A new season and a new start for the loch this year as the first year as a members only water began.

Opening day got off to a bang, literally, as the shot gun start marked the beginning of the new season and despite the absence of our piper due to the current restrictions, spirits were understandably high. The weather was also kind to us for the time of the year (no snow for a change!) and so it was now up to the anglers to see how they could do.

First cast and first fish for Fergus Aitchison fishing with boat partner Willie Crombie. This then set the tone for the whole day with every rod catching well throughout the day. Boat and bank fished equally well, morning and afternoon and I think that it’s fair to say that some people were glad to come in for a bacon roll, just to give their arms a rest!

The rod average for opening day was a staggering 22, which we believe to be the best in the ten years that we have been here.

Sunday fished very well too and despite there only being 10 rods out they still managed a very respectable average of 13.

The best tactics seemed to be, slow intermediate line using lures such as, cormorants, black badger, apps worms, cat’s whiskers etc. using a twitched / fast retrieve.

This method stayed successful for most of the following week but towards the end of the week a change of tactics was needed. Those that switched to fishing nymphs e.g. buzzers, diawl bachs, crunchers etc. were now having the better results. This remains the best method at time of going to press, although over the last few days we have seen a greater number of rising fish and an abundance of fly life starting to emerge around the loch  …….. dry fly time maybe?

The fish seem to be very well distributed around the loch and are as likely to be hooked around the margins as in the deeper areas. Boat house bay, Gull Rock, Rainbow Point have probably been the hot spots over the first week but as we all know, moving around on a regular basis is often the best way to fish the loch.

Despite our initial concerns that there might be a clamour for places over the opening three days, this did not happen. In fact, on Monday there were only 5 anglers fishing the loch. This is no doubt reflective of the current situation and the restrictions that are preventing a number of members from travelling at the moment. However, as we understand it, these restrictions are soon to be revised and we hope that more of you will be able to make it here soon.

The membership seems to have started very well and it’s fair to say that there has been a lovely atmosphere about the place with a very relaxed feel towards the fishing. Some members have already brought guests, and this too seems to be going very well. As yet we are unable to open our holiday accommodation and this means that there are additional boats available to members, at least until the end of April.

We now have a total of 93 members which means that there are still a few places left for anyone that may still want to join this year. Please contact us if you might be interested.

Visiting Clubs News:

As you know, we are reserving one day per week for visiting clubs. The day of the week for visiting clubs varies and which days these are throughout the year can be seen by going to the “Season at a Glance” calendar. This is viewable on the ‘Bookings and Availability’ drop down section labelled ‘Members Only Bookings’ which gives information about bookings for members and a link to the members pages and also at the bottom of this page is the calendar of availability– or follow this link:

https://coldinghamlochflyfishers.co.uk/member-bookings/

Covid 19:

Clubs and members can see our latest information regarding COVID restrictions and the implications for their visits by clicking on the Covid 19 Guidance button on the home page:

https://coldinghamlochflyfishers.co.uk/covid-19/

Coldingham Loch Holiday Cottages:

Self-catering accommodation looks set to be able to re-open from 26^th April in Scotland and we look forward to being able to welcome holiday guests back to the loch for their much needed breaks. Anyone interested in booking one of our cottages/chalets please get in touch with Carmel directly and we can give you up to date information on what is available when and make any bookings you might want. Ring 01890 771960 or email info@coldinghamloch.co.uk

Opening Week photos of fish caught by various members: