped its head up at the surface and started to get reeled in, it was a 9lbs pike but it was absolutely exciting stuff to this female who actually managed to play the fish rather well for it being her first!

Kym plays what we thought was a salmon but a very sporting fight was had by this pike of about 9lbs returned.

Finally don’t forget about the possibility of an early grilse. If it has its adipose fin clipped it could land you a bottle of whisky. All fish with their adipose fin clipped must be reported to Michael Brady by telephone and I will get down to where you are and confirm the fish has its adipose fin clipped. Only then will you qualify for a bottle of whisky.

Here is a photo of a salmon parr with its adipose fin intact (ABOVE)

THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR: Adipose fin removed.

This will be the first year when we can expect grilse to return and some of them will have their adipose fin either removed or partly removed. We have no real way of knowing how many we could get back but if we end up with say 12 fin clipped grilse caught then it could mean another 100 are in the system uncaught and available to spawn this year. So the reality is that we need more fish available to spawn and that is why we are running the smolt programme.

THE COMMITTEE LLAIA.

 Latest News: Water levels on the River Leven remain at a very good height and conditions are really good for the weekend.

Firstly apologies for the lack of regular updates as the secretary was otherwise engaged. We can now resume reports on a regular basis.

Whilst we try to get as  much information as possible we are aware that a number of fish do go unreported both on the River Leven and on Loch Lomond.

On Saturday 21st May Alan  Brunstrom had a nice springer of 8lbs. A picture of Alan is shown below. He sent us an email which i have shown below. It is nice to see our efforts results in more fish landed.

Hi
Caught my first springer on Loch Lomond on Saturday weight verified by Sandy at Balmaha Boatyard to be 8lb.

I fished on Thursday the 19th May and at same spot where this one was caught, lost a salmon after brief encounter but have to thank Alistair Mair for sharing his modified Rapala rig as i modified my lure on Friday night in a similar manner and on Saturday the fish remained on.

Enclosed a photo.

Cheers Alan

Alan Brunstrom with his 8lbs springer May 2011 Loch Lomond.

Alan joined the association recently and had more than a few sea trout last year so it was good to hear he has now added salmon to his list of fish caught. I should add that Alan returns most of the sea trout he catches which under the present climate is good to hear.

There were a few more sea trout reported during that Saturday which was a pretty miserable day throughout.

On the Monday  we had the severe gales and heavy rain with little fishing done but as we moved on to more normal weather on Tuesday there were more reports of fish caught and lost!

Lindsay Nelson had a cracking sea liced springer off the River Leven on Tuesday 24th May. It was Lindsay’s first River Leven salmon so he was well pleased and delighted with his result. He also wanted to thank the local anglers who helped in the landing of the fish.

Lindsay Nelson with his first ever River Leven salmon: A springer of 16lbs May 2011

On Wednesday Peter  McFarland went out from Tarbet where he is moored and promptly returned with a cracking springer of 20.25lb. Peter sent an email which is detailed below.

Quote:

Hi,

After spending nearly twenty years away from The Big Loch, I decided to buy a small boat and give her another try. My good lady stated that stockie bashing with a fly rod was not real fishing, so  I bought four day tickets last year and managed to land a 14 lb salmon and 3 lb sea trout. This had me hooked again and this year I went for the full membership. Thankfully I did, I have landed two sea trout of 2 and 4 pounds and a 10lb pike, ( all returned )

On wed May 2011 I was trolling opposite Tarbet Pier, ( my boat is moored at Tarbet ) on the East side of the Loch. I was hooking lots of twigs and branches due to storms on the Monday.  After catching yet another pike, I hooked into this fine beast. Thankfully I took Peter Lyons expert advice and modified my tobies otherwise I would surely have lost this fish. It took a black/gold zebra toby and weighed in at twenty and a quarter pounds.

Kind regards,

Peter McFarland end of Quote

Below is a photo of Peters fish.

Peter McFarland 20lbs Springer proudly displayed by the two Ghillies. May 2011 Loch Lomond.

Fish have been coming off the loch and the river leven fairly regular now. On 25th May Tam Kilbride had an 11lbs springer at the Stuckie Bridge on the leven. Jack Ferguson had another springer at 13lbs. Davy watt also had a springer it weighed 12lbs and Alun Pryce helped tail a springer for an English gentleman, it weighed 17lbs.

On Loch Lomond Stuart McMillan had a fish at the McDougal Bank  it weighed 15.5lbs. Rab Strachan had another springer at 10lbs. We heard of another springer taken but have no name.

Rab Strachan with another springer of 10lbs: Loch Lomond  25th May 2011.

On Friday 27th May Donald Brown lost a cracking sea trout he reckoned was about 8lbs on a black and gold rapalla. Donald went out again on the Saturday 28th May and  landed a cracking springer of  16lbs, a rather nice consolation for the loss of the big sea trout I would say.

Donald Brown with his 16lbs Springer landed 28th May Loch Lomond 2011

On the 30th May Davy Lennox took a nice springer of 13lbs at the Glebe on the River Leven.

We also heard that several anglers had lost fish Chic McLean had a heavy fish on and just as it was ready to land the fish gained its freedom. Others both on the loch and on the river have been bemoaning the loss of fish, i guess its all part of the angling scene but when we are talking about springers it is a sore loss for anyone.

On Monday 30th May Catherine  Reynolds landed her first salmon at 11.5lbs. I had an email from Michael Lever which i include below.

Hi all, Just like to report a fish – 11.5 lb , caught by Catherine Reynolds on Monday 30/05/11 at Pumping Station on a Toby. It was a first fish. Well first salmon anyway: Catherine had landed a 4.5lb Brown , two sea trout 3lb and 1 3/4 lb and a pike or two over bank holiday weekend.

Catherine was motoring herself when the fish took. I will leave you to guess which rod the fish took.

Fem fish – good condition – 1 x sea lice. Picture does not really do justice as taken later in day.

See you about

Michael Lever end of Quote

Catherine with her lovely springer of 11.5lbs Loch Lomond May 2011.

As the email says Catherine had already landed two sea trout during the holiday weekend so it was nice to hear she accomplished another milestone with her first salmon well done indeed.

On 31st May Tam Kilbride took a cracking fish of 17.5lbs at the Chapel Hole and Jim Stewart one at 14lbs at the Stuckie Bridge. Scott Laird had a nice springer of 13lbs at the Piles and a delighted Chic McLean finally landed a springer of 11lbs at the street run.

You would think that with sport like this the river would be busy but on Tuesday with four springers taken that day there were only 12 anglers fishing the river.

We heard there were also fish off the loch but we are unable to put names to fish though Pat Millar landed a superb 11lbs sea trout on Loch Lomond! Pat had been up the River Spey and had  landed his biggest salmon. On returning home he decided to head out on to the loch that evening and promptly hooked his best ever sea trout! Landing your biggest salmon and biggest sea trout within days of each other is quite a feat.

Pat commented that he was starting to like this sport ha ha. Aye some guys get all the luck sigh!

Pat with his big sea trout of 11lbs. apparently it took a Guiness ?!?!?!

Today we report more fish off the loch with Rab Strachan reported to have caught another springer and another unknown boat also with a springer.

THE COMMITTEE LLAIA

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