It was an unsettled week weather-wise with some heavy showers and strong winds at times.   Water temperature is hovering around 12oC and water clarity remains excellent.   The fish were generally in the top 2 to 3 feet and well spread out round the pond.   The large hatch of black gnats that the fish were gorging themselves on has almost finished, to be replaced by hawthorn flies and sedges and an occasional mayfly.   Some anglers were trying out dry flies with varying success but most of the fish were taken on lures and nymphs.   Favourite patterns this week included Cat’s Whisker, Yellow Dancer, Cormorants, Black Beetles and Buzzers.   Bait anglers were rewarded with some excellent bags, generally on power bait and spinning.   Most of the fish were taken at the far end of the bait pond, although some are now being caught at the inflows.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 9.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

Amongst those doing well on the fly ponds were;

Graham Porter 3 for 13lb 4oz including 7lb Rainbow and a Gold, plus 6 C&R
Calen McLachlan 2 for 10lb including 7lb Rainbow and a Gold, plus 1 C&R
John Sneddon 6lb 12oz Rainbow
Blair Duchart 2 for 9lb including 6lb Rainbow
Callum McMillan 3 for 10lb 8oz including 5lb 4oz Brown and a Gold
Dean Abercrombie 3 for 10lb 12oz including 5lb 12oz Rainbow and a Gold
Mark McGill 3 for 9lb 12oz from the small ponds including 5lb 12oz Rainbow from the Millpond
Graeme McIntosh 5lb 8oz Rainbow
Marius Botezatu 4 for 16lb 2oz including 5lb 6oz Rainbow, plus 5 C&R
Eric Flaws 3 for 9lb 8oz from the Meadow Pond including 5lb Rainbow
John Arbuckle 3 for 11lb 8oz including 4lb 12oz Rainbow, plus 2 C&R
Ricky Stirling 3 for 8lb including 2 Golds
Barry Lee 3 for 6lb 12oz from the small ponds
Alex Campbell 2 for 6lb
David Bovaird 2 for 6lb
John Thomson caught and released 10 in two outings
Kimin Smith caught and released 8
Nicholas Finan caught and released 7
Allan Ross caught and released 5 including a Brown around 5lb
Jim McInnes caught and released 5
Michael Green caught and released 5
Tim Gelliatry caught and released 4
Gerry Flannigan caught and released 4
Brian McDonald caught and released 4
Robert McColl caught and released 4
David Goss caught and released 4

Some of the best bags from the bait pond included;

• Doug Shepherd took 7 for 16lb 8oz including a Blue, on one day,
  and 7 for 20lb including 7lb Rainbow and 2 Tigers the next day.
• Rhys Clements 4 for 13lb 8oz including Rainbows at 4lb 12oz and 4lb
• Michael More and Archie McKinnon shared 7 for 15lb 2oz
• Andy Townsley 2 for 6lb
• Jamie Townsley 3 for 10lb
• James Elliott 4 for 7lb 8oz
• Sam Parker 4 for 7lb 12oz
• Scott Beaton 3 for 6lb 4oz
• Ryan Finan 2 for 4lb including a Gold
• Aaron Blackley 2 for 3lb 12oz
• Graeme McCurdie 4 for 11lb including 5lb Rainbow and 2 Golds
• Joe Stevenson 2 for 6lb 8oz including a Gold
• Roy Ferraioli 4lb Rainbow
• John Tevan 2 Blues for 5lb 8oz
• Andrew Brown 3 for 8lb 8oz including 4lb Rainbow and a Gold

The weather this week was mainly overcast with some cool days and, if the sun did make an appearance, some warmer spells.  The water temperature rose by a couple of degrees to 12oC and water clarity remains excellent.   The fish were fairly active and could be seen moving around the pond.   In general they were in the top 2 to 3 feet of the water, but went deeper when it was windier or bright sun.   Some cracking Rainbows in the 5lb to 7lb range were  landed on both fly and bait, with plenty of Golds and Blues also featuring in the catch returns as well as the odd Brown and Tiger.   All the fish are in excellent condition and anglers are really appreciating the tussle they give.   As usual, a wide variety of flies, from lures to dries, were catching fish with the most popular patterns being Cut-throat Cat, Egg, Orange FAB, Dancer, Cormorant, Buzzer, Kate McLaren and CDC.   On the bait pond, where the biggest fish of the week, a 7lb 8oz Rainbow, was taken, power bait, spinners, and worms were all doing well.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 9.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

A selection of the best bags taken on the fly included;

• Calum McMillan 3 for 12lb including 7lb RainbowStuart Alexander 2 for 8lb 8oz including 6lb 8oz Rainbow
• Paul McGlynn  5 for 16lb 8oz including 5lb 8oz Rainbow
• George Johnston 4 for 13lb 8oz including a Gold, plus 2 C&R
• George Gallacher 4 for 11lb
• Peter O’Brien 4 for 10lb 4oz including a Gold
• Kevin O’Brien 4 for 9lb 4oz including a Gold and a Tiger
• Willie MacFadyen 3 for 9lb 12oz including a Gold, plus 1 C&R
• Daniel Shelton 3 for 11lb 4oz including a Gold, plus 2 C&R
• Calen McLachlan 3 for 10lb
• Heather Johnston 3 for 9lb 12oz including a Gold and a Blue
• Dylan Sheridan 3 for 9lb 4oz including 3lb 12oz Brown and 2 Golds
• Alistair Aitken 3 for 9lb 4oz including 2 Golds
• Russell Lloyd 3 for 9lb
• George Dobbie 3 for 7lb 8oz including a Gold
• Colin Wallace 2 for 6lb 4oz
• Robert Smith 2 Golds for 6lb
• Charles Devine 2 for 4lb 8oz including a Gold, plus 3 C&R
• David Goss caught and released 12
• Russell Ferguson caught and released 7
• Kimin Smith caught and released 5
• Brian McDonald caught and released 5
• John Thomson caught and released 5
• Will Hastings caught and released 4
• David Ritchie caught and released 4

Amongst those doing well on bait were;

• David Hunter 2 for 9lb 8oz including 7lb 8oz Rainbow
• Martin Prows 7lb Rainbow
• Neil Nicol 6lb 2oz Rainbow
• Paddy Greig 6lb Rainbow
• James Elliott 4 for 10lb including a Blue
• Sam Parker 4 for 8lb 8oz
• Aaron Anderson 4 9lb 12oz
• Allan Marshall 4 for 10lb 12oz including a Gold
• Alistair Shaw 4 for 10lb 12oz including a Gold
• Jiri Uhyrek 2 for 7lb
• Doug Shepherd 3 for 8lb 8oz
• William Reid 5 for 10lb
• John Reid 5 for 10lb
• Peter Baranowski 2 for 4lb 8oz including a Blue
• Michael More 5 for 11lb
• David Livingston and Owen Purdy shared 5 for 11lb
• Graeme McCurdie 4 for 8lb 2oz including a Blue and a Tiger
• Eugine Evghenii 2 for 9lb
• Karl Clelland 2 for 6lb 

The weather remained cool with an east wind for most of the week.   There were some sunny spells, and Friday, when the wind changed, it was very warm.   The fish were near the surface when it was overcast, going deeper in the sunshine.  Towards the end of the week fish could be seen moving everywhere and gorging on small black flies. Those wanting to imitate these flies needed to go to a size 20 dry fly to catch fish!  Other successful patterns included Buzzers, Spider, Diawl Bach, Green Nymph, Blob, Dancer, and Bloodworm.  Plenty of different coloured fish feature in the catch returns this week – both from the main pond and the bait pond – with Blues, Golds, Browns and Tigers are all being landed along with the usual top-quality Rainbows.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 9.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

Amongst the best bags from the fly ponds were;

• Jim Petrie 4 for 16lb 8oz including 6lb 2oz Brown and a Gold
• Willie Nyguist, in three visits, 6 for 18lb 12oz including 6lb Rainbow, 2 Blues and 2 Golds, plus 5 C&R
• Stewart Black 4 for 11lb
• Glen McArthur 4 for 9lb 4oz including 2 Golds
• Thomas Donahoe 3 for 10lb 4oz including a Gold
• Willie MacFadyen 3 for 9lb 4oz including a Gold
• Charles Price 3 for 8lb 8oz
• Scott Duncan 3 for 8lb
• Danny Shelton 3 for 7lb 12oz including a Gold, plus 2 C&R including a Gold
• George Johnson 3 for 5lb 8oz from the Meadow Pond, plus 4 C&R
• Billy Weir 2 for 6lb, plus 2 C&R
• Dylan Sheridan 2 for 5lb 12oz including a Blue and a Gold
• Justin Brake 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Blue, plus 3 C&R
• Stuart Alexander 2 Golds for 5lb 8oz, plus 4 C&R
• Alex Campbell 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Blue and a Gold, plus 2 C&R
• Paul Ryder caught and released 8 including a Rainbow estimated at 8lb
• Danny Doherty caught and released 8
• Stewart Reynolds caught and released 6
• Connor Meiklejohn caught and released 6
• Roger Parkin caught and released 5
• Graham Arthur caught and released 5
• Jamie Johnson caught and released 4 including a Brown estimated at 8lb
• Kimin Smith caught and released 4
• Brian McDonald caught and released 4
• John Lennox caught and released 3 including Rainbows estimated at 10lb and 8lb

 On the bait pond, most of the fish were taken on spinners, maggots or power bait with the fish generally around 2 to 3 feet down.   Amongst those doing well were;

• Kevin Mouatt 2 for 8lb 4oz including 6lb 4oz Rainbow
• Dougie Banks and Rab McGuinness shared 6 for 16lb including 5lb Rainbow for Dougie, 2 Golds and a Blue
• Nigel Cottrell 5 for 14lb including 5lb 4oz Rainbow and a Gold
• Mike McDonald 4 for 8lb including a Blue and a Gold
• Luxley Arthur on two tickets, 10 for 23lb
• James Woods 4 for 10lb 12oz including a Gold
• Tam Hislop 3 for 6lb including a Blue
• Ricky Clemance 3 for 6lb including 2 Golds
• Lewis Forrester 3 for 5lb 8oz
• Kyle Forrester 3 for 6lb including a Gold
• Stephen Watt 2 Golds for 5lb 2oz
• Hugh Conlan 2 for 3lb 12oz
• Kevin Conlan 2 for 3lb 8oz
• James Elliott 2 for 4lb 4oz including a Gold
• Sam Parker 3 for 6lb 4oz including a Gold
• Martin Germanis 3 for 6lb
• Robbie Livingstone 3 for 7lb
• Billy Livingstone, on two tickets, 6 for 13lb
• Billy Greenhorn 2 for 4lb including a Tiger
• Andrew Brown 3 for 6lb 12oz including a Gold

It was a week of cold nights and sunny days, with a cool easterly breeze most days.   The water temperature is sitting around 10oC and water clarity remains excellent. 
The fish were moving all round the main pond.   At times they were just below the surface, other times  they were quite deep.  They were sometimes near the edges of the ponds and sometimes out in the middle.  Some cracking Rainbows and Browns in the 6lb to 8lb range were landed this week, along with some beautiful Blues, Golds and Tigers.   A wide variety of flies were taking with the favourites including Ace of Spades, Dancer, Ally McCoist, Eggs, Damsel, Cormorant, Buzzer and Hopper.   On the bait pond, many of the fish were to be found deep down near the bottom end of the pond and were taken on power bait, maggots, or worms.

The Fishery is now open from 8.00am to 9.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

Some of the best bags from the fly ponds included;

• Eddie McKillop 3 for 13lb 4oz including 8lb 8oz Rainbow and a Gold
• Willie MacFadyen 2 for 9lb 2oz including 6lb 10oz Rainbow and a Tiger
• Kyle Crossley 3 for 12lb including 6lb 8oz Brown, plus 1 C&R
• Witold Skwrcan 3 for 12lb including 6lb Rainbow, a Gold and a Blue, plus 4 C&R
• Willie Nyguist 3 for 11lb 4oz including 5lb 12oz Brown
• Donald McMurchy 5 for 13lb 6oz including 4 Golds
• George Johnson 4 for 8lb from the Meadow Pond, plus 6 C&R including 4 Golds and 2 Blues
• Ben McInnes 3 for 8lb 12oz
• Jack Morrison 3 for 7lb 8oz including a Gold, plus 3 C&R
• Craig Mason 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Blue
• Robert McColl caught and released 11
• David Goss caught and released 9
• John Thomson caught and released 9
• Marco Ezzi caught and released 8
• Kimin Smith caught and released 7
• Gordon McGill caught and released 5
• Gavin Hosie caught and released 5
• Frank Barr caught and released 4
• Tim Gelliatry caught and released 4 including a Brown

The bait pond was very popular this week and there were some excellent bags.   Amongst those catching on bait wer

• Eugene 6lb 12oz Rainbow
• Sebastian Savage 2 for 3lb 8oz including a Gold
• Michael More 5 for 8lb 12oz
• Archie McKinnon 5 for 8lb 12oz
• James Smith 2 for 4lb including a Gold
• Ross and Zhao shared 6 for 12lb 4oz including a Blue
• Craig Learmonth 2 for 3lb
• William Johnson 2 for 3lb 12oz
• Walter McLaren 3 for 8lb including a Gold
• Graeme Johnston 3 for 6lb including a Gold
• Patrick Cring 2 for 3lb 8oz including a Gold
• James Elliott 3 for 7lb 12oz including a Gold
• Sam Parker 3 for 5lb 12oz
• Nick 3 for 7lb 12oz
• Ross Alexander 2 for 4lb
• Modris 5 for 11lb 4oz including 3 Golds
• Armandos 5 for 13lb including a Gold
• Kevin Finlay 2 for 4lb
• David Comrie 2 for 5lb including a Blue
• Cammie Muirhead 2 for 4lb 12oz including a Gold
• Ryan Adamson 4 for 8lb 4oz including a Gold and a Blue

The weather was overcast for much of the week and there was a cool east or south-east breeze most days.   Despite this the water temperature rose a couple of degrees and finished the week at 9oC with water clarity remaining excellent.  Plenty of fish were seen moving on or just below the surface, but they were taking a bit deeper, and most were caught between 2 and 4 feet down.   They were moving around the main pond according to variations in water temperature and were to be found in the far bay and behind the island as well as in the dam area.   When they were higher in the water, nymphs, wets, and the occasional dry fly were taking, with lures and buzzers needed when the fish went deeper.  Favourite fly patterns included Blob, Egg, Cat’s Whisker, Ally McCoist, Cormorant, Diawl Bach, Black Pennel, Kate McLaren and Yellow Owl.   On the bait pond, the fish were anything between 2 and 6 feet down and were being caught on a variety of colours of power bait, maggots, or spinners.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 7.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm.

Some of the good bags landed on the fly this week included;

• Stewart Speed 2 for 9lb 8oz including 6lb 10oz Rainbow
• James McInnes 3 for 10lb 12oz including 5lb Brown and a Gold, plus 5 C&R
• Ryan Curry 3 for 10lb 8oz from the Millpond including 6lb 4oz Rainbow
• Donald McMurchy 5 for 13lb 12oz including 3 Golds
• Danny Doherty 4 for 9lb 12oz including a Gold
• Frank Barr 3 for 10lb, plus 3 C&R
• Nan Morrison 3 for 8lb 12oz
• Andrew Henderson 3 for 8lb 8oz including a Gold and a Blue
• James McAlister 3 for 8lb 4oz including a Gold
• Barry Lee 3 for 8lb including a Gold
• Ben McInnes 3 for 7lb including a Blue
• George Johnson 3 for 6lb 8oz from the Meadow Pond including 2 Golds, plus 5 C&R
• Kieran Lydon 2 Golds for 6lb, plus 2 C&R
• Robert Smith 2 for 6lb including a Tiger
• Charles Price 2 for 5lb 12oz including a Gold, plus 3 C&R
• Justin Brake 4lb 8oz Rainbow
• Calen McLachlan caught and released 10
• Frank Barr caught and released 8
• Rosinski caught and released 6
• Paul Cavanagh caught and released 6
• Paul Christie caught and released 4
• Jack Hepburn caught and released 4
• Russell Ferguson caught and released 4
• John Cooke caught and released 4 including a double-figure Rainbow
• Scott Christie caught and released 4
• Willie MacFadyen caught and released 3 including a Gold

 On the bait pond, those doing well included;

• Kyle Forrester 2 for 8lb 12oz including 5lb 12oz Rainbow
• Gilbert Donnachie 2 for 7lb 2oz including 4lb 14oz Rainbow and a Blue
• David Comrie 2 for 6lb 8oz including 4lb 8oz Rainbow and a Blue
• Archie Donnachie 2 for 4lb 8oz including a Gold
• Sam Parker 3 for 6lb
• Eddie McKenna 3lb 4oz Gold
• Archie McKinnon 2 for 4lb 8oz including a Gold
• Michael More 2 for 4lb 4oz including a Blue
• James Witherspoon, on two tickets, 7 for 12lb 8oz including 2 Golds
• Alistair Smith 2 for 4lb including a Blue
• Jamie McLaughlin 3 for 8lb including 2 Golds, bigger one at 3lb 8oz
• David Livingston and Owen Purdie shared 3 for 10lb
• Connor McDonald 3 for 5lb 10oz including a Blue
• Kieran Miller 4 for 9lb 4oz including a Gold
• Scott Forrester 3 for 6lb 4oz including a Gold
• Lewis Forrester 3 for 8lb including 2 Golds

There was some excellent fishing at Swanswater this week with conditions varying from cold and windy to frosty and bright but always with a cool breeze at some point during the day.  For the first time in a couple of weeks, since the weather turned really cold again, the fish moved away from the Dam and were moving around the pond much more.   As soon as there was a little bit of heat in the air, the fish moved away from the dam and over towards the island.   On Saturday they also moved round the back of the island before returning to the dam as soon as it got cold again.   Early in the day they were to be found around 6 feet deep but came up in the water as the day went on and were being taken around 2 to 3 feet down.  Some superb Rainbows and Browns in the 5lb to 7lb were landed this week and plenty of Blues, Golds and Tigers also feature in the catch returns.   Ally McCoist, Cat’s Whisker, Dancer, Diawl Bach, Cormorant, Buzzer, Peacock and Silver, and Black Nymph were the most successful fly patterns.   On the bait pond, where the fish also moved from deep down to around 2 feet as the day went on, spinning and green power bait were the best methods.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 7.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm/p

 A selection of the best bags from the fly ponds included;

• Henry Fulton 7lb 2oz Steelhead Rainbow
• David Stapleton 2 for 10lb including 7lb Rainbow and a Gold
• Willie Nyguist 4 for 14lb 8oz including 6lb 8oz Rainbow and a Gold, plus 4 C&R including a Gold, and 4 for 11lb 12oz including 4lb 8oz Rainbow, plus 3 C&R including 2 Golds
• Callum McMillan 6lb 8oz Brown
• Kyle Crossan 5lb 4oz Brown
• Calen McLachlan 5 for 16lb including a Gold and a Blue, plus 3 C&R and 4 for 11lb 8oz including a Gold and a Blue, plus 6 C&R
• Danny Doherty 5 for 12lb 10oz including a Blue, a Gold and a Tiger, plus 5 C&R
• Michael Baxter 4 for 14lb, plus 12 C&R including 3 Browns
• Frank Barr 4 for 11lb
• Henry Thomson 4 for 9lb 8oz including 2 Golds
• Paul Casci 3 for 8lb including a Blue
• Jamie McLaughlan 3 for 8lb
• Jimmy McCutcheon 3 for 7lb 4oz including a Blue and a Gold
• Jim Spiers 2 for 5lb 12oz including a Gold, plus 2 C&R
• Callum Clive 2 for 5lb 12oz from the Millpond including 3lb 12oz Gold
• Mike Luti 2 for 5lb 4oz including a Tiger
• Cliff Puttock 4lb 8oz Brown
• John Thomson caught and released 16
• Rosinski caught and released 14 including a Tiger, a Blue and a Gold
• Kimin Smith caught and released 12
• Jim McGuffie caught and released 4
• Fraser Redpath caught and released 7
• Dale Adams caught and released 7
• David Goss caught and released 6 including a Gold and a Brown
• Darren Clelland caught and released 6
• Ryan Laird caught and released 5
• Callum Allardice caught and released 4 including 2 Golds and a Brown
• John Duncan caught and released 4

Amongst those doing well on the bait pond were;

• Luxley Arthur 5 for 10lb including 4 Blues
• James Wotherspoon 2 for 4lb
• Scott Young 2 Golds for 3lb 12oz
• Lewis Miller 3 for 5lb 4oz including a Blue and a Tiger
• Jamie Ramage 3 for 6lb including 2 Golds
• Alan Sneddon 3 for 6lb
• Steven Keatch and family 5 for 9lb including 2 Golds
• Logan Gibson 3 for 6lb 4oz including 2 Blues
• Jordan Baxter 3 for 8lb 12oz including a Blue
• Scott Douglas 2 for 4lb

The week started relatively mild, but it got colder towards midweek and there were overnight frosts and snow showers, and a very cold wind at the weekend despite some lovely sunny spells.  The water temperature rose slightly to 7.5oC before falling back down to 6oC by the end of the week; water clarity remains excellent.  For much of the week the fish were around 2 to 3 feet deep, but they were much deeper on Sunday.  Fish were seen rising in some of the more sheltered areas, but they were not taking on the surface.  As the days went on the fish started to move from one area to another, with the dam fishing well in the morning and the far bank and far bay better in the afternoon.  Some more superb Browns were landed this week along with a few Tigers, as well as top quality Blues, Golds and Rainbows.   Many anglers are commenting on the quality of the fish and the great fight they are giving.  As usual, a large selection of flies was taking fish with the favourite patterns being Cat’s Whisker, Dancer, Egg, Blob, Cormorant, Diawl Bach, Bloodworm, Buzzer and Hare’s Ear.  On the bait pond, where a good number of Golds are still figuring in the catch returns, spinners and power bait took most of the fish.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 7.00pm every day except for Thursday when we close at 2.30pm.

Amongst those doing well on the fly this week were;

• Frank Barr 3 for 13lb 8oz including 7lb 8oz Brown, and 3 for 8lb, plus 1 C&R
• Nan Morrison 2 for 8lb 12oz including 5lb 12oz Brown
• Peter O’Brien 5 for 17lb including 5lb 12oz Brown and 2 Blues
• Stuart Oliver 2 for 7lb 10oz including 5lb 10oz Brown and a Blue, plus 2 C&R
• Kevin O’Brien 5 for 17lb including a Gold
• Calen McLachlan 5 for 15lb including 2 Rainbows around 4lb, 2 Golds and a Blue, plus 2 C&R
• Danny Doherty 5 for 14lb including a Gold, plus 6 C&R
• Joe Woods 3 for 10lb including a Gold
• Kieran Lydon 3 for 9lb including 2 Golds, plus 3 C&R
• Callum McMillan 3 for 8lb 8oz including a Gold, plus 1 C&R
• Michael Baxter 3 for 8lb 4oz, plus 2 C&R
• Eddie McKillop, jnr, 3 for 7lb 12oz, plus 3 C&R including a Tiger
• Keith Fyffe 3 for 7lb from the Meadow Pond including a Gold and a Blue
• Willie Nyguist 2 for 7lb 4oz including an overwintered Brown
• George Watson 2 for 6lb
• Robert Smith 2 for 6lb
• Jim Spiers 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Blue and a Gold, plus 2 C&R
• Peter Reilly caught and released 14 including 4 Golds, a Blue and a Brown
• Jamie Johnson caught and released 7
• John Thomson caught and released 6
• Nicky Capavanni caught and released 6
• Kimin Smith caught and released 5
• David Goss caught and released 5
• Bill Henderson caught and released 4 including a Brown estimated at 5lb
• Robert Philips caught and released 3 including Brown around 7lb 8oz

 Some of the good bags on the bait pond;

• Luxley Arthur, on two tickets, 8 for 19lb 4oz including 4lb Rainbow, a Gold and a Tiger
• Michael McDonald, in two visits, 8 for 18lb  including a Gold
• Nigel Cottrell 3 for 6lb 8oz including 2 Golds
• Craig Johnson 2 Blues for 4lb 8oz
• Barry McLaughlin 3 for 8lb
• Robert Penrith 3 for 6lb 8oz including 2 Golds
• Andrew Brown 3 for 6lb 4oz including a Gold
• Eddie and Stewart Baird had 2 each for 7lb 8oz including a Gold each.

There was a definite feeling of spring in the air this week with some lovely warm weather and bright sunshine, but there were still some overnight frosts which kept the water temperature around 6oC.  Water clarity is excellent, and fish can be seen moving in the top couple of feet of the ponds.   Despite the bright sunshine, the fish were generally near the surface of Swanswater and were occasionally being tempted by dry flies, although most were taken on the usual mixture of lures and nymphs.   The area from the dam to the boat corner and along the far bank was holding most fish with the overflow also fishing well.  Some tremendous Browns, Blues and Tigers are being caught on all three ponds, along with the usual top-quality Rainbows and Golds.   Favourite fly patterns included Dancer, Cat’s Whisker, Damsel, Diawl Bach, Cormorant, Buzzer and Bloodworm.   On the bait pond, mepps, green or orange power bait, spinners and worms were all taking fish.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 7.00pm every day except for Thursday when we close at 2.30pm.

Amongst those doing well on the fly ponds were;

• John McLean  4 for 15lb including 7lb 4oz Brown, a Gold and a Blue, plus 2 C&R
• David Robertson 2 for 9lb including 6lb 4oz Rainbow
• Stuart Black 4 for 13lb 10oz including 5lb 8oz Rainbow
• Glen Anderson 2 for 8lb 8oz including 5lb 12oz Brown and a Gold
• Frank Barr 3 for 11lb 4oz including 5lb 8oz Rainbow, plus 2 C&R and 3 for 8lb, plus 3 C&R
• Andy Wilson 4 for 13lb 8oz including 5lb Rainbow
• Calen McLachlan 5 for 13lb including 3 Golds, plus 3 C&R and 3 for 8lb including a Gold and a Blue, plus 3 C&R
• Danny Doherty 5 for 12lb including 3 Golds and 2 Blues, plus 8 C&R
• Allan Laing 4 for 11lb 2oz including 2 Golds and 2 Blues
• Jim McInnes 3 for 10lb 4oz including 4lb Brown, plus 3 C&R
• Charlie Price 3 for 9lb 12oz, plus 4 C&R
• David McKay 3 for 9lb 8oz
• Billy Weir 3 for 9lb including a Gold and a Blue
• Witold 3 for 8lb 8oz including 2 Browns, plus 3 C&R including 5lb Brown
• Sandy Donald 2 for 6lb 12oz including a Tiger
• Barry Lee 2 for 6lb 8oz
• Steven Cunningham 2 for 6lb including a Blue
• Nan Morrison 2 for 5lb 4oz including a Gold and a Tiger
• Bradley Stevenson caught and released 10
• Paul Ryder caught and released 10
• Robert McColl caught and released 10
• Frank Barr caught and released 8
• Dale Adams caught and released 7
• Mark Anthony caught and released 6 including 3 Golds
• John Thomson caught and released 6 including a Brown
• John Duncan caught and released 3 including a Blue estimated at 10lb

 A selection of the catches on the bait pond included;

• Iain Fern, on two tickets, 6 for 15lb including 4lb 4oz Rainbow, 2 Browns, 2 Golds and a Tiger
• Ally Douglas 5lb Rainbow
• Doug Shepherd 4 for 8lb including 3 Golds
• William and John Reid shared 10 for 23lb 4oz including 4 Golds and a Blue
• Steven Devlin 3 for 6lb
• Robert Couse 2 for 4lb including a Tiger
• Lee Hunt 4 for 7lb 12oz including 2 Golds and a Blue
• Jim Plenderleith 4 Golds for 8lb
• Jordan Anderson 4 for 9lb including a Gold and a Blue
• Tam Hislop 3 for 6lb including a Gold and a Blue
• David Livingston 2 for 7lb 12oz
• Colin Flaws 2 for 3lb 8oz including a Gold
• Bob, Ross, and Zhao shared 9 for 19lb including 4lb Rainbow, 3 Golds and 2 Blues on one visit and 8 for 13lb 8oz including a
• Gold on a second visit
• James Elliott 3 for 6lb
• Sam Parker 2 for 4lb

The start of the brown trout season saw some superb fish being caught this week.  The weather was cool for most of the week with some hard overnight frosts and some lovely sunshine at the weekend.   When it was overcast the fish were mostly between 2 and 4 feet down, but they went deeper when the sun was at its brightest and they were to be found at the dam and in the far bay.   A beautiful, overwintered brown weighing in at 10lb 2oz was the biggest specimen caught this week, and it was returned to fight another day.   Several 5lb to 7lb Browns were also landed along with some smaller Blues and Golds.  A lovely 9lb Rainbow also features in the catch returns.   The usual favourite fly patterns were taking fish including Damsel, Cat’s Whisker, Diawl Bach, Eggs, Buzzer, Ally McCoist, Dancer, Hare’s Ear and Cormorant.   On the bait pond, which has also been stocked with Browns, Tigers, Blues, Golds and Rainbows, spinners and power bait were taking most of the fish.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

The catch returns speak for themselves this week where those doing well on the fly included;

• John Stewart 2 for 12lb 8oz including 9lb Rainbow
• Frank Barr 3 for 13lb including 7lb 8oz Brown, plus 3 C&R
• Malcolm Miller 2 for 10lb 8oz including 6lb 12oz Brown, plus 2 C&R
• Callum McMillan 2 for 8lb 8oz including 6lb 8oz Brown
• Joe Woods 3 for 10lb 8oz incljuidng 5lb 8oz Brown and 2 Tigers
• Danny Doherty 5 for 17lb including 5lb 12oz Brown and a Tiger, plus 1 C&R
• Calen McLachlan 5 for 16lb including a Gold
• Donald McMurchie 5 for 13lb 2oz including 2 Golds
• John Crattan 5 for 11lb 8oz from the Millpond including 3 Golds
• Barry Lee 3 for 9lb 8oz including 2 Golds
• Garry McLachlan 3 for 8lb 8oz including a Blue
• Lawrence Maguire 2 for 7lb 12oz
• Tracy Allan 2 for 6lb 4oz from the Millpond including 4lb 4oz Rainbow
• Caitlyn Allan 2 for 5lb 8oz from the Millpond
• Steven Stewart 2 for 6lb
• James McLachlan 2 Golds for 5lb 12oz
• Rosinski caught and release 17 including several Blues and Golds and a Brown
• Marcus Tripney caught and released 8
• Dale Adams caught and released 8
• Gavin Hosie caught and released 6 including 6lb Brown and 3 Golds
• John Thomson caught and released 6 including a Brown and 4 Golds
• Neil Shedden caught and released 5 including 3 Golds
• Stewart Marshall caught and released 3 including a Brown weighed in the net at 10lb 2oz
• Hans Kane caught and released 10lb Brown and 5lb Rainbow

 On the bait pond, some of the best bags included

• John Fern 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Blue
• Declan Horsburgh 2 for 4lb 4oz
• Andy Brown 2 for 4lb 2oz
• Aiden McGuire 2 Tigers for 4lb 6oz
• Alister Smith 4 for 10lb
• Doad Cunningham 4 for 7lb 8oz including 2 Golds and a Blue
• Garry Ruane  4 for 7lb 12oz including 2 Golds
• C and C McGreevy shared 7 for 13lb 8oz including a Gold and 4 Blues
• James Elliott 3 for 7lb including a Gold
• Sam Parker 3 for 6lb 4oz including a Gold
• Robbie Fletcher 3 for 6lb including a Gold
• James Wotherspoon 4 for 9lb 8oz
• Luxley Arthur 3 for 6lb
• Zhao 3 for 7lb including a Gold
• Bob 3 for 7lb including a Blue
• Graeme McCurdie 2 for 5lb  including a Gold

There was a cold easterly wind for most of the week with some overnight frosts.  The water temperature rose from 4oC at the beginning of the week to 6oC at the weekend.  Water clarity is excellent, and fish could be seen moving in the top few feet of the water although they were mostly being taken around 3 to 4 feet down.   The change in water temperature led to the fish moving from around the dam area over to the far bay and then back again.   Some superb looking fish are being caught at present,  with Rainbows, Blues and Golds all in top condition.   There will be a stocking of Tigers and Browns ready for the start of the season on Tuesday and they are also looking great.   The most successful fly patterns this week included Yellow Dancer, Cat’s Whisker, Ally McCoist, Eggs, Hoglouse, Bibio, Damsel and Buzzers.   Yellow, brown or green power bait and spinners were taking most of the fish on the bait pond.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day except for Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

Some of the best bags landed on the fly this week included;

• Danny Doherty 5 for 22lb 4oz including 9lb 8oz Rainbow and a Gold
• Stewart Nicholson 6lb 8oz Rainbow
• Norrie Holms 2 for 8lb including 5lb Rainbow
• Calen McLachlan 5 for 10lb including 3 Golds, plus 3 C&R; 3 for 10lb 8oz including a Gold, plus 2 C&R; 2 for 6lb
• David McArthur 4 for 9lb 12oz including a Blue and a Gold
• Henry Fulton 3 for 10lb 4oz
• Frank Barr 3 for 10lb, plus 4 C&R
• Andy Tervit 3 for 9lb including a Gold
• Jim McInnes 3 for 9lb including a Blue
• B McInnes 3 for 9lb
• Donald McMurchy 3 for 8lb
• Gordon Crawford 2 for 6lb including a Gold
• Kyle Crossan 2 for 5lb including a Gold
• Michael Inglis caught and released 9
• Stuart Hay caught and released 8
• Tim Gellaitry caught and released 7
• Rosinski caught and released 6
• Calen McLachlan caught and released 6
• Jamie Johnson caught and released 5 including 2 Golds and a Blue
• Kevin Crozier caught and released 4
• Kenny Halley caught and released 3 including 7lb Rainbow

 Amongst those catching on the bait pond were;

• Dave Senkus 3 for 7lb including a Gold and a Blue
• Julius Galdigas 3 for 7lb including a Gold
• James and Tony Donnelly shared 3 for 6lb including a Gold
• Jiri Uhyrek 2 for 5lb
• Mark and Fraser Scott shared 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Blue
• Bob and Zhae shared 5 for 11lb including 2 Golds
• James Wotherspoon 4 for 8lb
• Luxely Arthur on two tickets 6 for 13lb including 3 Blues and 2 Golds
• Graeme McCurdie 2 for 4lb 12oz including a Gold

There was some better weather this week with lots of sunny spells and much less wind.  Towards the end of the week, there was frost overnight and bright sunshine during the day.  On Tuesday, which was March 1st, there was a good rise towards the end of the day and for the next few days fish were seen moving and feeding on the surface and were being caught around 2 to 3 feet down.   The combination of bright sun and crystal-clear water at the weekend, sent the fish deeper and they were to be found around 5 feet down.   The usual wide variety of flies were catching fish with the favourite patterns including Yellow Dancer, Ally McCoist, Humungus, Black nymph, Diawl Bach, Cormorant, Hares Ear, Black Damsel and Buzzer.  

On the bait pond yellow, green or pink power bait or spinners were taking most of the fish.   Several Rainbows in the 5lb to 6lb range were landed from both Swanswater and the Millpond this week along with some superb Blues and Golds around 2lb to 3lb.

The Fishery is open 8.00am to 5.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

Amongst the best bags on the fly ponds were;

• Joe Malcolmson 4 for 16lb 4oz including 6lb 4oz Rainbow, plus 2 C&R including a Brown
• Danny Doherty 5 for 16lb 8oz including 6lb 4oz Rainbow and 3 Golds
• Norrie Holms 6lb Rainbow
• Calen McLaughlin in three visits, 3 for 11lb 8oz including 6lb Rainbow from the Millpond, 3 for 9lb including a Gold, and 2 for
• 5lb 4oz
• Jim Spiers 2 for 8lb  8oz including 5lb 10oz Rainbow, plus 1 C&R
• Tony Steen 2 for 7lb 4oz including 5lb Rainbow
• John McEwan 5lb Rainbow
• Willie Nyguist 5 for 16lb 8oz including a Blue, plus 6 C&R including 3 Golds
• Les Cooper 4 for 14lb including a Gold
• Andy Boyle 4 for 9lb from the Millpond including a Blue and a Gold
• Frank Barr 3 for 11lb 8oz, plus 8 C&R and 3 for 8lb 8oz, plus 9 C&R including 2 Golds
• Robert Smith 3 for 10lb 8oz plus 2 C&R
• Robert Rankin 3 for 10lb 4oz including 4lb 2oz Rainbow and a Blue, plus 5 C&R including a Gold
• Gordon Crawford 3 for 9lb 12oz
• William Wells 3 for 7lb including a Gold from the small ponds, plus 4 C&R
• Dale Adams 2 for 5lb 8oz, plus 7 C&R including 4 Golds
• Willie Smillie 2 for 5lb 4oz including a Blue
• Robert McColl caught and released 21 in two visits including 2 Golds and a Brown
• Paul Ryder caught and released 13 in two visits
• John Thomson caught and released 11
• Paul Christie caught and released 10
• Marcus Tripney caught and released 9
• Jamie Johnson caught and released 7
• Graeme Arthur caught and released 5
• Rab Cochrane caught and released 5

Those doing well on the bait pond included;

• Youngster Michael Cummings jnr, 3 for 11lb 10oz including 5lb 12oz Rainbow
• Logan Gibson 5lb 4oz Rainbow
• Barry Lee 3 for 7lb 4oz
• Jiri Uhyrek 3 for 6lb 8oz including 2 Golds
• Macjek Stefaniak 3 for 6lb 8oz including 2 Golds
• Jamie McLaughlin 4lb 8oz Rainbow
• Modris 3 for 5lb 12oz including a Blue
• Tam Hislop 3 for 6lb 4oz
• Charlie Cook 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Gold
• Graeme McCurdie 2 for 4lb 8oz including a Gold

It was week that saw just about every type of weather – sunshine, overcast, showers, rain, hail, sleet, snow, overnight frosts, and some strong winds – and the fishing was excellent no matter what the conditions were like.  The water  remained relatively clear all week and water temperature was around 4.5oC.  The corner at the boat jetty was the area where most of the fish were being taken for much of the week, with the dam and the island also popular.   A variety of lures were attracting fish with the favourite colour being black and green, along with buzzers and some nymphs.   On the bait pond spinners and green power bait were taking most of the fish.   A good number of Golds featured in the catch returns, particularly from the small ponds, with many anglers commenting on the great quality of all the fish.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

Amongst those doing well on the fly ponds were;

• Danny Doherty 5 for 20lb including 8lb 12oz Rainbow and a Gold
• Willie Nyguist 4 for 11lb12oz including a Gold
• Jim Spiers 2 for 8lb 12oz
• Chris Allan 2 for 6lb 8oz from the Millpond
• Alex Campbell 2 for 5lb
• Tracy Allan 2 for 4lb 4oz from the Millpond including a Gold
• Stuart Hay caught and released 14
• Scott Reekie caught and released 10
• Marcus Tripney caught and released 7 on one visit and 9 on a second visit
• David Brooks caught and released 6 including a Rainbow around 12lb
• Graeme Arthur caught and released 4
• Duncan McPherson caught and released 3

On the bait pond;

• Jiri Uhyrek 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Gold
• Maarien Geara 2 for 7lb 8oz
• Robert Allan  2 Golds for 5lb 8oz
• Doug Shepherd 4 for 10lb including a Gold
• Fabrizio 3 for 8lb including a Blue and a Gold

In a week that saw two named storm batter the country, the weather at the Fishery was not always very conducive to being out and about.  Angler numbers were understandably low in the middle of the week but many of those who braved the conditions ended up having some excellent sport.  Despite heavy rain and snow, the water remained relatively clear.   Fish were to be found in sheltered spots away from the strong winds including the bridge area and against the dam wall.   In general, they were around 3 feet down and were taking a variety of green and black or orange lures, buzzers, Diawl Bach, Damsel and blobs.   On the bait pond spinners or power bait were taking fish.

The fishery is open from 8.00 to 5.00 every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30.

Fly anglers doing well this week were;

• Alan Evans 5 for 12lb 8oz including 4 Golds, plus 5 C&R
• Robert Watt 3 for 10lb 8oz including a Blue
• Peter Paterson 3 for 10lb 8oz
• Frank Barr 3 for 10lb, plus 5 C&R
• Willie Nyguist 3 for 7lb 12oz including a Gold, plus 3 C&R
• John Hester 2 for 8lb
• Charles Devine caught and released 9
• Marcus Tripney caught and released 8
• Michael Jolly caught and released 8
• John McGaughey caught and released 7 including a Rainbow estimated at over 9lb
• Rosinski caught and released 6
• Ryan Smith caught and released 5
• Chick McGreevy caught and released 4
• Chris Brennan caught and released 4
• Mark Anthony caught and released 3
• Ian McDonald caught and released 3

 Those fishing on the bait pond were;

• Jiri Uhyrek 3 for 13lb including 6lb Rainbow, 5lb Rainbow and a Gold
• Fabrizio 3 for 8lb including a Gold
• David Livingstone and Jamie Purdie 2 for 5lb

It was a cold and often windy week with some heavy showers, sometimes of sleet or snow, and a hard frost on Thursday night leading to some ice on the ponds on Friday morning.  The fish were mostly to be found along the far side of the main pond and were sitting around 3 feet down, although on Sunday they were also being caught from the island and around the bridge area.   Cormorants, buzzers, okey dokey, blob, egg and black and green lure were the favourite fly patterns this week, with power bait taking most of the fish on the bait pond.

The fishery is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

The biggest fish of the year to date was landed on Friday when Jim Spiers took 2 for 11lb including 7lb 8oz Rainbow
Other fly anglers doing well included;

• Danny Doherty 5 for 16lb including 2 Golds, plus 4 C&R
• Donald McMurchy 5 for 15lb 4oz including a Gold
• Jim McInnes 3 for 9lb 8oz plus 2 C&R
• Frank Barr 3 for 9lb plus 1 C&R
• David McArthur 4 for 8lb from the Meadow Pond
• Barry Lee 3 for 7lb from the small ponds
• Rosinski caught and released 12
• Nigel Muckle caught and released 8 including 2 Golds and a big Brown
• Marcus Tripney caught and released 7
• John Wotherspoon caught and released 7
• Malcolm Miller caught and released 7
• Chris Hunter caught and released 6
• Brian McDonald caught and released 6
• Chris Brennan caught and released 5
• Derek Russell caught and released 5
• Mark Anthony caught and released 4 including 3 Golds
• Stewart Marshall caught and released 4
• Jim Bridges caught and released 4
• Ryan Smith caught and released 4 including 2 Golds

 On the bait pond, where many anglers only managed one fish, those doing best included;

• Modris Ungurs 3 for 7lb 12oz including 2 Golds and 2 Golds for 5lb
• William Wells 3 for 9lb 4oz including a Blue and a Gold
   
   
   

The Fishery reopened on Friday 4th February after a three-week break and despite cold, stormy weather, anglers and fish were out and active.   The very heavy rain on Saturday coloured the water for Sunday morning, but it cleared as the day went on.  On Friday and Saturday, the fish were around 3 feet down and many were sheltering around the big tree and in the boat jetty corner of the main pond.   On Sunday, the best fishing was to be had in the burn mouth and bridge area as the clean water came into the pond.   Black and green lures, black nymphs, buzzers, hoglouse and pink eggs were the favourite fly patterns, with white power bait doing well on the bait pond.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm

Amongst those taking fish on the fly were;

• Danny Doherty  4 for 11lb
• Kyle Crossan  3 for 10lb, plus 1 C&R
• Nan Morrison  3 for 8lb including a Gold
• Calen McLachlan 3 Golds for 7lb from the Meadow Pond, plus 3 C&R
• John Mooney 2 for 7lb
• John Pearson 2 for 4lb from the Medow Pond
• Jim Spiers  4lb Rainbow
• Rosinski caught and released 16
• John Butler caught and released 9
• Robert McColl caught and released 5
• George McKenzie caught and released 3

On the bait pond;

• James Wotherspoon  2 for 7lb
• Alanais and Donatas shared 4 for 8lb 4oz
• Jiri Uhyrek 2 for 4lb 8oz

The Fishery will reopen at 8.00am on 4th February
 We will be open 8.00am to 5.00pm every day except Thursdays when we close at 2.30pm

The week started with wet and windy weather and ended cool, overcast, and drizzly.   In between there were some very cold nights with overnight frosts and a little ice on the Meadow Pond on Thursday morning.  Many anglers were choosing to catch and release rather than taking fish with almost three times as many fish being returned as killed.  The fish were around 4 to 5 feet down for much of the week, although they were a little higher in the water on Sunday, and were to be found near the Dam and along the bank between the boat jetty and the far bay.   Blob, Egg pattern, Ally McCoist, Hummungus, Dancer, Cormorant, Buzzer and Bloodworm were the favourite fly patterns,  with green or yellow power bait being the most successful on the bait pond. 

The fish are now going to have a few weeks off as the Fishery is closed for the rest of January.
We will reopen at the beginning of February, with the exact date being posted on our Facebook page and website nearer the time.

Calen McLachlan, made four visits to the Fishery this week taking bags of  3 for 12lb, plus 2 C&R, 3 for 9lb 4oz, plus 10 C&R, 4 for 10lb 8oz including 2 Golds, plus 4 C&R, and 2 from the Meadow Pond for 4lb 12oz

Others doing well on the fly included                   ;

Cameron Brown 4 for 11lb 12oz, plus 4 C&R
Danny Doherty 4 for 10lb 8oz including a Gold
Andy Tervit 3 for 8lb from the Millpond including 2 Golds
Mark Campbell 3 for 8lb
Malcolm Miller 2 for 5lb 12oz including a Gold, plus 1 C&R
Robert Smith 2 for 5lb 8oz including a Gold, plus 3 C&R
Donald McMurchy 2 for 5lb including a Gold
Kieron Letford 2 for 5lb from the Millpond
Tony Bishop 2 Golds for 4lb from the Millpond
Aaron Kirkwood caught and released 13
Alan Kirkham caught and released 10
Charles Devine caught and released 10
Stuart Hay caught and released 9
PJ Morgan caught and released 6
Tony Bishop caught and released 5
Kyle Murray caught and released 5
Stewart Marshall caught and released 4 including 2 Golds
Davie MacFarlane caught and released 4
Tim Gelliatry caught and released 4

On the bait pond those doing best included;

• Kobie King 3 for 8lb 8oz including a Gold
• Logan Gibson  2 for 4lb 12oz including a Gold
• Iain Fern 3 for 7lb including 2 Golds
• John Fern 3 for 7lb
• Jiri Uhyrek 2 for 4lb 8oz

The final two weeks of 2021 produced some excellent fishing in weather that was, at times, unseasonably mild.  The week before Christmas was cold, overcast and drizzly and not many anglers were out.  From Boxing Day onwards the weather warmed up but also got very wet and windy some days.  The fish were spread out all around the main pond and were to be found at various depths depending on weather conditions.   The water temperature went from 5.5oC down to 4oC and then back up to 7oC.   The usual variety of flies were catching with favourite patterns including Cat’s Whisker, Ally McCoist, Blob, Dancer, Eggs, Cormorant, Damsel, Diawl Bach and Buzzer, with one or two fish also taken on dries when things warmed up a bit.  Power bait was taking most of the fish on the bait pond.
The “Day After” Charity Competition was held on Monday 27th December.   The conditions were excellent and the 19 participants had a good day.   113 fish were caught and released, with almost as many being hooked and lost.  The fish were well spread out around the pond and were caught from every one of the 24 platforms in use.   At the end of the day, the competition was very close and the final result came down to the fact that the winner caught at least one fish on seven out of his eight pegs.  Daniel Shelton finished first with 11 fish for 18 points, first fish landed within 5 minutes of the start, with Malcolm Miller second with 14 fish for 18 points.  Stevie Plank, with 12 fish for 17 points, was third.  A raffle was also held and a total of £600 was raised for Strathcarron Hospice.   Many thanks to all who took part and to those who donated prizes.

The Fishery is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm every day this week apart from Thursday when we close at 2.30pm.

We will then be taking a short break and the Fishery will be closed from Monday 10th January until the beginning of February.  Happy New Year and Tight Lines for 2022

Some of the best bags over the last two weeks included;

• Brett Glencross 2 for 8lb 4oz including 6lb 4oz Rainbow and a Gold
• Robert Smith 4 for 11lb 8oz including a Gold, plus 4 C&R
• Donald McMurchy 4 for 10lb 12oz including a Gold, plus 3 C&R
• Richard Newton 3 for 10lb 14oz including 4lb 10oz Rainbow
• Willie Nyguist 3 for 8lb 12oz
• Callum McMillan, in two visits, 6 for 17lb, plus 3 C&R
• Stuart Cairns 3 for 7lb 8oz including a Gold
• David Hamilton 3 for 7lb 8oz
• Calen McLachlan 3 for 6lb including 2 Golds from the Meadow Pond, plus 4 C&R
• Craig Faller 2 for 6lb 8oz from the Millpond
• Eddie McKillop jnr 2 for 6lb 4oz
• Logan Gibson caught and released 11
• Charles Devine caught and released 10
• Robert McColl caught and released 10
• Graham Clark caught and released 8
• Jordan Baxter caught and released 7
• Aaron Kirkwood caught and released 6
• Stevie Harper caught and released 5
• Michael White caught and released 5
• Chris Bremen caught and released 5
• Jamie McGowan caught and released 4
• James McGuire caught and released 4
• Graham McLuckie caught and released 4
• Kimin Smith caught and released 4
• Steven McLuckie caught and released 4

 On the bait pond, where power bait was taking most of the fish those doing well included;

• Graeme McCurdie 2 for 9lb 8oz including 7lb 8oz Gold
• Scott Paterson 2 for 4lb 8oz
• Jamie Cassells 4 for 15lb including 6lb 12oz Rainbow
• John McFadyen 4 for 9lb
• Stuart Malcolm 4 for 8lb 

The annual “Day After” charity competition in aid of Strathcarron Hospice, was held on Monday 27th December.  The weather was overcast, calm and relatively mild and, with the fishery having been closed for two days over Christmas, the conditions were excellent for the 19 participants.  Things started well with many anglers hooking in to fish within a few minutes of the starting whistle and many more also catching on their first peg.  As it was a catch and release competition, the time of the first fish caught was recorded in case of a tie in points.  Two points were awarded for the first fish caught on each peg, with one point for any subsequent fish on that peg up to a total of five fish per peg.

The fishing continued to go well with bent rods all around the pond.  Although there was a bit of a hot spot in the bridge area, fish were caught from each of the 24 platforms in use.  With the fish around 3 to 4 feet down, the favourite patterns were blobs, eggs, buzzers, damsels, and dancers.   A total of 113 fish were recorded as caught and, with barbless hooks being used, there were a sizable number reported as lost as well.  

At the end of the day, the competition was very close, and with the fish being well spread out, the final result came down to the fact that the winner caught at least one fish on seven out of his eight pegs and caught his first one within 5 minutes of the competition starting.  Daniel Shelton finished first with 11 fish for 18 points, with Malcolm Miller second with 14 fish for 18 points, although he didn’t catch his first one until slightly later.   Stevie Plank, with 12 fish for 17 points, was third, and there was a tie for fourth place between Charles Devine (10 fish),  Logan Gibson (11 fish) and Robert McColl (10 fish), all on 15 points.  The prize for first fish went to Aaron Kirkwood.

We would like to thank all those who took part and to those who donated prizes for the competition and the raffle, including Glasgow Angling Centre.  A good day was had by all, and everything took place safely out of doors.
A total of £600 was raised for Strathcarron Hospice.
 

The week started mild and overcast and ended a good deal cooler and still overcast with fog on Saturday.   Water temperature rose from 4oC on Sunday to 7oC on Thursday and Friday before dropping back to 6oC on Saturday.  Water clarity remains excellent.  The fish were at varying depths throughout the week being much nearer the surface from midweek on as the water temperature rose, with the Golds being very visible just under the surface.  The Far Bay and Dam areas were the most productive.   Nymphs took the majority of fish this week with a couple of days when nothing was caught on lures!  Favourite patterns included Daiwl Bach, Buzzer, Olive nymph, Cormorant, Montana, Snatcher and Damsel.  

Fishery opening hours for the coming week are as follows –

• Monday 20th to Wednesday 22nd, 8.00am to 4.00pm
• Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th, 8.00am to 2.30pm
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day, closed
• Monday 27th Charity Fly Competition on Swanswater – small ponds open as normal 8.00am to 4.00pm.

A selection of this week’s catches included;

• Willie Nyguist 3 for 11lb, including 6lb Rainbow and a Gold
• Calan McLachlan 3 for 10lb including 6lb Rainbow and a Gold
• Gordon Crawford 3 for 8lb
• Donald McMurchy 3 for 7lb 12oz
• William Wells 3 for 7lb 8oz from the Meadow Pond
• David Young 2 for 6lb 12oz
• Callum McMillan 2 for 6lb 8oz
• Danny Doherty caught and released 12
• Stewart Marshall caught and released 11
• Stevie Plank caught and released 10
• Alan Kirkham caught and released 9
• Mark Anthony caught and released 7
• John Devine caught and released 6
• Neil Shedden caught and released 5
• Bill Henderson caught and released 4
• Thomas O’Neil caught and released 4
• Ryan Smith caught and released 3
• Ian Whitfield caught and released 3 

The fishing was still very good this week, although the cold weather kept a lot of anglers at home.   Those who braved the chilly conditions were well rewarded.   For much of the week the fish were fairly deep in the water but some days they were surprisingly near the surface, and one angler even had success using a dry fly.   The water is still very clear and the fish are visible down to around 2 to 3 feet with the Golds showing up particularly well.   Water temperature remained around 4oC all week.   The best areas were from the dam to the boats, the far bay, the bridge area and the boats.   Favourite fly patterns included Cat’s Whisker, Dancer, Egg, Damsel, Blob, and Buzzer.  There were only a couple of anglers fishing on bait this week and they were having success with yellow power bait.

The Fishery is open 8.00am to 4.00pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm.

Amongst the best bags taken on the fly were;

• Willie Nyguist 4 for 13lb 8oz from the Millpond, including 5lb Gold, 4lb 8oz Rainbow and 2 Golds
• Callum McMillan 3 for 7lb 8oz including a Gold, plus 10 C&R
• George Johnston 3 Golds for 6lb 8oz from the Meadow Pond, plus 2 Golds C&R, and 3 for 7lb 8oz from the Meadow Pond including a Gold, plus 3 C&R including 2 Golds
• Ian Munro 3 for 8lb from the small ponds, plus 2 C&R
• Barry Lee 2 for 5lb 12oz
• Jim Spiers 2 for 5lb 8oz from the Millpond
• Willie McFadyen 2 for 5lb 4oz
• Robert McColl caught and released 12
• Josh Moody caught and released 11
• Alan Kirkham caught and released 10
• Andrew Townsley caught and released 10
• John Thomson caught and released 8
• Nigel Muckle caught and released 7
• Liam Love caught and released 7
• Mark Anthony caught and released 4 including a Gold
• Maciej Stefaniak 3 for 7lb 4oz including a Gold
• Shane Newsan 2 for 4lb

 Those who have entered the charity competition on 27th December are reminded that entry money must be paid before Monday 20th December.