Latest Update: Friday 3rd July, The weekend freshet is now in operation on the River Leven.
Loch Lomond saw another two salmon on Thursday come off the loch. There may have been others but that is all we can confirm. We can also confirm a cracking 12lbs sea trout caught by Iain Steel. We will provide a photo of the sea trout after the weekend.
Our Vice Chairman Peter Lyons landed his third salmon so far this season it weighed 12lbs.
Loch Lomond: Peter Lyons with another salmon of 12lbs
Peter did the article on how to modify your tobys which has been very well received by many anglers who fish lomond and others who fish elsewhere.
The photo below shows the fish with the Toby embedded in the fishes mouth. One for the forceps no doubt.
Modified Toby taken well down the salmons mouth.
Committee member Duncan Ferguson was also out on Thursday. Duncan has lost fish and had the odd reel scream but was still without a fish when he left Luss to head out on the loch. After a brief journey on the loch he realised he had forgotten his net! Knowing that he left his net in the house he thought it would just be like the thing if he hooked a salmon today.
Those who know Lomond well will tell you to expect the un-expected on Loch Lomond and you will not go far wrong. Needless to say Duncan hooked into a nice fish.
There must be trouble ahead…………………..
No net………What the hell do I do now?
Fortunately Peter Lyons was close at hand to supply the required net and chastise Duncan for being so stupid to come on the loch without a net.
Honestly………What’s all the fuss about? 10lbs sea liced salmon.
Thursday 2nd July. Loch Lomond. We can confirm that a grilse was caught on Wednesday by Walter Gilchrist it weighed 5.lbs. A white balloch boat also had a salmon that was much larger. With the weather change we can expect more fish caught today no doubt. We will keep you informed.
With the low water sea trout night fishing has began in earnest on the River Leven. Fish are being caught but we do not have sufficient information to say exactly how many fish have been caught.
Tuesday 30th June. The Loch continues to produce quality salmon with the capture of a sea liced 16.5lbs salmon by John Costello on Monday 29th June. We have confirmation of at least another similar sized fish caught today Tuesday 30th June. We do not know if more fish were caught. Wee Geordie Fyfe had landed a 10lbs salmon on the Saturday 27th June. This was one of the boats recorded as capturing a fish that Saturday.
John playing his salmon after a heavy and prolonged fight: Loch Lomond June 2009.
Amazing the stories you hear about catches on the big loch.Apparently John had just hooked something on his inside rod so he hand lined whatever it was in towards the boat. It was a small sea trout that had taken his lure, he was leaning over the boat removing the hook from the trout when the outer rod screamed, he quickly reeled in the other spare rod before grabbing the one with the salmon.
John Costello with another salmon 16.5lbs Monday29th June 2009.
Another photo of Johns fish: Loch Lomond June 2009.
Back to original report: That was how one angler described the fishing on Loch Lomond on Saturday! We make no comment on other places as we are just delighted that “The Loch Lomond System” has continued to perform well and produce fish to members and permit holders throughout the season. On Saturday 27th June there were nine identified boats all with salmon plus another boat that had caught one on the Friday evening.
The largest fish was a cracker of 25lbs and one of 17lbs. Most fish appeared to be between 12lbs and 14lbs. One fish weighed in at 6.5lbs and could possibly be another early grilse but then again it could also be a small 2 sea winter fish? We will report later on with some of the action pics taken that day.
Last Saturday (20th June) we reported at least five salmon caught but there were more fish caught that day! Also we had confirmation that on Friday 19th June saw at least five salmon landed on that day as well.
Note: If you double click with your mouse the pictures will come up full size.
Donald Brown doing well this year with another 13lbs fish.
This was was caught at the Golf course area along the western shoreline. Donald returned a sea trout of 3.5lbs. Other anglers catching fish that day was Scott Pryce, Kevin Gath. Alan Dorian and Ian Steel.
So fish are being caught mid week as well as Saturdays and it appears more anglers are catching fish rather than a small group of regulars as can happen at times.
Loch Lomond: Jim Raeburn salmon 8lbs June 2009.
Jim Raeburn came back from his holidays having spent all his silver no doubt, he had heard the loch was fishing well. So off he went to Balmaha launched his boat and promptly returned with this bar of silver to replenish his reserves…….some folk get all the luck!
Sea Trout are also being caught but on the bright sunny days the fishing is hard going and generally un-rewarding.
However an email from Alan Stewart to our Colin McCrory below is encouraging.
Hi Colin,
The fish was about 6lbs, It was quite short but very thick. I got it on a claret bumble on the short point. It still had sea lice on it. I had a wee neb about 3/4lb on Lonaig later in the day but we only rose another 2 fish all day. Conditions were good at times but the wind was constantly shifting.
That’s my Dad and I had 27 sea trout this season with only 3 on the troll with some nice ones in amongst them 4lb, 4.5lb & 6lb. We have returned all bar one although I got a bit of an ear bashing from my mum when I told her I had returned the fish on Saturday as she doesn’t have any left in her freezer. We have been out nearly every Saturday since mid March and only had one blank day so far. There definitely seems to be more fish about this year. I seen the photo of Euan’s fish on the web site, it looks like a cracker.
Cheers
Alan
Alan Stewart with a fresh 6lbs sea trout on the fly June 2009
The photo manages to make the fish “look” smaller but we can assure you we know these two anglers very well and if Alan reckons it is about 6lbs then that is what it will be!
During the week saw some nice catches coming into Balmaha and Balloch as well. It is hard to keep track of the catches and the number of boats all recording fish caught and fish lost etc. This is a wonderful season for our members and permit holders, we hope it continues
Samuel Burgoyne has been fishing the loch again this season. He has also met up with success as he lost a nice fish on Friday 26th June but then managed to land another nicer fish thereafter.
Loch Lomond 26th June 15lbs: Samuel Burgoyne.
ACTION FROM SATURDAY: On Saturday 27th June most of the action was from The Ross Priory to the Black Rocks. Fish were caught as the day progressed and the numbers continued to rise accordingly.
John Costello out from Luss gave the tap end a break and headed for the Endrick Bank area for a change. He witnessed a nice fish being caught at the Ross Priory in the morning by a white balloch boat just ahead of him. The boat proceeded to head up the bank once the fish was safely landed. John followed in close pursuit. Sometimes when you are out trolling the boat in front of you hooks into a fish. This time it was the boat behind hooked into a fish and John quickly sped into action. after a spirited fight he landed this nice salmon shown below, estimated between 12lbs and 14lbs.
Auch ya beauty……bet you don’t give your wife that look John?
A few hours later another regular angler out from Balmaha got into a right tussle when he had a good run off a a salmon at Balmaha Pier.
Loch Lomond June 2009: The fight is on and the fish refuses to come to the net.
This salmon put up a great fight and was hooked just off the Balmaha Pier.
After eight visits towards the net it finally happens? It is successfully netted! Sometimes patience is a virtue, waiting for the fish to tire out is usually the best tactic.
Landed. about 15lbs or thereabouts June 2009.
When you have several sons who make a habit of regularly outfishing you when fishing the big loch, you have to do what you have to do…put them in their place! Raymond Pryce had been getting worried about this fishing lark, still to draw blood on Lomond this year. The solution is to get out and fish, but after several days and no fish you just begin to wonder until………..
Ray Pryce calm and collected……….Experience counts you know.
A tense moment tests your skills to the limit.
I will never live this down if I lose it!……….
Relief…………in the net
Loch Lomond 27th June 2009. 9.5lbs.
It is never easy to catch salmon on Loch Lomond so dedication determination and putting in the hours all count towards achieving success.
It was third time lucky for our chairman Michael Brady who has returned to fishing the big loch once again. He said it was becoming unbearable not fishing the loch he loves so much.
Our Chairman with a fresh sea liced fish with long tails. Estimated weight 6.5lbs.
We thought we would keep the best till last and pass on an email kindly sent to the LLAIA by Colin Mitchell.
Good evening,
Please find attached a photo of my fish caught on the Endrick Bank today around 1pm. (Best to save the picture and then preview for the full effect). We had left MillarochyBay heading to drift the areas around the Endrick Bank and Aber Isle and were not too worried about putting a line out as we only had fly rods and a small spinning rod with us.On approaching Balmaha I tied a toby onto the small spinning rod and threw it over the side, just in case. The just in case proved very fruitful as you can see by the attached picture.The fish weighed in at 25lbs.
For a first visit to the loch this season, not a bad day out.
Kind regards
Colin Mitchell
Colin provided a picture of the fish as seen below. The kitchen is becoming quite prominent in several photo’s this year, it just shows you that the fish is destined for the table and the wife gets a wee treat for a change?!
Colin Mitchell Loch Lomond June 2009: The largest salmon caught so far this season weighing in at 25lbs.
There was plenty of boats out on Saturday but with such a large area to utilise and 38 islands to visit if you so desired there is plenty of room. As well as the nine fish caught that Saturday others had lost fish. Loch Lomond is magical as well as breathtaking and the faithful few who go out in fair weather or foul appreciate the lochs varying moods.
Fishing in paradise: Anglers go ashore for a brew up and lunch.
Its a LLAIA website not a Loch Lomond website: We are more than happy to print stories and photo’s on other parts of the Loch Lomond system. To do that we need anglers to pass on any news, views and pics they may have on the River Leven the River Endrick or the River Fruin or for that matter the Clyde Estuary or the Gareloch.
The River Leven: Things are quiet on the River Leven with only the occasional fish reported. Anglers have largely deserted the rivers for the time being. Several nice fish were caught last Saturday but so far we do not have any reports of fish caught the Saturday just past.
Poaching and Bailiffing report: Clyde Estuary. Another poachers net (about 100yds long) has been recovered this year so far from the Clyde Estuary by our bailiffs. We suspected a net was laid during the day as we had kept a close watch on the area concerned but had to wait till the tide receded to investigate further. This was a professional net complete with weights and floats etc. We made sure observers witnessed the net being burnt.
Loch Lomond is currently being watched at night for any netting activity. Tight Lines The Committee LLAIA
Friday 26th June 2009: LATEST UPDATE River Leven water levels now at A GOOD WEEKEND HEIGHT
Salmon are in the river and prospects look good despite the weather!
The loch continues to produce fish, we will update after the weekend.
Wednesday 24th June:
THE OLD MASTER SHOWS US ALL HOW IT IS DONE
Willie McGrandle went out with Euan McGrandle to share a days fishing. Needless to say the old master had not lost his touch nor his skills. Directing the boat over the old traditional salmon lies brought about the desired result. We believe Willie is our longest serving member of the LLAIA as he joined in 1948.
Willie McGrandle: A skilled veteran be it with fly rod or trolled rod. Seen here playing an early grilse, June 2009
Willie has had some memorable days out on the big loch and is still managing to get an odd day out, just to show us young ones how it should be done…..naturally. And we thought we were the auld yins.
The end result; 6.5lbs of fresh silver to warm the heart and soul of any angler.
Latest News: On Tuesday the gates were raised and the water level fell to summer low. The loch level as at the water marker at Ross Priory was exactly at 26ft level on Monday no doubt dropped an inch perhaps on Tuesday. Clearly the water board are not giving us any more water this time round. Perhaps they are worried that we get a major drought. We find this hard to take since we really only had a serious drought once in as many years!
Anglers should not get too uptight about this as it can at times be a case of swings and roundabouts in our opinion as we can at times benefit from the loch water levels being kept artificially high?
If the water board simply allowed the loch level to fall say to 25ft at this period in time then a spell of dry weather followed by a spate would leave us with little flow other than the burns helping to increase the average flow. In these conditions the Clyde could be running full and a reasonable portion of our fish could end up in the clyde instead of the leven. If and we stress the word IF we do get rain say next week the gates could get lowered again with good flow giving us the maximum opportunity for fish to enter the leven.We will also benefit from the increased freshet flows from Friday through to Monday morning.
The Leven saw fish taken on the Saturday and on the Monday with two fish taken by Tom Kirkbride one weighing over 17lbs.
On Loch Lomond: On the loch Kevin Gath continues with his good start to the season with another salmon and in our last update we mentioned Stuart Ingles had two salmon, we should mention here that it was Stewart Ingles junior who had the two fish, he has also been doing rather well this season.
Last Saturday once again saw impressive catches coming off the lochwith Willies fish reported above and Russell Boyd reported that he passed five boats all with salmon on the Saturday morning up to lunchtime. So it looks like we had another six fish at least taken off the loch on Saturday.This is fantastic fishing for this time of year, hopefully the grilse run will be equally impressive.
Loch Lomond: Paul Davis took this nice 11lbs salmon on Saturday 20th June 2009.
His boat partner and fellow member Paul Foster landed some nice shots with his camera! As well as the picture above he also took one of our competitors out fishing as seen below…without a permit as well.
Loch Lomond June 2009: The Osprey on the look out for a good catch.
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Friday 19th June LATEST NEWS: The River Leven barrage gates have been lowered with all gates down and the water level now well up!
Loch Lomond still producing really good sport with three salmon off the loch on Thursday. Kevin Gath had two more salmon to add to his tally we believe the fish were around the 11lbs and 14lbs size.Today Friday we have reports of at least FIVE salmon off the loch with Stewart Ingles landing two, Paul Davis out from Balmaha landed a salmon and two other Balmaha boats also had salmon.
Euan McGrandle landed the first salmon to the fly on Loch Lomond 18th June with a nice fish of 10.5lbs.
On Thursday morning (18th June) Euan arrived at Balmaha for another days fishing. Unfortunately his outboard failed to start. It was a windy morning with dark clouds and a good South Westerly wave was already building up. Now most guys would have abandoned their day out and retired back to the garage to fix their engine or just bemoaned their bad luck. Euan however decided to row out to Darroch despite the waves and after a hard slog at the oars finally reached his destination which happened to be the island of Darroch. By the time he got there the sky was much brighter with sunny spells amongst the cloud. Within a short time fly fishing he hooked a salmon and after a good battle finally landed a 10.5lbs beauty. If ever an angler deserved to get his just rewards it must go to Euan. At Balmaha, staring adversity in the face he was not going to allow this unfortunate event (engine failure) to ruin his day.
After landing his fish the wind got too strong and blustery as the picture below shows. Giving his engine a few pulls more in desperation than hope and low and behold it fired up! Euan was able to gain sanctuary and headed for the somewhat calmer waters along the west shoreline.
Blustery winds and big waves makes it difficult to fly fish in these conditions.
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In our last report it looked like Loch Lomond was having a great time with summer salmon and record catches being taken. Poaching activity increased and we have been rather tied up with making sure the fish are not poached out of the system and are there to offer anglers sport, hence the delay in getting out another report. Our Chairman along with bailiffs have been out by day and night with Michael Brady removing one net from the Clyde Estuary.
Despite the low water and bright sunny weather Loch Lomond has produced good catches of summer salmon, though catches have been steady rather than explosive!
A monster says young Keiran Millar aged seven: His first ever salmon.
An email below from Pat Millar gives us the details of this capture:
Dear Michael here is Keiran Millars first salmon he played all by him self 7 years old I only netted it for him, hope it gets him hooked to be a future angler. On Saturday morning 13/06/09 at the fruin, both of us were well happy, first this year for us don’t Know who was more excited when it turned a couple of yards off the boat then we realized it was a salmon and I still didn’t take the rod of him though the thought did cross my mind.
cheers Pat& Kieran Millar
Andy Campbell landed a salmon as did Danny Docherty. Willie Casey had two summer salmon. Charlie Kennedy also took one. Dick Dickson also landed two nice salmon as seen below.
A happy Dick Dickson Loch Lomond Balmaha June 2009.
The weather has not been totally sunny as we had a few cloudy days and even some heavy showers. In fact Alec Bowie landed a nice salmon in June on such a day when we had hailstones pelted down briefly. Alec was in the process of taking a photo of another salmon he had landed when the hailstones showered him.
Alec Bowie’s10lbs 4oz summer salmon Loch Lomond June 2009.
The hailstone showers piled on the fish make it look like a Fish from Loch Tay in January rather than a “Summer Salmon”
A few anglers have preferred to keep their catches private which is their prerogative. Russell Boyd was another angler with two salmon landed one at 11lbs and one at 9lbs. Pleased as punch with his success, though not so pleased with the hook embedded into his finger that Saturday, a trip and long wait at the A&E removed the hook and passed his appreciation to fellow angler John Bennett who kindly rowed his boat back to its moorings at Balmaha and tucked the boat up at its berth ready for another day, Aye we’re a helpful lot us lomondites.
Loch Lomond June 2009 : What a superb specimen: Russell Boyd’s 1st of two caught.
Stewart Ingles Junior had a nice fish of 10lbs as did Ian Steel 10lbs. Billy Quinn also had one at 10lbs. It is hard to keep track of fish landed and lost but suffice to say the loch is fishing just fine. This is afterall June and few systems have decent fshing in June, most waiting for the arrival of the grilse in August!
Loch Lomond producing good fishing throughout June 2009
Donald Brown reports landing a 5lbs salmon. Though he suspected it may well have been a farmed salmon as it was well spotted and ragged tail. Planty of fish lost with Duncan Ferguson Craig John and Davy Sunman to name just a few have all lost fish. Dvy Sunam had a strange take whilst Trolling and landed this fine specimen of a fish……….shown below.
A false alarm for Wee Davy Sunman a perch about 5lbs-6lbs
Most coarse anglers would be shouting from the rooftops about the capture of such a large perch, but for most of us game anglers it is a disappointment!
We thought we would leave the best to last with the capture of a 21lbs salmon, the heaviest so far this season goes to Stan Madden. Stan hooked three fish and landed one! He reports another boat with fish.The fish was caught on the Claddoch shoreline. Thanks to Harvey Ward for the news and photo.
Loch Lomond June 2009: Stan Madden with his 21lbs salmon.
River Leven: With the low water prevailing, anglers largely deserted the river. Few could blame them given the hot bright sunny weather. We all know a change of tactics can bring about a result on the river as both salmon and sea trout are going through the river, but under the conditions even the best of us just call it a day until conditions improve. Billy Kelly took another salmon and Andrew Dowie showed us all that perseverance does pay off with a nice 11lbs salmon to the fly. Sea trout are being taken between 2-3lbs and anglers are starting to appear again with news of continuing good catches on Loch Lomond. The weekend freshet should provide us with better prospects coupled with the rain forecast for today Thursday 18th June.
River Endrick: It is normal to hear of early reports of sea trout being caught on the Endrick so it is no surprise to hear of several nice fish between 2-3lbs being taken on the river over this last few weeks.
There is still the bulk of the best sport ahead of us so it may be appropriate to give any visitors to our website a taste of what could be in store for you if you care to join us for the 2009 season. All water permits are available now!
The Lomond System: Why it is a great value permit:
Variety is the spice of life. a well known saying and one that certainly fits the bill when it comes to the Lomond system. If you want a stretch of water to yourself or an island on the loch all to yourself then stop looking and get yourself the all waters permit and you will be amazed at the sheer extent of water available to you throughout the season.
If you hate queueing up to fish a pool or rows of anglers all fishing next to each other much preferring your own space and plenty of room to fish then we have that in abundance.
We also have decent numbers of fish, though we cannot compete with some of the more famous rivers. Most reasonable minded angler’s expectations are adjusted to reflect the price you pay for your permit and the quality and extent of the fishing’s on offer.
So if you want to enjoy the cream of the sport and fish the Dap or the wet fly for sea trout from a drifting boat and share the excitement of wild sea trout rising feet from the boat to take your Dapped fly or well worked bobbed fly then get yourself on Lomond. In 2007 Loch Lomond produced 520 sea trout caught by one third of returned catch forms received by the secretaries. In 2008 we had 518 sea trout caught. Most fish are returned without having to force anglers to do so. If you catch a nice fresh fish and up want to kill it for a special occasion then by all means chap it on the head but otherwise most of us prefer to return them in the current climate.
Working the Dapped fly as the two experienced anglers drift the mid bank of Inch Lonaig.
This is just what the doctor ordered for those who suffer from stress, sea trout fly fishing or Dapping has got to be the most absorbing tranquil medication to anyone out there. This is what life is all about drifting your boat into a nice wave expectations at the ready never knowing if a huge big sea trout is going to suddenly appear right in front of you with its mouth wide open ready to engulf your fly or Dapped daddy.
They’re a sneaky lot those anglers: Flies selected and tactics sorted.
Aye it’s heaven and you are still living! Preparing for a day’s fly fishing on Lomond when you know there is a decent head of fish in the loch is a wonderful experience. You will be pleasantly surprised by the willingness for regulars to assist you if you ask for some guidance on flies or islands to fish in certain wind directions. Often there is no need to get up at dawn as the wind tends to get up later in the morning say around 8 am or 9 am but nothing is certain so do as you please.
Loch Lomond 2007: A tense moment netting the fish.
You will get your share of blank days on Lomond that’s for sure, but days like this come along often enough to keep you happy and content.
Every now and then the loch gives you a day to remember for all the wrong reasons. You experience rises to the dap or the bob fly beyond all expectations and you come home with three or four sea trout and feel you have been robbed of an unbelievable day because you failed to connect to god knows how many fish that day.
But just to prove that the loch does occasionally spoil you rotten and gives you a day you will never forget take a look at the Dapping article with Angus MacRitchie in the section on articles tips and tricks.
Exciting times on Lomond when you know you have hooked a nice one: Loch Lomond 2007
Red letter days on Loch Lomond: Angus MacRitchie Dapping 2007
Dont think it is easy on Loch Lomond, God might have been extra kind in giving us such a magical and beautiful loch to fish for salmon and sea trout in……. but he didn’t make it easy!
So you will like the rest of us have your fair share of blanks and you hang out the white flag in surrender……the fish won that day.
Aye the fish can be dour blighter’s that’s for sure. Loch Lomond after a blank days fishing.
Boat fishing from Lomond requires a boat right……..Well got that covered too as the LLAIA has brokered a deal with Sandy MacFarlane at The Balmaha Boatyard. For up to three anglers you can hire a boat for a season for a single payment of £300. Several anglers took out the deal last year and it is stll ongoing at the same price. You do not get an engine but you can take your own or Sandy will hire uou one for a fee.
The loch fishing is unique in itself and the variety and choice be it trolling for springers or summer salmon and sea trout or grilse, fly fishing for salmon or sea trout you take your pick for at times both can be producing results.
Many anglers stick to the rivers and we can tell you right now if you are a successful angler you are likely to be fairly pleased as to what is currently on offer and the quality of the sport available. Anglers get the reputation for always arguing with each other as to how to catch fish, the best tackle and if the runs of fish are there or not. To the newcomer it seems we are all experts!
If you want to get depressed you can listen to some of the doom merchants (every river has them) these guys have fished for thirty years and they can tell you the river or the loch is finished compared to what it used to be like and so forth……..zzzzzzzzz
Alternatively you can just go out and fish and often you will enjoy yourself immensely.If you find you are really struggling give the LLAIA a phone and you will get reliable advice on the fishing etc.
Why we offer so much value for money fishing.
What we offer is quite unique for a whole variety of reasons some of which is not apparent when you first start to fish the loch lomond system.
How many anglers arrange a weeks fishing booked in advance only to arrive to find the river is at summer low and all the reports point to the fish waiting in the estuary for rain to allow them to run the river. At other times the river has just risen and is high and filthy but the locals tell you it will be fishable by the end of the week just when you return to work. At other times you can go to a river, find it in spate and watch all week as it rises then starts to fall only to rise again and your fishing is ruined. Later the following week you hear that there was great sport and you should have been there!
The lomond system is not affected by low water to the same extent as other waters. When other waters are at a complete standstill due to low water loch lomond can produce great sport. Another major plus is that when we do get heavy rain, loch lomond tends to act as a giant filter and as a result the river leven is only effected by the burns that run directly into the leven. Because of this unique situation the River Leven is usually fishable after a few hours when other rivers are still dirty and unfishable.
Loch Lomond can produce good catches of salmon during dry spells and even during major droughts like we had in 1984. The River Leven at its mouth has good depth so t does not dry up in low waters.
The mouth of the River Leven at Dumbarton Rock 2009. Free access to fish at every tide.
Take a look at our Review Of The 2008 Season and see if the numbers of fish caught are in line with your expectations. Obviously it would be impossible to list all the fish caught but the report gives you a good flavour of what to expect.
So what tickles your fancy then? Lets show you the variety of fishing on offer and if you think it might be your cup of tea contact our Secretary who will send you an information pack and application form to join. Tight Lines.
The Clyde Estuary: Sea Trout fishing on the Clyde Estuary and The Gareloch.
You can fish for sea trout throughout the season on certain parts of the Clyde Estuary and the Gareloch which is a sea loch . There is currently a ban on the killing of sea trout until 1st May in any given year but you can still fish for them and enjoy the sport. Some anglers fish the estuary during the early part of the season as the sea trout kelts are usually in good condition in the lomond system and once back in the salt water feed ferociously and quickly regain condition. The fish that have came down the leven after spawning do take some time before their culinary value gets back to normal, so they are better returned to the water in any case as they can taste poorly until they have spent several months feeding in the salt waters of the estuary and sea lochs. We have several of our members who take out the full permit even though they only ever fish the estuary, thus fully supporting the LLAIA and the system and all its management costs we have to endure etc.
A popular area for sea trout anglers out on The Clyde Estuary.
The salt water fishing adds some interesting variety and excitement to the anglers season when things are otherwise quiet during the February March period.
Most West Coast river systems have very little if any spring salmon fishing. Those that do vary in the quality and quantity of sport. We believe the loch lomond system offers reasonably good spring salmon fishing for a West Coast river system.
Those who enjoyed the Clyde Estuary saltwater sea trout fishing tend to move up from the estuary to the River Leven whilst anglers solely after an early spring salmon will usually be found fishing the River Leven or Loch Lomond.
River Leven: An angler starts at the top of the run working his way downstream
There is no queuing on the leven with six miles of fishing and less than 250 permits issued, compare that to other association or club controlled waters!. The River Leven is an opportunist anglers river as one regular described it. Up until August most of the fish are moving through the river on their way to Loch Lomond. If you are there at the right time in the right place your in luck. Some anglers reckon it would be a brilliant river if the fish could be encouraged to stay in the river and congregate in some of the well known pools provided they were deep enough. We had that once with the Bonhill Bridge Pool. Constructors employed to build the new bridge used the rock from the river for their foundations and left a large deep pool. A lot of the salmon would stop at this pool rather than head into the loch. t may have produced great sport for the anglers who fished t but it almost destroyed the system with around 500 salmon caught annually and probably another 500 poached from the pool! In the end the Committee who were in office at that time decided to fill the pool in with 1500 tons of washed boulders to remedy the problem. Nowadays the fish are more spread out and everyone including those who fish the loch and the tributaries all get a fair chance of sport without the dreaded crowding of anglers in areas were fish have congregated in numbers. It goes without saying that rivers that have such pools always seem to encourage the less well behaved anglers…nuff said!
With a constant decent height the River Leven can produce fish throughout the river as demonstrated this year (2009) with 50 spring salmon taken between April and May. Grilse arrive in August in decent numbers and they too can be caught even in low water p[rovided you are willing to put the time in and fish the right tackle for the conditions.
The river is regularly bailiffed and maintained and you will enjoy yourself whether you are fishing for salmon or sea trout.
It is mostly the Balloch boats that fish in the opening months with the Balmaha boats mostly waiting till Late April or May before launching their boats. The odd early Balmaha boat sometimes manages to get out early and on occasion takes the first salmon off the loch. This year most fish apparently stayed in the River Leven and the first springer off the loch was much later than usual. Not surprisngly then, it was caught by a Balmaha boat!
Loch Lomond:Trolling the Ross Priory area during the early months
It can be bitingly cold in the early part of the season so it pays to make sure you are well lapped up and you have got a good supply of hot coffee or tea.
Two springers taken off Loch Lomond May 2008
As we move through into the summer months some anglers turn their attention to the sea trout fishing. Night fishing’s not to everyone’s taste and it can be frustrating fishing for an early sea trout as they tend to stop perhaps just once briefly before pushing on and into loch lomond. Often you will be the only angler out and you have to pick the right place to concentrate your efforts and simply “hope” that the fish stop where you happen to be fishing?
As an alternative to night fishing you can simply fish during the day. You can choose to concentrate on the smaller class of sea trout and you will often find that there is good sport with the small black nebs as we call them. These small sea trout of half to three quarters of a pound can give many newcomers enjoyable sport and can be caught using much smaller trout flies. One angler who joined us last year had more than 15 small sea trout (all returned) and also picked up two grilse into the bargain. As we say it depends on what your expectation are? You can even fish in bright sunny conditions and if the fish are fresh enjoy some good sport with the nebs. Just remember to put away the big 16ft fly rod and get out the 10 footer and small flies.
The River Leven: Fantastic streamy water with the chance of a salmon at any time.
Once you move into July those that fish the endrick start to give it a try. In some years the early grilse can run though the leven and loch lomond and run up the endrick. This last three years fresh grilse have done exactly that and provided anglers with cracking sport if you happen to be in the right place at the right time.
River Endrick: An angler tries for a fresh grilse that have just arrived at the pool below him.
After a couple of spates the fresh grilse often push on upriver to one of the favourite stretches for many of the Endrick anglers at Drumtian. Occasionally it can get busy with maybe as many as six anglers fishing the stretch but for most times perhaps two or three anglers might be fishing or you get the whole stretch to yourself! though there is plenty of room even when it is busy. Members who fish the Endrick tend to be very well mannered and friendly, not that they are less friendly down the leven, it is probably the fact that things are much more relaxed on the Endrick.
The Endrick at Drumtian: Owned by LLAIA thanks to the efforts of the present Committee.
The sea trout stocks have still to recover properly on the Endrick compared to what it used to be like but this gives the keen night angler an opportunity to fish all the best night fishing pools and tails and pick up fish on most nights once you get to learn where the fish are residing. Some nights will be difficult but other nights can be surprisingly good as the fish have rarely been disturbed by others. Often you will have a whole stretch to yourself.
These days rarely a season goes by without a fair amount of bank maintenance being done by the LLAIA.
You rarely see stiles of this quality anywhere: The stretch looking upstream is Wilsons, it too is now owned by LLAIA
You will find stiles like this on various stretches on the Endrick.
The large cutting machine hired by LLAIA to trim the banks of the River Leven is shown below.
Bank maintenance: The River Leven.
By August salmon start to lie up in the river leven and fresh fish can come through fairly regularly on the varying tides.
Jim McDonald: A very successful leven angler with a fresh grilse.
As we move into September the LLAIA members are simply spoilt for choice, Will I try down the estuary for an autumn sea trout or the lower tidal stretches of the leven or maybe I will give the Endrick or the River Fruin a try?
Weather conditions are looking good for the loch? Or maybe I should play safe and stick to the leven?
River Endrick Potts of Gartness August 2007
The association has been transformed over this last decade despite having an income similar to what hey had 15 years previous! The association has been able to maintain good bailifing by ensuring the efficient use of resources and in securing ownership of a variety of stretches on the River Endrick. The Endrick is a vitally important area to gain control of since the chief runs of salmon in the lomond system spawn and reproduce in the Endrick.
The Cowdenmill Fishing’s: It too is also owned by the LLAIA
Although the LLAIA is now happy with the number of fishing stretches purchased the management are still pursuing other stretches though we are now placing more emphasis into boosting fish stocks. if previous successes are anything to go by we are likely to succeed. All going well the LLAIA will be stocking the system with 24,000 smolts next spring. So YOUR future sport is looking more secure perhaps than other fisheries.
Lastly we come to the River Fruin. Just as beautiful in fact some would say more so than the Endrick but it can be far more productive as well!
The advice you get from anglers on the Fruin is mixed with some members preferring to keep their wee secrets to themselves which is fair enough. Others will gladly help the newcomer and give you helpful advice. We don’t as yet have many photo’s of the Fruin (will have plenty this year though) so we will give advice if you need it.
One newcomer last year did very well by just fishing the parts that looked fishy to him. He did better than some of the regulars!
So there you have it, the all waters permit offers you everything we just covered in this report. It knocks the spots of the competition as far as we are concerned by offering unrivalled choice and reasonable sport at a fantastic price.
Chances are you heard there is a lot of politics going on and arguments as to who should be on the committee managing the system.It is little wonder there is competition when one considers that we had one of the best runs of grilse in 2007 and we had one of the best spring runs in 2008 and this year we have possibly had the best spring salmon fishing in this last 20 years. We now own four stretches of salmon fishings on the River Endrick. We have a new patrol boat engine and trailer. We have a new transporter trailer and a new specially designed fish transporter tank. We have equipment to carry our bank maintenance and we have a smolt programme well underway and a stock enhancement programme well suited to the systen and geared towards ensuring genetics are fully taken into account. The association had been transformed over the years with hard work and dedication. There might well be disappointment in the years ahead…who knows? But for the present comittee it will not be for want of trying our hardest to ensure anglers have a future and get the opportunity to catch fish, take them home if you wish (your choice) and treat the family to a tasty meal fit for a king.
Your subscriptions are going directly into the managing of the system, not into some private enterprise for profit. We are not perfect and much has still to be done. Each year sees progress towards our goal and within a few years others will get their chance to come on to the committee and attempt to manage the system as well as we have done so. When we took over the state of the LLAIA was in ruins, now we are much stronger and healthier than ever in our long history. We hope we can give over the reigns of our great association to others who are like minded and dedicated as we have been.In the meantime the arguments have ceased and perhaps the vast majority of our members are back to doing what they like best of all ……fishing the Loch Lomond system and enjoying themselves.
If you want to join and would like a tour of the rivers then just contact the secretary on 0141 781 1545 or on his mobile 07703118003. We will take care of the rest. Tight Lines
THE COMMITTEE LLAIA 2009
All rights reserved no reproduction without permission
Our chairman was speaking to River Leven regular Tom Kirkbride this morning (Friday) when finishing his through the night bailiffing stint, Tom was telling him that they were pulling salmon out of the loch yesterday (Thursday) when one boat passed by with three salmon on board, another also with three salmon on board and the third boat with FOUR salmon. Tom also reports that there were fish lost as well.
We cannot as yet confirm the catches but an email from Donald McKellar reports a 6lbs sea trout caught and returned on Wednesday and an 8lbs salmon caught on Thursday. Could we see a day to equal the River Leven’s best day with 11 salmon caught? We will update this report with news of catches once we get confirmation. Speaking to Jim McGuire he was telling us that Andy Campbell had a salmon on Wednesday but he did not hear of any catches on the Thursday? It could be that the Balmaha boys scooped the lot?
Donald McKellar with an 8lb salmon Thursday 4th June 2009.
Donald McKellar with a fresh run beauty.
There has been constant bailiffing both during the day and at night ensuring that fish are not being taken by poachers throughout May and now into June. The sea trout runs which were trickling through over the first fortnight of May have now increased with several batches of a dozen or more in each run seen during the night despite the tide times being outwith this period. Salmon are coming up on the tides and at first light with most fish around the 7-8lbs mark, although several much larger fish were spotted on today’s tide. On Wednesday Billy Kelly landed a 14lbs salmon. Night fishers are catching sea trout on the Leven so it is worth giving the river a few hours with the fly at night.
Breaking the bye-laws by spinning the Bonhill Bridge Pool.
There will always be anglers that chance their arm, some more than others. These two anglers thought no one was about so they spin the pool as they pass by. They have had their one and only warning, the next time the permit will be confiscated. Others are ALREADY ON THEIR FINAL WARNING so they know the risks they take when caught!
Two well known anglers have already used up all warnings period! They will be banned for life if they are caught breaking the by-laws. It is up to anglers to observe the rules and adhere to them. There is no use complaining afterwards when they are caught.
Those who know the loch really well will know that the loch fishes much better when the loch is much lower than 26ft. The loch level is now at an ideal height and we might well see more good catches coming off throughout June, weather depending off course.
Alastair Mair plays his first ever salmon:Loch Lomond may 30th 2009
Starting to tire, an anxious moment for our Treasurer.
With the Loch now starting to compete with the River Leven it will be interesting to see how they both compare throughout June. The number of anglers fishing the River Leven during the week has been very low indeed. More missed opportunities we think.
With today’s Mediterranean weather marking the end of our spring salmon season it ends what is likely to have been the best spring salmon catches for this last twenty years. Quite remarkable considering that the previous year was also a very good spring season as well. So despite all the doom and gloom and the fact that the spring salmon season on the East Coast has seen greatly reduced catches and talk of mandatory catch & release enforced on anglers for next year in those rivers, we have done very well so far this year.
Although the star performer in terms of fish caught was easily the River Leven it was good to see the loch can produce fish even during this bright warm and sunny weather with our Vice Chairman Peter Lyons accompanied by our treasurer Alastair Mair landed a fresh springer of 9lbs just as they headed for the Balmaha Bay to end their day with some excitement. The fish was hooked on the poker and Alastair got to play the fish and successfully landed his first ever salmon. Well done.
Peter Lyons and Alastair Mair trolling along the Claddich shoreline Saturday 30th May.
Here is an email from Alastair:
Hi All, I was out with Peter today so here’s the story
Really hot sunny day nothing all day except a sun tan - heading back to Balmaha at 7.15pm - 2 mins from the boats and buoys when the reel screamed ! I got the 3 other rods in while Peter held the most important one and then handed it to me - help ! I reeled in quick as it seemed to be swimming towards me but then made several runs away from the boat for some reason. Anyway Peter netted it - a fresh run silver springer of 9lb with sea lice attached to prove it.
I would like to thank
1) Peters persistence in staying out when their was still a chance of a fish
2) The sun for going behind some cloud
3) Peter again for his laced up toby so the fish had less chance of being lost
4) Peter again for netting it so well and bringing much relief !
5) The best looking thing in the boat - the springer
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience - the wild Lomond salmon is a magnificent prize - I am sure it will taste good tomorrow too. I am also pleased that Peters boat has accounted for 2 springers this year as he puts in many long days.
Tight lines all - see you on the loch
regards
Alastair
Our Treasurer Alastair Mair lands his first ever salmon 30th May 2009
We can confirm that at least two fish were caught off the loch the previous Saturday with Joe Brown getting one and a Balloch boat also landed one. Joe also lost two salmon as did another Balloch boat on the same Saturday. The most disappointed angler throughout the spring salmon season must surely be Rab Strachan who had a large springer estimated between 25lbs and 30lbs lost right at the net.
During the week there were reports of fish off the loch but we do not as yet have a final tally for the loch. Jim Conner had taken a springer, the weight we are not sure about. A well known angler also landed a 10lbs springer at the Net Bay on Tuesday.
Donald Brown landed this fresh beauty of 9lbs on Tuesday 26th May Loch Lomond
Willie Casey also had a springer taken off the loch but we are unsure when?
But this year was the year for the River Leven to shine in terms of catches with three fish confirmed taken on the Tuesday a further five taken on Wednesday despite the Barrage gates been raised and the water level falling to summer low, at least a further two off on Thursday and other fish reported on Friday.
An angler trying for an early morning salmon: River Leven 30th May 2009
The Totals for the River Leven up till the Friday was fifty salmon according to the bailiffs with a possible four other fish not included. Catches from Loch Lomond are proving more difficult to record or confirm but we hope to get a tally for the loch soon. The final tally for the loch is likely to be about 15 fish, a large drop on last years great sport. If we take it as fifty off the River Leven and fifteen off the loch that brings a total catch of 65 springers all landed and a fair proportion lost on both river and loch. That has to be impressive for a West Coast Fishery by any measure.
We reckon the River Leven has been the best spring salmon water on the West Coast this year.The best sporting angler award goes to Brian McCaskie who returned four of the six springers he caught. We have been told that Gordon Pollock also returned a springer. We are not sure if that was the only springer Gordon had taken, but if it was, that too is a very sporting gesture considering few anglers would return their FIRST springer!
Now we can look forward to the summer salmon which generally comprises of multi sea winter fish of good size. These fish should provide some exciting sport throughout the month of June.
Tom Kirkbride lands the first summer fish of the season: River Leven 1st June 2009
The water bailiffs encountered Tom this morning when they were finishing their through the night bailiffing duties this morning. Tom caught the fish in the Top Pool at about 7am in bright sunshine, it looked to us a good 9lbs. There were only three anglers fishing the whole river from first light up until 7.30am this Monday Morning……….opportunities lost in our opinion.
Anglers can also look forward to the main sport later in the year (end of July) with the grilse runs which if recent trends are anything to go by should be a good one!
On Monday 25th May there was eleven springers confirmed as caught on the River Leven. We have went back over this past 30 years and still cannot find a day when this number were caught!
Brian McCaskie gets the biggest plaudit for catching three in the one day and returning all three springers, well done.12lbs, 14lbs not sure what the third was estimated at?
Iain Marshall had one at 11lbs. Sammy Burgoyne landed one at 17lbs. Andy McElwee, Gordon Pollock, Alan Pryce all had fish. We will try and get the other names as soon as possible.
Iain Marshall fishes the run in to the Bonhill Bridge Pool. May 2009
There were another two-three fish reported caught on Tuesday but we have yet to officially confirm.
If the three springers are confirmed it will bring the tally of springers caught from the River Leven so far in 2009 to 41 springers. Though that figure is lower than some of the regular locals as they had another four added to our previous figure of 31 springers.
This has got to be the best spring salmon catches for some years now, though lets not forget that 2008 was also a very good year! The big difference this year is that the fish have stopped/rested in the River Leven most of the time rather than run though as what happened last year when Loch Lomond experienced their best spring salmon fishing for a long time.
No doubt some will try to figure out why, how or what has caused all this good sport. It could just be the simple fact when fish start to lie in the river other fish coming in tend to follow suit. It is a brave man that can say for sure what fish will do in any given year. Most of us will just enjoy the fact that the Lomond system has fished well for springers again for the second year running with the River Leven getting most fish this year rather than the loch.
What will be interesting and factual for a change will be the results of the DNA work we are ALL being involved in this year.
The anglers have responded well to our request for fin tissue etc. Once we reach the end of the month we will start to get the tubes and scale samples collated and sent off to Marine Scotland for sampling. We will let you guys know ASAP the results of this work.
The water level marker at the Bonhill Bridge on Tuesday 26th May at 6pm.
Surprise surprise the water board have just raised the Barrage Gates.The water board has confirmed that the loch level was below 26ft possibly 25ft 8 inches so no complaints on that score. We will get weekend compensation levels which could see catches continue on the good side for Saturday.
The weather is not looking good with a few hot days ahead for us all (according to the latest weather forecast).
We have had a few day visitors to the River who mostly fish elsewhere but have never fished the Leven. They have been amazed with the almost constant streamy water the leven has, compared to other rivers. They have also been pleasantly surprised that there is plenty of space to fish in areas where you have a good chance of getting a fish.
We have always said the leven is a superb fly fishing river with decent flow and that all we need is more fish running the system to provide a solid base for anglers to enjoy whatever sport each season may bring. There will be years even with better runs of fish that catches are poor simply because the bulk of the fish got their heads down and ran through into the loch without stopping.
The recent shock drop in spring catches/ runs on our East Coast rivers this year serves to remind us that these days no matter how knowledgeable one might be, when it comes to salmon we still don’t know all the facts.
Catch & Release still causes many arguments between anglers and often quite heated ones at that. Common sense might well suggest it must make a difference, but until we know for a fact how many fish of a particular family/ DNA or whatever is required to produce the optimum output of smolts in any given area we are really still guessing at this game, albeit an educated guess but still a guess.
We will be releasing our latest committee report in the next few days (we hope) It will let anglers see what we are doing and what we look upon as priority in the loch lomond system. In the meantime we suggest you get out there and see if you can get a springer.
How many of us have had the rare opportunity to visit a salmon hatchery and looked into one of their large rearing tanks and seen thousands of healthy parr all swimming about and thought…..wouldn’t it be nice of they were going into our waters!
There are well over over 8,000 parr in this one tank all destined for our waters in Spring 2010.
All going well we should see about 24,000 smolts released into the lomond system in the spring of next year. By that time we might well have put a limit on the number of leven local and non local permits issued in any one year. If you want to get in on the action the only guarantee is to get yourself a River Leven season permit or a full members permit and then you will know “you are in” and could be looking forward to exciting sport in the years ahead. We are only talking about another fifty permits for local and non local to reach our limit for Leven permits. This will give quality angling and sport which together should provide an unrivalled package for the regular angler to enjoy.
Note: New colour maps of the River Leven are now available at O’Brien’s Newsagents priced £1.50. This is a must for anglers new to the river as well as being good to have for all anglers that fish the river. The maps come with a protective sleeve. There are a complete set of colour maps now available for the River Fruin, River Endrick and River Leven as well as the superb colour map of Loch Lomond. All of the maps have been produced by the committee and should assist anglers in finding their way about the system.
We will possibly do a loch report over the weekend but can report that apart from Saturday the loch is fairly quiet with boats even on Holiday Monday just past, the bailiffs patrol boat only checked 13 boats for the day.
The bailiffs boat or bailiffs accompanied with the Park Patrol boat will be out on the loch midweek as well as weekends over the course of the season checking permits etc.
We have been asked if we could show a selection of photos for various parts of the River Leven. Here are some photos which shows why some anglers will always want to fish this river….we hope.
With another week still to go before the spring season has finished we have already seen good spring salmon catches for the second year running. As we publish this report there are already three fish caught off the river this morning with another two possibly taken but as yet un-confirmed. Last year the bulk of the catches came from the loch, this year the River Leven is doing much better with good catches coming off the river over this past fortnight.
The LLAIA has strengthened its bailiff force with the arrival of Brian Elliot who previously worked for the association about seven years ago. Other bailiffs will be coming on, as and when required throughout the season, thus protection of our fish stocks remains priority. Bailiffs will always come and go but so long as we have key staff with great knowledge of the system and in particular the bailiffing situation, then we will always be in good shape ready to tackle each year as it comes.
Doug Shaw checks two anglers permits at the Sandy Hole area Renton.
Bailiffing can be a difficult job at times but for the most part it is pleasant and enjoyable particularly during periods when anglers are catching fish. Dougie is a knowledgeable angler who fishes the system, so is also able to give newcomers good advice and will be found chatting to anglers and trying to generally be helpful. At this period of the year the bailiffs can do their own public relations work as well as bailiffing, later on things get too busy and the work schedules are much longer and often involves day and night work.
Big Brian checks an anglers permit River Leven May 2009.
It is difficult to get all the fish that have been caught, but in the case of the River Leven we feel we have made a decent attempt at getting the majority of fish caught. Our thanks to the anglers that have confirmed catches and passed on information to the bailiffs with regard confirmed catches.
Season permits for the River Leven are available from the secretaries as well as from selected tackle shops in and around Glasgow and surrounding areas. . Leven permits can often be purchased at Bonhill bridge at O’Brien’s newsagents shop. The price of a season permit for the River Leven is currently £109.00
An all waters permit has to be purchased from the Secretaries and costs £175.00 plus a one off joining fee of £25.00
A summery of catches by the bailiffs should give the regular and visitor alike a flavour of the catches so far from the River Leven only.
30th April Paul McMahon 13lbs. Chic McLean 14lbs, both fish from Renton area.
2nd May Brian McCaskie 8lb Bonhill area.
4th May Alan Stirling 11lb at Renton. Ian Quinn 10lb at Piles, Chic McLean 13lbs at Renton.
8th May Chic from Yoker 12lbs Piles.
12th May Alex McElwee 14lbs renton.
15th May Andy McElwee 14lbs Piles.Chic McLean 12lbs renton, Billy Marsland 11lbs at top end of river.
16th May Jim McDonald’s friend 13lb at the Glebe. Jack Miller 20lbs at Renton, Paul Kelly 16lbs at Linnbrane.
18th May Ken MacFarlane 12lbs Bonhill area, Chic McLean 11lbs Renton, Hugh Donald 14lbs at top end,
19th May Davy Watt 13lbs at Double Pipes. Rab Melville jnr 12lb at Renton, Brian McCaskie 16lbs Bonhill, Eric Donaghey 12lbs at top end, Chic McLean 11lbs Renton.
20th May Brian McCaskie 12lb Bonhill (released)
21st May Kirk Philips 12lbs Renton. Rab Melville 11lbs Renton.
23rd May Paul Kelly 12lbs Linnbrane, an angler called Frank 10lbs at top end, an angler called Derek 12lbs at Piles.
25th May (first two hours only) Brian McCaskie 12lbs and 14lbs and Iain Marshall 11lbs.
Our tally for the River Leven only amounts to 31 springers caught so far with a possible four others not confirmed. There has been about eight springers lost that we can confirm from the River Leven.
An angler fishes the Piles on the River Leven: May 2009
One would think that with the river fishing so well it would be very busy indeed, well on Saturday for example from 8am till about 11am we counted 16 anglers from the Renton up to the top end at Balloch. The River Leven is about six miles long so there are plenty of places you can get to fish alone or to yourself. The busiest periods are usually the hour before and several hours after the high tides during the day. First couple of hours at Dawn and sometimes the last hour or two at night.
Some days the river might have six or seven anglers all on the one section with hardly an angler elsewhere. At other times there is hardly an angler to be seen!
The number of season permits sold on an average year over this last say, five years is about 300 permits and that includes the local leven season permits as well (though not the big ticket holders). The average number about 25 years ago would possibly be about 800-900 leven season permits. Clearly the River Leven represents great value given that most areas are fishable and there are few areas where fish cannot be caught, though obviously some areas are better than others.
An angler fishes at the Stuckie Bridge: River Leven May 2009.
The great thing about the River Leven is that the spring salmon season is just the icing on the cake, albeit for some a very important bit of icing! The river produces summer salmon as well as the main fishing which takes off when the grilse arrive in numbers from about the Third week in July onwards and lasts often till the last day of the season.
Lately we have experienced good grilse years followed by not so good ones, For example 2007 we experienced a particularly good run of grilse and anglers on the river did well with good sport. Last year 2008 was one of the not so good years, though when you look back at the catches it was not too bad……
This year if the recent trend of alternating years continues we should see another good grilse run.
Loch Lomond has also been producing springers with another two springers off the loch on Saturday as well as a report of a large springer about 25lbs lost at the net on Saturday, another boat reported two fish lost on the Saturday morning. We will try and give a run down of catches off the loch at some point when time allows. Our advice is to just get out and fish. The springers are there to catch whether you are fishing the River Leven or Loch Lomond.
A Balloch boat trolls the Claddoch shoreline for a springer: May 2009
There are some nice sea trout being taken off the loch recently as well with Stewart Brown landing a crackerof 5lbs on Thursday 21st May, Matt Stewart also doing well as are a few others.
Scott Sinclair with an 8lbs fish caught: Loch Lomond Saturday 23rd May 2009
Aye its a great place this Loch Lomond System. Whilst there are negative aspects over this past few years there are far more positive aspects surfacing as you will hear about in due course.
In the meantime Tight Lines to all who fish the loch lomond system.
Water levels continue to be excellent, hopefully these water levels should hold up for the rest of the week. We can report another angler Ken MacFarlane had a springer off the leven it weighed 12lbs. The bailiffs thought it may have been caught on the Saturday. Ken s another new full member of the LLAIA this year. It looks like the estimate given of 17 springers (salmon fishing forum) taken off the leven up to and including Saturday 16th May is fairly accurate afterall! Well done to levenlad (whoever he is) he obviously keeps a close eye on catches.
On Monday 18th May saw another three springers caught on the River Leven. Chic McLean caught another one at 11.5lbs, bringing his tally to four! All four fish have had the fin tissue and scales handed to the bailiffs or given in to O’Brien’s, so well done Chic.
Chic McLean fishing down the Street Run at Renton.
An angler called Shug Donald caught one at the stuckie Bridge, it weighed 14lbs. One of the senior anglers called Paul also landed one it weighed 16lb caught at Linnbrane.
Today Tuesday 19th May there has been another two springers so far (before lunch) taken off the River Leven. Davy Watt landed a cracker at 14lbs and Rab Melville Junior has just landed a springer of 11lbs, scale samples and tissue will be collected thanks to Peter Jordan. That would make it 22 springers taken from the River Leven. Plenty more reports of fish lost, fish rattled and so forth.
The loch guys are certainly hooking the fish as we heard there were at least three springers lost on Saturday. You tend not to hear of the loch fish caught until several days later. Sea trout are getting caught on the loch as well with Matt Stewart and his son doing quite well, their biggest so far was a cracking four pounder.
A couple of keen members out from Balmaha trolling the big loch.
Most of the loch anglers are trolling just now but with the increased numbers of springers running the system we are sure there will be a bit of rivalry as to who gets the first Lomond salmon on the fly.
We will keep you updated: Tight Lines and many thanks to all the anglers helping out with the DNA project aimed at identifying our spring stock that spawn in the leven.
We would like to apologise for the absence of fishing reports over this past few weeks. Normal business has now resumed.
Water levels on the River Leven are excellent with a good chance of a springer.
Last week Jack Miller joined the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association. By the end of the week he had landed a belter of a springer weighing 20lbs.
Jack Miller with a 20lbs springer: River Leven May 16th 2009
The fish was caught below the Polaroid Bridge stretch at Renton. Jack was using a Flying C.There was also a fish of 13.5lbs caught on Saturday by another angler.
Paul McMahon 13.5lbs fish; The first springer off the River Leven
The first springer taken off the River Leven was taken by Paul McMahon on the 30th April. It weighed 13.5lbs.
Chic McLean also took a springer on the same day it weighed around 11lbs. The river then produced the usual tales of fish lost including one that looked a good 15lbs. During the first week of May the weather was appalling with a fair mixture of gale force winds and rain, the easterly wind just added to the misery. It would be fair to state that angling pressure was low as to be expected both on the leven and more obviously on Loch Lomond.
Over this past week or so there has been catches coming off the River Leven and Loch Lomond. It is difficult to estimate the number of fish caught so far but we can at least include the fsh we know about. If anyone has other confirmed catches or photos of fish please email us and we will get them on here for all to see.
We can report that Chic McLean has had another two springers one of which weighed 14lb. Brian McCaskie had one around the 8lbs mark above the Bonhill Bridge. Ian Quinn took one at the Piles. Billy Marsland landed one at 11lbs at the top end. A day permit holder from Renfrew also landed a springer on the day Chic got his second fish. Both Andy McElwee and Alec McElwee are reported to have each taken a springer. The bailiffs report that there was also a fish of 13.5lbs confirmed caught at the Glebe on the 16th May, they forgot the anglers name? All of these fish are from the River Leven. A comment from a poster on the Salmon fishing forum reckoned there has been 17 springers taken off the River Leven so far. That figure seems a little on the high side but we in no way insinuate the figure is not accurate, quite frankly we don’t know?Our count for the leven so far is eleven but we have not reported all the fish caught.
The famous Endrick Bank area of Loch Lomond where the River Endrick enters.
On Loch Lomond since our last report we can confirm Alec Bowie had two nice springers on Wednesday they weighed 8lb and 11lbs. Willie Caldwell also landed one at 8lbs on the same day. Kevin Gath also had a springer taken up the loch. Stewart Ingles Junior landed a nice fish on Saturday the 16th May. It weighed 10.5lbs. We have no doubt there are others but we have not been active seeking out names or catches over this last few weeks so reports are sketchy to say the least. On the 16th May Balmaha regular Donald McKeller lost a cracking fish after a good fight the fish gained its freedom and Donald headed home to Balmaha feeling rather displeased with himself. We all lose fish, some more than others, look on the bright side, your were in the right place at the right time with the boat and lures all working well enough to entice the fish. That is the hardest part of all, the landing of the fish… some you net, some you don’t.
FISH FIN SAMPLES AND SCALES FOR PROJECT TO BOOST SPRING STOCKS OF SALMON ON THE RIVER LEVEN.
It is massively important that all anglers who catch a springer or summer salmon to take fin tissue from the fish as well as scale samples detailing the weight of the fish, what section of the river leven or loch was it caught. The sex of the fish if possible and its length would be handy. The single most important item is the fin tissue. Small tubes have been placed in O’Brien’s Newsagents at Bonhill Bridge. The VOLDAC HQ and at Balmaha Boatyard. The water bailiffs also have tubes . Please if you are not sure contact Michael Brady on 07703118003 or 0141 7811545 and he will get them collected immediately from you.
We will give you more details about this project on a later update. The general theme is IF we can get sufficient scale samples from both the loch and the leven of adult fish we will be able to get confirmation that there is a spring stock of fish breeding in the River Leven. We can strengthen the baseline data on salmon from catches of parr later this year.
Our chairman believes that a small portion of the fish farm escapees from the 1998 season when the leven was full of these farmed fish, have actually managed to spawn amongst themselves and produced a small run of spring salmon. He also recalls speaking to the man in charge of the fish farm where the escape took place, he believes these fish were a mixture of fish from Norwegian strain. The returning fish could now be second generation and possibly give us a decent return from their progeny. They also give the possibility of producing large springers. The genetics survey carried out by the LLFT for Marine Scotland clearly shows that there is a unique strain of DNA from some of the fish sampled. The particular DNA strain is not found on Scottish Salmon. So far the samples are low but if we can gather more evidence then the guesswork can be removed. It was noticeable in the fish farm escapes of 2006 that the fish matured earlier than our own fish. Michael Brady observed one fish that was mature by the end of October, compared to native fish that do not mature to December in our system. This is possibly why we have no crosses from such fish, though we do have evidence of hybrids. This is common with farmed fish as they are not only more in sync with our sea trout they are actually more prone to spawning with sea trout than with our native salmon.
If we can complete our work and we get confirmation, we can see if it is feasible to net these fish out after the season is finished and run a smolt programme specifically targeted for the river leven. Obviously water levels and the logistics will be much more difficult than our current brood stock collecting which is all done with electro fishing equipment. There is also the need to get 24 hr confirmation of DNA from each fish netted to confirm that the fish is in fact a leven springer as the fish could be heading for other parts of the system. It is an exciting project and one of the few that could become successfull in utilising the river leven rearing capabilties for parr and smolts. Whilst getting the fish is the hard part, the smolt programme stockng is far easier and less expensive for us as we have no need to hold fish in tanks to imprint before release. The fingerlings and smolts can be put directly into the correct section of the River Leven.
We would love to start collecting brood fish this year and get the smolt programme for the Leven running parallel with the Endrick and Fruin (fruin started this winter) but we have to remind everyone that some of the comments are speculative until we get confirmation one way or another. A lot has to be worked out with genetics at the forfront. All aspects will be looked at carefully to be sure we are going down a feasible path.
Without the help and assistance from anglers who fish the loch and the leven by making sure each fish has fin tissue put into tubes etc the whole project will be knocked in the head before it can even begin. It is up to the anglers to ensure that does not happen!
Our Vice Chairman Peter Lyons has just landed a nice springer of 9lbs on Loch Lomond. The fish was taken from the Endrick Bank area and is now the third springer taken off the loch so far and brought into Balmaha.
Peter Lyons out from Balmaha on Loch Lomond
The number of boats out trolling is starting to increase with about eight boats out today. Saturday past had more than a dozen boats out, but surprisingly there were no fish landed on the Saturday.
Yesterday the Barrage gates on the River Leven were lowered and the water rose to a good height. There were only five anglers out in total yesterday on the Leven.
With the rise in water levels the first springer off the Leven must be due today or tomorrow….surely.
It has to be said though that angling effort this year is lower than last year at the same time on both Loch Lomond and the River Leven.
There has been a continuing good response from the various articles that the committee has produced over this last year or so. We have a nice article about trolling by Frank Donnelly who landed the first springer of the season earlier on.
The recent unrest has not allowed us the time to put the article on the web. It is a shame because at the end of the day we are all anglers and we just want to see the system go from strength to strength.
Full members will have received the new river maps sent out to all our members late last week. The general feedback has been positive. The additional web based mapping has also received good feedback.
Euan McGrandle has just landed a nice springer of 9lbs on Loch Lomond. The fish was caught at the Black Rocks. We have a photo of the fish which we will post on the web later on.
Last weekend there was some activity on the River Leven when on Friday an angler reported seeing several fresh springers leaping at the Piles area at tea time. Shortly after the sightings an angler fly fishing at the Piles hooked into a heavy springer estimated about 15lbs and played the fish for five minutes before it gained its freedom.
It was expected that we would have seen a springer caught on the leven or the loch that Saturday but there was nothing to report except a couple of fish hooked and lost but both anglers thought they were possible kelt.
The loch has been very quit with few boats out during the week. There were only three baots seen on the loch on Thursday trolling and one fly fishing so it is not surprising that fish are not coming off the loch.
With Frank Donnelly’s fish caught on the Endrick Bank near the boats at Balmaha and Euan’s fish caught at the Black Rocks this strongly suggests that the fish are heading up the lochs shorelines rather than staying put on the Endrick Bank or Claddech shoreline.
Many years ago we remember one day in April when the late Alan Dunlop left Balmaha and turned right heading for Rowerdennan. He arrived back that evening with two cracking springers! Most of the anglers were naturally concentrating on the lower reaches.
At the start of the week the Barrage Gates were raised and the water level fell to summer low. Another week and the salmon fry would have hatched out and we could have avoded losses from exposed gravel on the Leven.
At least the weekend water should encourage some movement of fish into the system.
Prospects are looking good for Saturday then with one off already, here’s hoping, Tight Lines.
