Already in to mid-June and the year seems to be flying by. The main talking point this year is definitely the weather and the constant changes that we’ve been experiencing. What we all know is that fish do not like changes in temperature and changes in pressure. Either of these factors can affect the way that the fish feed, ask any fish farmer and they will endorse this.
Needless to say, this is exactly what has been happening and hence the catching has been up and down in line with the changing conditions. If that’s not enough in itself, we are now also experiencing large caenis hatches during the early evenings, and it’s not nicknamed the fisherman’s curse for no good reason. (See photos of the webs around the motor room last night – 14th June)
The good news is that, regardless of the above, people are still recording good returns and a good mixture of rainbows and browns. There’s also been one green trout recorded and I know this to be true as it was yours truly that landed it whilst sharing a very enjoyable and plentiful outing with James Gardiner. As yet this season, there have been no reported catches or sightings of the golden rainbows that we introduced last year. I guess they may have fallen victims to predation but who knows? The quality of the fish is outstanding as is the way that they are fighting once hooked. We are hearing of lots of fish being lost and quite a few to being snapped and therefore it is perhaps useful to remind people that we recommend a minimum of 6lbs breaking strain for tippet lines.
The loch seems to be fishing well in most areas although the one area that hasn’t really switched on yet this year is Swing Gate Bay. I’ve no idea why, but what I do know is that it will at some point.
It’s difficult to pin point what is working right now as everyone seems to be having success with a range of flies and lines. However if I were to pick one stand out fly it would probably be the black flat daddy fished on a floating line and cast to rising fish. The blob has also been useful on occasions and seems to be a good option for acting as the attractor fly.
The top end of the loch near to the reed beds has been very good although people need to be careful when motoring up there now due to weed growth which is mainly towards the middle of the loch. Approach the top end by going up either side and you should be ok. I will be launching the weed cutter at some point this week and will start the cutting towards the end of this month which should mean that I only have to cut it once to avoid re-growth. I always try to cut on windier days and when there are few boats booked out to minimize disruption to fishing but if I am out there when you are fishing please try to give me a wide birth. I usually concentrate on one area at a time which means there’s always lots of other water to fish.
Youth Day Competition.
Last week we held our annual Youth Day event and we would like to say a big thank you to those that entered along with the helpers that supported the youths in the boats on the day. As the forecast was for a stronger wind to develop in the afternoon we all decided that it would be a good idea to shorten the fishing time from 2 X 3Hour sessions to s straight 4 hour session in the morning and it was really pleasing to see the enthusiasm coming from the young lads that entered.
It wasn’t long before fish were being caught and for the four rods that entered, 18 fish in total were landed in four hours and everyone managed to catch. We also heard that lots more fish were either missed or lost during the shortened session so, again, well done to all those that entered.
Results:
1st Place – Kael Ferguson (11 fish)
2nd Place – Zach Scott (5 Fish)
3rd Place – Jack Wood (1 fish)
4th Place – Jamie Willie (1 fish)
Well done Kael on a great performance and on your victory and once again well done to all the other competitors.
Our next next planed event will be our annual charity day (The lad(y)s and dads competition) on Sunday 27th September and if you are interested in taking part please get in touch with us. This is always a great, fun day and places are limited by the number of boats that we have so please don’t delay in entering.
Other news: There has been a doe with two fawns at foot spotted by anglers and holiday guests alike along the western shore & in the plantation above the shore. We are really pleased with this plantation now – 9 years since we planted it along with a wee team of helpers including folk reading this. It’s a lovely spot for a walk and a wander – you get a great view of the loch and the sea beyond if you go up to the top section. We keep some paths mown up here for anglers and holiday guest to enjoy – please do so! The wildflowers both up there and around the loch are particularly abundant this year – a few pictures in the gallery below.
We look forward to seeing members and holiday guests out on the water & around the loch in the coming weeks
best wishes
Gareth & Carmel
