Summary
Weather conditions have been far from favourable for anglers with April being the sunniest on record for the UK and the third sunniest April ever in Scotland with one of the driest Spring season for decades.
Hot dry conditions have prevailed into May serving to further exacerbate matters for anglers and fish. Thankfully conditions this week have improved greatly with a change in conditions forecast bringing some decent falls of rain to provide a fresh lift in water. Water levels like most catchments across the country have been very low and more akin to Summer conditions which place pressures on both fish already in the system and those in the estuary awaiting conditions to improve. As a result of such high temperatures and low water then catchments on the Findhorn have suspended angling in the interest of conservation. Other systems have issued precautionary warnings concerning the need to exercise best practice when playing, landing and releasing fish and recommending fishing should take place early in the morning and during evening periods. We would request all anglers to also take notice and to adopt such measures until water and temperature conditions improve.
River Leven
Recent significant rainfall this week has been most welcome providing a fresh lift in water heights providing some fresh water to clear out our rivers.
Seasoned Leven angler Pat O’Brien got rewarded for an early morning cast on Wednesday 28th May when he successfully hooked and landed a beatiful Salmon of 15lb. The fish was caught on the fly, a Stoat’s Tail, at the Glebe. Very well done Pat and congratulations on a lovely fish.
Pat O’Brien 15lb Salmon
Pat O’Brien 15lb Salmon
Hopefully this recent spell of decent rain will encourage more fish into the system with the increase and taste of fresh water. Angling pressure over the past few weeks has continued to be very light despite the fact that fish have been seen moving through. So as the saying goes ‘You need to be in it to win it!”.
River Leven Conditions
Loch Lomond
Again with hot dry conditions in recent weeks the Loch conditions have been far from ideal. Recent rains and and change in conditions will hopefully improve matters.
Despite the challenging conditions there have been some decent Salmon i=landed in recent weeks.
VOLDAC angler Wully McGloan successfully landed a beautiful fish of around 15lb (approx.) on Saturday 10th May near Claddoch which was safely returned. Congratulations and well done Wully.
VOLDAC angler Wullie McGloan 15lb Salmon approx.
VOLDAC angler Wullie McGloan 15lb Salmon approx.
On 20th May experienced Loch angler and VOLDAC member Robert McKeague successfully hooked and landed a stunning Salmon of approximately 18-20lb which was safely released. Superb and extremely well done Robert.
Robert McKeague 20th May approx. 18-20lb
The numbers of quality catches of Sea Trout have continued to provide good sport on the Loch with anglers young and old getting in on the action including a young angler aboard James Sheen’s boat, congratulations and well done!
Clyde Estuary
The Estuary continues to be popular proving some great sport to the many anglers fishing the normal locations along its length. Some really nice catches of lovely Sea Trout have been reported, often by those anglers taking a few hours before or after work for a short session.
Angler Nathan Chlosta has enjoyed great sport and success fishing the Estuary since the beginning of the season. Fishing after work on 16th May Nathan was rewarded once more by several nice trout to the net and a few lost!
Nathan Chlosta 16th May 2025
Nathan Chlosta 16th May 2025
Nathan Chlosta 16th May 2025
Nathan Chlosta 16th May 2025
Footnote:
Recent improvements in weather and rainfall should really help to freshen and provide a lift in water which can only increase the likelihood of fresh fish entering or moving up the system. With three rivers, the Estuary and a the Loch to choose from then anglers have a wide choice of waters to fish and to take advantage of these improvements in conditions. Association membership provides access to all of the above parts of our catchment proving great value and choice to anglers.
