Summary
Following one of the driest and warmest Springs for over forty years the past Summer months have continued to present challenging conditions for angler across the country. Despite such unfavourable conditions then the Lomond system has steadily produced some quality catches of Salmon, Grilse and Sea Trout for those anglers venturing out. The River Leven unlike the majority of Scottish rivers has managed to retain good water levels despite the low rainfall levels where the Leven has maintained almost constant weekend heights through the weeks which in part is a result of Scottish Water’s actions and regime.
Thankfully over recent weeks conditions have improved with lower temperatures and increasing rainfall and spate events, this can only improve angling opportunities for those out on the water.
We would respectfully remind all anglers to remember to play, handle and release all fish with the consideration and respect that they deserve. Further information of best practice catch and release techniques from Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) can be found using this link: https://youtu.be/7Jp2FKillMA
Remember to share your adventures, exploits and catches using the following email address: reports@lochlomondangling.com
River Leven
The 3rd of June saw Leven angler Robbie Lees successfully hooked and landed a nice fish of around 8lbs on a Black & Gold Rapala whilst fishing near ‘The Barrels”. Congratulations and good stuff Robbie.
Also on the 3rd June Leven angler Ian MacGregor landed a fine Salmon of 15lb near ‘the double pipes‘ on a Flying C
On 7h June Leven angler Jamie Wallace landed a nice fish estimated at 10-12lb at ‘the hole in the wall‘ whilst fishing the worm. Jamie also had several lovely Sea Trout from the Estuary in the 3-5lb range. Congratulations and well done Jamie.
Leven angler Jamie Wallace was in the action again on 16th June landing another fine fish of around 10lb on the Flying C at the ‘Top Pool‘. Congratulations and well done once again Jamie. (no image, confirmed).
Saturday 28th June saw Leven angler Scott Wallace successfully hook and land a lovely Salmon of 14-15lbs on the Flying C at ‘Mackinnons‘. The fish. was safely returned, congratulations and well done Scott.
Leven angler Robert Haining landed fine Salmon of around 12lb (estimate) in June, congratulations and well done Robert.
On 7th July John East’s nephew successfully hooked and landed a nice wee Grilse whilst fishing the ‘Top Pool’. Congratulations and well done.
On the 9th July Leven angler Iain MacGregor hooked and unfortunately lost a decent fish just below ‘Stuckie Bridge‘, unlucky Iain and from the video I feel your pain.
The 11th July saw experienced Leven angler Dave Watt hook and land a nice fresh Salmon of 10lb on the worm at ‘The Barrels’, congratulations Dave. way to go.
On the 8th August experienced Leven angler Pat O’brien landed a nice fish of 7lb on the fly at ‘The Glebe“, well done and congratulations. Pat. (Catch Confirmed but no image).
Experienced angler Alun Pryce on 9th August successfully landed a fine wee Grilse, unfortunately this wee fellow seems to have suffered predator damage most likely seals. The fish was safely returned. Congratulations and well done Alun.
On 6th Septembers Leven angler John Fieldman had something of a ‘red letter day’ in landing two Salmon the first being a whopping 22lb and a smaller fish of around 5-6lb. Both fish were caught on the ‘garden fly‘ just below ‘Stuckie Bridge’.
Leven Angler Ross Linden successfully hooked and landed a fine Grilse of around 6lb also on 6th September, congratulations and well done Ross
River Leven Conditions
Loch Lomond
Good catches of Sea Trout have continued and seasoned Lomond angler Stuart MacFarlane landed a nice example on 31st May of approximately 1.5lb, congratulations and well done.
Lomond angler David Kirkwood senior was rewarded for his efforts with a beautiful Grilse of an estimated 6-7lbs on 31st May on the troll. Well done and congratulations David.
Lomond angler Mark Workman Nash landed a fine Sea Trout around 3lb (est) also on 31st May on a an orange rapala. Congratulations Mark!
On Saturday 7th June VOLDAC successfully sponsored another fishing day for members of “Walking With The Wounded” (WWTW) a worthwhile and enjoyable event for all those who participated.
Experienced Loch angler Alex Doey’s boat landed a wee Jack Pike and a Pike of approximately 4lb whilst supporting the “Walking With The Wounded” (WWTW) fishing day on 7th June. Congratulations to the angler and well done both.
Also getting in on the action during the WWTW event was John East and Tam who landed his first Pike of around 6-7lb on a Kinkuro 110, this was quickly followed by another slightly bigger Pike of 7-8lbs approximately. Congratulations John and Tam.
John East and partner Tam also landed a nice Sea Trout of approximately 3lb.
NB// Whilst recognising that the angler being new to fishing it should be respectfully noted that holding fish by the gills is not best practice.
On 7th June, Veteran Robert Jones managed to land a few fine Sea Trout on 7th June, one of around 3/4lb and a fine one in particular of notable size of around 10-12lb (estimated), congratulations Robert very nice indeed.
Also on 7th June Lomond Angler James Dickie and partner successfully landed another fine Sea Trout of around 3lb, congratulations James and partner well done.
On 11th June Lomond angler Gary Millar landed a fine Grilse estimated at 8lb on the troll, congratulations Gary.
Again on the 11th June experienced Loch angler Fulton also landed a nice Grilse on the troll, this one being estimated at 6-7lb, congratulations Fulton.
On 25th June Loch Angler Scott Laird successfully hooked and landed a nice Grilse of 4-5lb (est) at the for , congratulations Scott.
Lomond regular John East’s Grand Nephew Adam landed his very first Salmon a fine Grilse of around 6lbs above ‘Dutch Bay” on 14th August on the troll. Adam’s smile says everything and marks his total excitement and no doubt a day that will live long in his memory. Congratulations Adam and well done for showing the way.
Experienced Lomond fisher and angling author Richard Dickson successfully landed a fine Salmon of 9lb on 19th September on the troll and lost an acrobatic Grilse of around 6lb after it ejected the Toby leaping 4ft clear of the water. Congratulations Richard.
River Endrick
No confirmed reports of fish landed from the Endrick but with recent spates and increasing rainfall then conditions are improving and reports are likely to increase. Come on folks let us know your catches and exploits.
River Fruin
No confirmed reports of fish landed from the Fruin but with recent spates and increasing rainfall then conditions are improving reports are likely to increase.
Come on folks let us know your catches and exploits.
Clyde Estuary
The Estuary has been proving to be very popular and has continued to fish well providing great sport and quality Sea Trout for many anglers.
By way of example dedicated angler Jamie Wallace has enjoyed good success recently on The Estuary with consistently good catches for Sea Trout in 3-5lb range on each trip. Congratulations and well done Jamie.
Estuary regular Nathan Chlosta has continued to enjoy some good outings on the Estuary with some great Sea Trout landed and also lost. As reward for his time and effort invested Nathan also landed a lovely Sea Bass on 
Footnote:
Following the very hot and dry conditions that anglers have endured in the previous Summer months then conditions have drastically improved with the arrival of cooler conditions and regular falls of rain to freshen everything up. Despite the hot conditions and light rod pressure there have been some respectable and regular catches of fish on the Leven from June onwards. The Loch and The Estuary have continued to produce good numbers of quality Sea Trout before reports of Grilse and Salmon began to appear. Concerning The Fruin and Endrick then anglers have been quick to take advantage in water rises but as yet no formal catch reports have been received so far!
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.
