The ‘monsoon‘ rains at the start of the week week saw water levels soaring with the Endrick spate conditions hitting 4m at one point. This huge rise came close to exceeding the previous record of4.47m at the Gaidrew station in November 1978. The subsequent fishing for those who patiently awaited for levels to fall and the water to clear up was inevitably good to those who managed to get out.

Overall it appears to have been a reasonably quiet week in terms of reported catches, this may be related to the very high water at the start of the week plus some very hot sunny conditions during the end of the week which have resulted in difficult conditions.

River Leven

Water levels on the Leven have been favourable sitting between 1.43-f 2m for most of the week which is good for this time of the season. Once could be excused therefore for thinking that these favourable levels would translate into fish landed! However as highlighted reported catches have been lower than expected perhaps for the reasons above.

The recent runs of Grilse during the last few weeks continued this week and judging water heights correctly Robert Wilson landed a lovely example of 5lb at “The Black Bridge” on a ‘flying C’ on Tuesday 4th August, well done Robert!

Robert Wilson 5lb Black Bridge

River Leven Water Conditions

Additionally the current water gauge level for the River Leven at Linbrane can be obtained from SEPA by following this link https://www2.sepa.org.uk/WaterLevels/default.aspx?sd=t&lc=133107

Local information concerning tide tables can be found here http://www.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/easytide/ShowPrediction.aspx?PortID=0404&PredictionLength=7

Loch Lomond

Stevie Blackwood landed this lovely wee Grilse (4lb) on Friday 31st July below Inversnaid on a 13cm Smelt, the fish was carefully returned, congratulations and well done Stevie!

Meanwhile on the Tuesday 4th August John Bell (Lomond Angler) and his guest landed this beautiful example of a Lomond Perch (3.5lb est.) caught on the drop shot, lovely example and well done to both.

A classic Lomond Perch (3.5lb etc.) for John Bell and his guest on 4th August

River Endrick

Endrick angler John Coppola landed this lovely Salmon of 9lb on Wednesday 5th August at Drumtain, congratulations and well done John.

John Coppola 9lb Salmon 5th August

Meantime with water levels continuing to prove favourable experienced Endrick regular Malcolm MacCormick landed this cracking fish of 9lbs on the “Cowdenmill‘ stretch on one of his Endrick fly secret patterns. The fish was carefully netted and released unharmed, congratulations and well done Malcolm.

Malcolm McCormick 9lb Hen fish August 6th.

On Friday 7th August John McNab got his season off the mark with a Grilse of 7lb on the “Horseshoe” stretch of the river. John had previously dropped several fish this season so great to hear that one stuck, congratulations and well done John! (no image available).

River Endrick Water Conditions

Current water gauge level for the Endrick at Gaidrew can be obtained from SEPA by following this link : https://www2.sepa.org.uk/WaterLevels/default.aspx?sd=t&lc=133086

Current water gauge level for the Endrick at Graystone Bridge can be obtained from SEPA by following this link: https://www2.sepa.org.uk/waterlevels/default.aspx?sd=t&lc=518372

Current water gauge level for the Blane at Quinloch Bridge can be obtained from SEPA by following this link:https://www2.sepa.org.uk/waterlevels/default.aspx?sd=t&lc=517413

River Fruin

No details of reported catches this week.

The Estuary

Reports concerning the Estuary continue to be elusive, as we know this part of our system normally provides excellent action and good returns of Sea Trout and other species so we would urge all anglers and members to share their stories and successes with our readers, members and visitors please?

Reminder: Loch Lomond Fly Fishing Competition – Saturday 19th September 2020

Please note that the annual Loch Lomond Fly Fishing competition is currently scheduled for 19th September. With this event only weeks away please check our website or Facebook page for further details concerning registration, prizes and other arrangements for this fantastic event in the coming days.

Footnote

Congratulations to all above who managed to connect with fish, in retrospect a relatively quiet week across the system, based of course upon ‘reported catches’. With the weather for the week ahead being of temperatures in the high teens and periods of thundery showers then this may prove favourable and hopefully enough to keep levels up.

We actively encourage all anglers to share your fishing tales, stories and photographs (coarse or game fishing) with us. In doing so we can recognise and share your successes with all of our members and visitors. Please therefore remember to send details of your tales, photographs, stories to us by email to reports@lochlomondangling.com

We wish everyone the best of luck in their fishing exploits and respectfully remind all anglers to observe best practice at all times in carefully netting, unhooking and releasing your prize fish and ask all anglers to always stay safe whilst on the banks or on the water. The image below helps to illustrate ‘best practice’ in handling and release of all fish.