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Lake of Menteith Fishing Reports

11th Nov 2011 

Scottish Youth Fly Fishing National Championship

This competition was held over two days at the Lake. Around 30 individuals took part on each day with the aim of qualifying for the national team. The winner was Calum Robertson - the angler with the highest aggregate placing over the two days. Calum who is 15 and from Lenzie, also took the trophy for the heaviest fish and the best newcomer. Calum had two fish on the Saturday, one of which was 4lbs 10oz and three fish on the Sunday. His predominant method? Slow intermediate line with a size 14 candy booby and cormorants, fished virtually static.

The Lake is now officially closed for the season but we have one last opportunity to fish for trout this year on Sunday 6^th November for the Kirk and School Fundraiser. We have 3 boats left. The fishing is from 12- 4ish and there is a BBQ, soup, refreshments, raffle, singing etc –after the fishing. A two man, all inclusive boat, is £40.

Below left Jim Law from Motherwell with a fine looking Rainbow and Douglas Ross from Maryburgh with an 8 pounder. The captor of the fish bottom left was camera shy.

The Lake is fishing better than I can remember for the time of year which bodes well for next year – unless it is the unseasonable mildness.

Unusual feathered visitor: Jim Twaddle tells me he saw a smew on the Lake last week – an unusual sight in this neuk of the woods.

25^th  October 2011

13 year old Callum Steven from Livingston has been successful again in our young persons club the Cormorants. Callum won the Summer Season Chase by 3 fish over Max McInstrie and also won the final day comp trophy, the Tam Denholm Shield shield with 2 fish for 8lbs 12oz (won at 5lbs 8oz).  Many thanks to the Cormorant's youth coach Alasdair Mair and his assistants for their work in developing these youngster’s skills. Fly tying evenings for the Cormorants commence on Tuesday 1^st November.

The Lake is fishing well during our last full week of the season with some cracking fish being landed or returned and some good bags. Best areas have been Heronry, Sandy Bay, Reedy Point and Lochend/Tod Hole. Tactics have varied but crunchers, diawl bachs, cormorants and boobys and dancers on sink tip, slow glass and no 3 sink lines have all been deployed to good effect.

We still have some boats for the Kirk and School day on the 6^th of November. The boat (12 till 4ish) for two cost £40 including the BBQ and refreshments.  At the weekend Clydesdale Bank caught 19 fish for 58lbs with 6 boats and Thack caught 44 also with 6 boats.

Official season closes on Monday 31^st Oct.

 17^th October 2011 

6ft Water Temp – 11 C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.1m

Peter does it again. Peter Auchterlonie from Crieff became the second angler to twice win the Scottish Clubs Champion of Champion’s Title. Peter netted 14 trout (his boat partner had 4) from the Heronry and Sandy Bay Drifts – 6 fish ahead of his nearest rival (in terms of fish numbers), Jimmy McBride who finished in 3^rd place. In second place was Mike Willis from Bridge of Allan with 7 (larger) fish. Peter’s tactics were the midge tip line with diawl bachs (4 fish) and a cat booby (10 fish). Peter, who had two days on the Lake prior to the comp, said that the fishing had been hard during his practice days, and that he had only managed 7 fish on the preceding day.  The 57 anglers weighed in 127 fish for 372lbs and returned a further 56 (rod av. 3.2, av.wt. 3lbs).

The Lake has fished a bit harder this week but a top up of  236 three pound blues on Monday (last of the fish from the pens) and a further 400 trout going in on Friday should help to take the edge of the weather as the season draws to a close – and for next year. We took the decision to leave the fish pens in place this year, to allow a few fish to grow on into double figures, as per a few years back. The majority of resident fish soon move out when the cages are empty, and this has shown up in a spate of good fish being landed recently. 

Watch BBC Scotland’s Programme going out at 10.35pm tonight entitled Scotland’s Fishy Secrets. It is concerned with the negative effect of fish farms on wild salmon and sea trout and will be of interest to many of us. It is about time the Scottish Government used its powers to create substantial Marine Protected Areas (protection from salmon farming and commercial fishing) to support the economic potential of Scotland’s recreational sea and freshwater angling as well as to ensure the sustainability of our commercial fish species.

11^th October 2011 

6ft Water Temp – 11.5C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.1m

DUE TO THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF FRESHWATER LICE, ANGLERS WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO BRING DROGUES AND BASS BAGS TO THE LAKE. WE NOW HAVE SUFFICIENT DROGUES FOR ALL AND PLASTIC BAGS WILL BE PROVIDED. Please exercise caution, common sense and good disinfection procedures with regards to boots and any other piece of equipment as we wish to keep the Lake lice free.

The Lake has fished well in the past week, with some fantastic blues in the catches. Not too sure exactly what the best tactics have been but the fish have been keen on the “popped booby”, according to one report. The best areas reported recently are the eastern drifts; including the Rookery and Hotel Bay. The remaining stocking for the week goes in tomorrow. The total stocking for the week will be around 600.

September Catch Stats

Fish weight caught per boat broke the recently established August record. In September the 2-man 8hr boat catch was 6 fish for 16lbs 10oz. The mean weight was 2lbs 12oz. The number of fish caught and released was 37.6%.

Notable Catches

Strathclyde Police 10 boats 78 fish 179lbs plus 17 returned, SSEB 10 boats 37 fish for 99lbs, CIBA AC 5 boats 24 fish for 67lbs, Pentland 6.5 boats 46 fish 128 fish, Falkirk Fly Dressers 5 boats 43 fish for 112lbs plus 10 returned, Luggiebank 6 boats 28 fish 87lbs, Heriot AC 9 boats 16 fish 44lbs plus 23 returned, Falkirk Municipal 8 boats 27 fish 72lbs, Lothian and Borders Police 12 boats 50 fish 136lbs plus 17 returned.  

3^rd October 2011

6ft Water Temp – 12C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.m

DUE TO THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF ARGULUS IN A CENTRAL SCOTLAND STILLWATER,  ANGLERS WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO BRING DROGUES AND BASS BAGS TO THE LAKE.

We will supply a drogue if you require one and will make plastic bags available for your fish. We would urge all to exercise caution and good disinfection procedures with regards to boots and any other piece of equipment likely to be able to transfer lice or shrimp eggs. We have 13 drogues available at the Lake currently and are looking to install a similar set up to that used at Grafham. Until we have secured extra supplies it may be wise to bring your dried or disinfected drogue and it can be used if our drogues are in short supply – once it has been dipped by a member of staff.

BALFRON PISCATORIALS SCOTTISH CLUB CHAMPIONS 2011

This massive Scottish trout angling competition, involving over 200 clubs and sponsored by Grouse (Famous Angler) Whisky and the Angling Centre Stirling (soon to be rebranded Angling Active when they move to junction 10 of the M9) came to a head on Friday 30^th September.

It was a record catch as far as anyone could remember. The 18 clubs, 54 anglers, netted 400 fish, of which 155 were weighed in for 412lbs and 245 were returned. Giving a rod average of 7.4 fish per angler with a mean fish weight of 2lbs 10 ½ oz. Balfron Piscatorials, a.k.a. James Fairlie, Bob Robertson and Gordon Hayward grabbed victory on the day with 36 fish. Top rod for the team, 16 year old James Fairlie, is currently one of the countries best loch style fly anglers and this form combined with Bob and Gordon’s renowned experience (acquired over a few more years) was an unstoppable blend. In Second Place were 2008 winners Change B (Wullie Leach, Jim Crawford and Jimmy McBride) with 35 fish, and 3^rd , and still looking to get their hands on the platter, were St.Fillans and Lochearn (Peter Auchterlonie, Ronald Gilbert and George Whyte) with 34. Top rods on the day with 15 trout were Paul Garner of Alba Orvis B, James Fairlie and Peter Auchterlonie.

OVERALL WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WERE THE CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF YORKHILL HOSPITAL – SCOTLAND’S CENTRE FOR SICK KIDS. Physiologist Colin Keane ( from the department, came to thank the anglers for their generosity and to accept the cheque for £6521.

Top areas this week – in the shelter!

26^th Sept 2011

Another week of wild and mild saw the main focus of fishing activity around Sam’s or Reedy Point, Shear Point and Lochend. Dry fly continues to be reported as top method – over the weekend. Well done to the Scots fishing at the International at Grafam Reservoir in England. They got silver but were a good way (29 fish) behind winners England (congratulations to them). As the Scottish International Secretary Tom Mactaggart says “ 3 golds and two silvers out of the last 5 matches is a good run”. The main tactics in use were apparently tweaking buzzers etc on the hang and the English were able to find other holding areas once the main hot spot at the dam wall switched off.

In the second Scottish Clubs semi-final, Border’s angler Shane Kelly was the top rod with 15 fish. He was fishing dry fly with a yellow owl and then a daddy at Reedy Point. In first 3 man team position was Alba Orvis A with 33 fish, 2^nd were Change B with 32 and 3^rd were Alba Orvis B with 23. Alba Orvis were just back from winning the hotly contested Lexus Team Championship at Rutland. Congratulations boys. The other 6 clubs progressing to this Friday’s Final are East Kilbride, Hawick AC, Kahts Whisker, Kelso A, Strathleven B, Middleton. The 60 anglers landed 372 fish of which 175 were returned. Rod average of 6.2 fish, average weight of the killed fish 2lbs 11oz.

Lexus Champs: Alba Orvis Callum Crosbie, David Bonnington,  Paul Garner, Gregor Fleming, Jock Kettles, James Gardiner.

Freshwater Lice Threat: We don’t want lice at the Lake, so please ensure you are suitably free of freshwater lice or eggs by disinfecting footwear and drogues (bath at hut), particularly if you have been fishing in an affected water. I have had new reports of outbreaks on Scottish stillwaters.

Other Catches: Sandy Boag and Andy Kemp from Bridge of Earn had these three fish (6 ½ , 5 ½ , 4lbs)  in a bag of 7 fish for 22lbs 5oz. They were all caught on claret bits or daddies – in the cages. Bank of Scot 5 Boats 21 fish 62lbs, Townhill AC 9 boats 40 trout 114lbs, Kinglassie 6 boats 13 fish 36lbs, Jim Law 5 fish 15lbs 2oz, Cove and Kilcreggan – no return left, Pentland 7 boats 56 fish 151lbs plus 14rtd, Edin Breadalbane 3 boats 14 fish 31lbs, Trout Angling Club 6 boats 34 fish 102lbs,  Steve Docherty 5 fish 16lbs plus 13 rtd, Northern Constabulary 4 boats 22 fish 54lbs, Ed. Waltons 8 boats 40 fish 111lbs plus 7 rtd. More photos on the Menteith web pages – Bailiff Douglas Fraser gets his first salmon.

19^th Sept 2011

6ft Water Temp – 13C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.1m

Some cold nights have started to undo the summer stratification of the water column, and clarity has reduced a little as a result of the mixing but still remains a healthy 2.1m. Catches have spread from west and north western shores to the eastern drifts, with good catches also being taken from Reedy Point, Hotel Bay, Shear Point and Lochend. A variety of flies have as usual been doing the business. Dries have been mentioned a lot in the last few days, and the booby is as usual as deadly as ever. Top rod in the first of the Scottish Club Semi-Finals was Andy Dunn from Glasgow. Andy caught 17 fish (returned 14) by slow figure of eighting a booby (point fly), cruncher, diawl bach and cruncher. Most of his fish were taken at Lochend and nearly all on the booby. Andy’s efforts secured Change FF ‘A’ top placing on the day - their 3 anglers netted 35 fish.  Also through to the Final are St.Fillans and Lochearnhead (31 fish), Balfron Piscatorials (28), Grizzlecats A (23), Clan Chiefs A (23), Kinross AC (20), Port Glasgow AC (19), Roscobie Loch B (19) and  Caley Liners B (18). The 30 boats weighed in 169 fish for 466lbs (av. weight 2lbs 12oz) and returned 192.

New Monthly Boat Catch Record for the Lake

August Analysis: Mean weight of the fish in August was a gut busting 2lbs 10oz. and 30.2 % of all fish caught were returned. The average 8hr, two man boat catch was 6.2 fish for 16.1lbs. The numbers caught per boat are the best since April this year, but it is the weight of fish combined with the good numbers (i.e. the average boat weight catch of 16.1lbs –includes 30% of fish that were released) which is eye catching and a Menteith record. Difficult to quantify and more important than weight, was the condition of the fish. I would say they were the best looking in my time at the Lake. There was a good proportion of resident type fish – thanks in a large part to increased levels of catch and release. Not only were the catches good but the red legs were on and the dry fly fishing was excellent during August. These fine photos were sent in by Colin Riach after an outing in the middle of August. They show the stomach contents of a Lake trout and a nice blue with a “jaws effect” caused by the water distortion.

13^th Sept 2011

6ft Water Temperature – 14C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.0m.

Ronnie Glass 2011 Scottish National Trout Fishing Champion.

Ronnie of Kelso AA was top rod on Saturday with 12 fish for 27lbs 9.8oz. Ronnie, who is Fishing Manager for Orvis Tackle Shop Kelso, was figure of eighting a midge tip line with a hares ear suspender on the point (7 fish), a damsel in the middle (4 fish) and a blob on the top dropper (1 fish). All his fish were taken in the Hotel Bay and Shear Point drifts. Ronnie has had a good season on the competition scene and must have felt he had a chance - and this was certainly no flash in the pan. Ronnie, who is a font of knowledge on all things fishy, was naturally delighted to be the 119th winner. Will he take a cast of the trophy?

In second place was Allan Smith of Stormont Field AC who also landed 12 fish – but unluckily his three fish kept for the scales weighed 2lbs 6.6oz less (returned fish allowance was 2lbs per fish). Allan was fishing off Shear Point with a Cortland Blue line and took 8 fish on the point with a candy cat booby and 4 on the diawl bach. In 3rd place was John Simpson of Ardrossan Eglinton. In all the sixty anglers caught 332 fish, 168 were weighed in for 447lbs (av.wt. 2lbs 10.5oz) and 164 were returned. The top eighteen qualified for a place in the Scottish Team. Tom MacTaggart thanked the Glasgow Angling Centre for their help with the competition – as well as the anglers and boatmen, Iain and Eleanor for the result service and Wendy and Wilson for the buffet. Competition organisers SANACC, specifically Tom MacTaggart and Mick Moran, deserve a big thanks for their professional approach and all their hard work. Robert Baldi was out on the Lake before the national and landed this bute.

6^th Sept 2011

6ft Water Temperature – 15C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.2m.

Scottish Ladies National Final Results:  

 Abigail Montgomery from Inverness is the new Ladies National Champion. Abigail was presented with the Ladies National Trophy by Bunty Webster. Abigail netted 8 fish, 3 more than second placed Jean Fergusson. In third place was local Elaine McCracken who had 4 fish weighing 12lbs 12oz. The ladies 22 anglers weighed in 51 fish for 139lbs and returned 6. Jane Wright had the biggest fish at 5lb? Abigail’s tactics were a midge tip and a slow retrieve with a candy booby around Sam’s Point and the rookery. The aggregate Ladies Champion (Carron and Menteith results combined) was Dionne Roberts pictured above right with SANA President David Ogg. The aggregate Ladies Champion (Carron and Menteith results combined) was Dionne . Squad for 2012: Abigail Montgomery, Marion Wallace, Gail Annal, Nikki Ross, Dione Roberts, Liz Fraser, Jane Wright, Jean Ferguson, Wendy Mitchell, Kellie McNie, Elaine McCracken, Ashely Quinn, Kathleen Shepherd. This week sees the National Final at the Lake and we have one further well spread small stocking to put in on Wednesday 7^th. As regulars at the Lake will know, the average size of the fish at the Lake is about 2 ¾ lbs with many fine larger individuals. John Buchanan’s fish above failed to revive so was taken for the pot and John Ogilvie of the  Haggis Club boated this 7lb plus fish on dabbler. During the last two weeks there has been superb action on the dry.

 22nd Aug 2011

6ft Water Temperature – 15C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.2m.

Angling Centre Stirling Menteith Boat League:  

It was a nail biting finish to the Boat League –with only one point in it after fifteen heats, with the top nine counting. On the last night 16 anglers caught 61 fish (54 of these were returned). Top rod on the night with 12 fish was Mark Steven – fishing heather fly type dries in Gateside and Malling. 2^nd was Brian MacKenzie with 10 and 3^rd James Fairlie with 6 fish.  Traffic signal engineer Brian MacKenzie from Clydebank was the winner of this year’s League with 24points, one point less than a very close 2^nd, James Fairlie of Houston, Renfrewshire. Ken Oliver was third with 33 points.

Brian Mackenzie won £150 and the trophy and chose to donate the kitty money to Motor Neurone Disease Scotland (£250 and Port of Menteith Primary School £70). (The accounts; £620 received, £300 prize money leaves £320 for charity. Lake Fisheries paid for the final night’s food and drink and provided free fishing for contestants on the last night.) The other award on the night was for the most sociable league member (i.e. the angler with most different boat partners over the course of the summer). This was apparently a “no brainer” with Jim Twaddle taking the trophy. Luckily Jim couldn’t make the final night as, in the clear light of day it was found that we did indeed have no brains and that James Fairlie was the most sociable angler with 10 different boat partners as apposed to Jim’s 7. Well done James – and hard lines Jim. For his efforts James was awarded a Vision Rod GT 44 rod from the Angling Centre Stirling which retails at £250 (but can be exchanged for something else – contact Martin). Over the course of the 2011 League heats, Martin Grantham of ACS gave out over £750 pounds worth of fly lines (15 different winners) bringing his total sponsorship of the league to over £1000. Brian’s secret to winning the league - CDC’s and hoppers.

16^th Aug 2011

6ft Water Temperature – 16C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.4m.

July Monthly Summary The 8hr two man boat average catch was 4.9 fish for 12.9lbs. Fish average weight was 2.6lbs, and % catch and release was 36%. This compares to a catch rate of 5.9 fish for 13.7 lbs in the previous month – despite a higher stocking rate per angler hour in July. The period of warm water temperature at the end of July sent the fish deep – where they were hard to find (apart from in Gateside). Last July’s catch and release was 23% - so catch and release is still increasing – probably due in a large part to the high proportion of catch and release associated with the Youth International at the end of the month (thanks to all).

Book Review I am indebted to Stan Paterson of St.Mungo AC who is currently lending me the book - Sex, Death and Fly Fishing by John Grierach (Author of Trout Bum). For those of you who haven’t read it – do! I was particularly grateful for the Authors help with the catch and release enigma/paradox - he likens catch and release to sex and birth control. Nuff said. It was also good to know that I am not the only one who hopes my felt sole footprints will be gone before my partner gets back. Roll on the felt sole ban!  

Angling Centre Stirling Boat League:  10^th August: Ken Oliver was top rod again this week – this time he was using a team of diawl bachs (what no booby or blobs) as apposed to the dries which won him last weeks heat. Ian Stuart (pictured left) was second (also with 6 fish) – he had 4 on dries (including the resident?)  and two on blobs in the cages. Brian McKenzie is out in front with one heat to go - and it is close. Douglas has calculated that if James finishes 9th, Brian 8th and Ken 1st in the last heat - it will be a dead heat for 1st, 2nd and 3rd - I suppose we would look at the best 10 results.......but I doubt it will be that close...........There will be burgers, stew and refreshments supplied by the fishery for the Wednesday night’s prize giving/Douglas's Birthday Party. The fifteen anglers caught 48 fish – and all but 6 were returned.

Other Catches: Mark and Kyle Anderson (pictured right) had a good evening on the 11^th. They weighed in 5 for 20lbs 12oz. The two big fish residents (6lb and 6lb12oz) were caught on a cormorant ands a PTN, cast into the flow of the Portend Burn – which was running high for the first time in many weeks. Mr.Donachy from Glasgow had 8 for 29lbs. Lothian and Borders v Strathclyde Police 6 boats 57 trout for 192lbs plus 22 returned. Ness and Leiper 10 fish for 27lbs, Grangemouth AC 3.5 boats 22 trout 62lbs, Edin FD 10 boats 76 trout 194lbs plus 34 rtd, Rowbank 9 boats 64 trout 166lbs. Port Glasgow 10 boats 65 trout for 178lbs plus 56 rtd, top rods on the day were A. Mckay 17 fish, D.McAllister 16 fish and Gregg Ainsworth with 14 fish. All three rods took their fish on dries from the Plantation and around Dog Island. Successful patterns were Olive F-Fly and a various dry Bibio imitations. Trossachs AC 3 boats 15 fish for 40lbs, Balbeggie AC 8 boats 69 for 179lbs and Kaht’s Whiskers 5 boats 18 fish for 54lbs, Heriots 8 boats 49 trout 85lbs(?) plus 34 rtd.

9^th Aug 2011

6ft Water Temperature – 16C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.5m.

Temperature has continued to fall from the highs of the end of July and fish are more likely to be found higher in the water column. Best areas of recent are still the west end (Malling shore, heronry, dog Isle, open water) and Gateside Bay and Rookery. Medium sink lines with boobies and diawl bachs are ever popular but with a bit of cloud cover and reasonable clarity – dries will be worth a try. I got reports of significant numbers of heather fly (thanks Willie) on the water yesterday, and saw quite a few today – and the fish were feeding on them. The recent north and westerly winds have helped to drop these terrestrials on to the water. I also have had some great reports about the qualities of the Lake fish these days. Positive feedback is very much appreciated, but the thanks are also due to the anglers who are increasingly returning a greater percentage of the catch. Plans to provide a pricing incentive next year for increased catch and release options are firming up after recent in house discussions and with the assistance of some encouraging emails from anglers – following mention of this plan a few weeks back.  

The Fish Hawks held their Inter League Comp north of the border this week. Jock Woods of the Northern League is seen (above right) accepting the winning League shield from SANA President David Ogg. The leagues have an annual match versus the Greylags (retired) and this was the first time in many years that the match has not been fished at Rutland. The comp was fished to a 3 fish limit followed by catch and release and the 19 boats netted 141 fish and returned 65. Ian May of the Greylags was top rod with 12 fish for 25lbs 12oz. Greylags won the fish off – which shows the value of experience (and being able to spend more time fishing).

Angling Centre Stirling Boat League  3rd August: Ken Oliver got his fish on Dries on a brown floating line up in cage bay. With their best nine nights counting and only two nights to go Brian MacKenzie has increased his lead over James Fairly to 4 points. The nineteen anglers caught 38 fish – and all were returned.

Scottish Club Championships The final heat of these championships took place on the 6^th August – in heavy rain. 13 teams caught 47 trout for 119lbs 5oz.  Top club was Stanley & District with 7 fish for 17lb. Second was Kelso AA "B" with 5 fish for 14lb 7oz and third were Monifieth Trout with 6 fish for 13lb 8oz. These three teams go through to the semi final on 23rd September. The top five individuals going through to the final of the Champion of Champions on Friday 14th October are; Andrew Peoples (Kelso AA), Malcolm Selvey (Monifieth Trout) , Phil Hunter (Airdrie & District), Roddy McIntyre (Lothian & Borders Police AC) and Stewart Fraser (Mayfield Inn AC). Full results at SANACC.org.uk.  The Scottish club Championships are sponsored by Grouse Whisky and Angling Centre Stirling.

18th July 2011

6ft Water Temperature – 20C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 3.1m.

Water clarity and temperature continues to build – as does the power and size of the fish. The bigger fish have a higher body weight to gill ratio and are more susceptible to suffering (lack of oxygen) during a pro-longed tussle – fore warned is forearmed! Much of the catches in recent days have been of well established fish, on small flies and dries – at the far end, in Gateside and out from Reedy Point – with 10lb nylon. The fish are now definitely lying deeper below the warm layers. The key will be finding them – which is difficult, as not much will show at these high surface temperatures.

Left; One of the most touching scenes of recent at the fishery. Scottish Youth Fly Fishing Skipper Max MacKinstrie of Kippen pays tribute to Tom Taggart at the unveiling of Tom’s Bench at the Lake. Tom was an inspiration to many of the young (and not so young) Scottish anglers who are taking part in the Youth International at the Lake this Wednesday. Seated on the bench is Tom’s dog, Hoy.

As last weeks monthly summary highlighted, the Lake is benefiting from an increased level of catch and release – and some have been wondering what my thoughts are regarding this issue for next year. At present, although we will need to see the season out, I am of the opinion that one size doesn’t fit all and that there is (rightly) a demand from those that catch and release more, to see this reflected in the prices they pay. It will need further thought, but three varyingly priced ticket options available per boat seems a reasonable option -  total catch and release, a 4 fish limit and the current 10 fish limit. Any opinions on this will be gratefully received. Needless to say it is our intention to maximize value for money to our anglers!

In the Angling Centre Stirling Boat League  Jim Twaddle was top bag with 7 fish on diawl bachs and a floating line in Gateside Bay. According to Douglas, Mr Fairlie is in a very strong position. The 13 anglers captured 46 fish and 40 fish were released. Menteith Boat League Sponsor Martin Grantham of the Angling Centre Stirling has today indicated that he will not be sponsoring the boat league in 2012. Martin has been a great supporter of the boat league and we will miss his presence at this event. A sincere thanks to the Angling Centre Stirling and especially Martin for all his help, and no doubt we will stay in touch!

 Huggy (above) from Edinburgh took this one for his smoker.

Scottish Club Championships

12 teams, 36 anglers, landed 88 fish for 226lbs. The evening fishing has been a little easier – at the start of the warm spell. Top team were SANACC (pictured left; John Kaye, Ian Earle and Scottish Clubs Secretary Kenny Miller), with 12 fish for 32lbs. 2^nd were StrathLeven with 12 fish for 30lbs 5oz and 3^rd were ABC&D with 11 for 28lbs 15oz. Of the 9 limits on the night, Ian Earle, Jim Fergusson, John Ross, Denis Splaine and Willie Cowan all qualified for the champion of champions. Ian Earle had the biggest fish of 5lbs 3oz. Ian got his fish on dries in Hotel and Gateside Bays. The Scottish club Championships are sponsored by Grouse Whisky and Angling Centre stirling.

Other Catches: Tam Ward and Jim Davie of Cumnock had 10 fish for 32lbs with 12 returned on Wed 20^th. Perth RASC 3 boats 20 trout 55lbs, Loanhead and Dist 12 boats 41 fish 106lbs, CIBA Paisley 6 boats 15 fish 38lbs. Police Interforce 15 boats 75 trout for 218 – a further 25 were returned. CSSA Rosyth 6.5 boats 12 fish 37lbs. On the 23^rd July; Largs’ 7 boats weighed in 30 fish for 68lbs and returned  another 7. 24^th; Aberdour AA 10 boats 40 trout 113 fish plus 4 rtd, Earlston AA 5 boats 18 fish for 40lb, Scotttish Pulp and Paper Mill Corpach 4 boats 9 trout for 21 lbs plus 9 fish returned. 25^th; Central Scotland Police 5 eve boats 7 fish 16lbs.

12^th July 2011 

Water Temperature – 17.5C, Clarity (Secchi disc)2.3m.

Changeable weather and the end of our wee heat wave has sent the mercury back down a little and we are still waiting for our usual period of great clarity associated with mid summer. Best areas have been open water, Gateside and latterly tight into the Malling shore. Dries and standard booby or blob or both combined with diawl bach type tactics have been working on a sink tip or intermediate line. Pinhead fry are now present in abundance. Swallows are lining up on the telephone wires. The fishery will be stocked on Wednesday and Friday this week. Stock fish size 2.5 to 3lbs. Ian Wallace of Kilbirnie caught this resident on tequila blob (or booby) on Sunday 10^th. Ian also weighed and returned a 27lb 30z pike on the same fly during the Lexus competition.

Scottish Club Championships On Saturday night 48 anglers landed 113 fish for 290lbs. Top team were Kelso AC with 15 fish, pictured on right, l to r Keith Dickson, Mick Tait and Ronnie Glass. 2^nd were Edinburgh Trout Anglers with 14 fish and 3^rd were Grizzlecats. Top bag on the night, where 11 anglers bagged up with the 5 fish limit , was Abigail Montgomery from Inverness with 5 for 13lbs 9oz, Also qualifying for the Champion of Champions Comp were Kenny Wood, Craig Osborne, Davie Paterson, Mick Tait and Derek Chapman. Abigail caught her fish “out from the cages and into the rookery using an intermediate line and a booby.

In the Menteith ACS Boat League on Wednesday, Anglers again opted to fish to total catch and release rules with tied places being decided on the time of the first fish caught. Anglers were free to fish to the bag limit for their own needs. 13 anglers caught 37 fish. Top rod on the night was James Fairlie who was fishing in Lochend with 8 fish. In second place also at Lochend was Jim Twaddle fishing two diawl bachs and a cat booby on a washing line. 12 fish were killed for the pot. 

Lexus Individual and Team Championship.  Stuart Raybould was top rod in the individual heats. 30 anglers weighed in 50 fish and returned another 20. On the following day, in the six man team challenge, 24 boats weighed in 86 fish 213lbs and returned a further 98 fish. Top team were Alba Orvis (pictured left with comp admin man Ian Earle 3^rd from left) with 35 fish, 2^nd were Wellbank with 29, 3^rd were Frozen North. 4^th and last team to qualify were Angus Lads. Gregor Fleming of Alba Orvis was top bag with 10 fish. 

5^th July 2011 

Water Temperature – 18.5C, Clarity (Secchi disc)2.1m.

With the sunny weather the water temperature has jumped 4C and the clarity has improved considerably this week. Despite the sun fish are still being seen on the surface, and sedges and damsels have been spotted hatching from the water. Most prolific areas are from Sandy Bay round to stable point. Flies that are doing well include Diawl bachs,  blobs, Buzzers, Pheasant tail nymphs, Cormorants, fabs, and boobys.

Scottish Club Championships On Saturday night 42 anglers landed 115 fish for 276lbs. Top team, 2008 champions, Change “B”(left, l to r; Willie Leach, Jim Mcbride and Jim Crawford) all caught their  limits weighing 34lb in total. 2^nd Laurancekirk and District with 11 fish for 29lb 10 oz, 3^rd were Khats Whiskers with 13 fish for 29lb . These clubs will fish in the second semi on the 23^rd of September.

Top rod of the night was Willie Leach. His 5 fish weighed 13lb 3oz and were caught at the Malling shore and in Gateside on dries. Joining him in the champion of champions are Tom Lindsay (Dunfermline Artisans), Robin Brown (Kinglassie), Stevie Bett (Khats Whiskers) and Tam Bonner (Rothes Oaks). The competition is sponsored by Famous Grouse Whisky and the Stirling Angling Centre. 

In the Menteith ACS Boat League on Wednesday, Anglers opted to fish to total catch and release rules with tied places being decided on the time of the first fish caught. Anglers were free to fish to the bag limit for their own needs. 17 anglers caught fish. Brian McKenzie was top rod with 11 to his rod. Brian caught his fish in the butts on dries, second on the night was Alec Barnes with 7 fish and third was Ken Oliver. James Fairlie is still leading the league. 

Thankfully, Port angler Mungo Ingleby sent in this fine fishy shot of a lake fly caught pike – just in case anyone was starting to think fishing was all about anglers! These higher temperatures should mean some really good fly piking. 

The Scottish National Championship has reached the lake for the last 2 semis. In semi no5, 57 anglers competed for 17 places in the final, they caught 308 fish for 673lbs. Top rod was Ray Anderson of Leslie & Glenrothes AC, with 11 fish for 22lb 14oz. Ray caught most of his fish on yellow owl shuttlecocks drifting over the deeper water between the plantation and the islands. George Brown of Sunburst AC was second with 10 fish for 21lb 14oz and Campbell Morgan of Strathleven FF was third with 10 fish for 21lb 11oz. The Cut off weight was 14.8lb.

In Semi no 6, 28 anglers competed for 8 places in the final, they caught 161 fish for 344lb Top  rod of the day was Jock Kettles (left, centre) of SANACC who had 13 fish for 26lb 11.4oz. In second place was Paul Garner of Alba Orvis FF (on right) who had 10 fish for 21lb 11.2oz. Ronnie Glass of Kelso AA was third with 9 fish for 20lb 2.6oz.

Jock and Ronnie were in the same boat and they took their fish at the road shore and at the Plantation on diawl bachs, nymphs, snatchers and boobies using slow glass and midge tip lines.

On Wednesday the Scottish retired police had there annual competition and caught 91 fish for 215lb. The winner was Jim Walker from L&B police with 5 fish for 12lb 13oz. 

In the second heat of the SANA Open Championships (4^th July) I.Collinson (below left) and S.Pozzie (below right), were the top pair. Scott Pozzie was also the best bag with 11 fish from Sandy Bay. Scott was fishing a Cat Booby and a db on a fast glass. 

The lake will be stocked on Tuesday and Friday this week.

 Due to demand, we are planning to have an additional early morning shift on Saturday 16^th July. Electrics only 4am to 9am.

28th June 2011 

Water Temperature – 15C, Clarity (Secchi disc) 2m.

The Weather is starting to improve now the schools are on holiday and the fish are getting seen and caught out in the middle of the Lake. There is no need to go deeper the a Di3 and fish are getting caught on Diawl bachs,  Buzzers, Pheasant tail nymphs, Cormorants, fabs, and boobys, fish are getting caught in most areas particularly Cages, Rookery, Silage pit, Sandy bay, the Butts and International bay.

Scottish Club Championships

On Saturday night 51 anglers landing 95 fish for 219lbs. Top team were East Kilbride (left, l to r; Stewart Mclean, Willie Winning and Creag McKeen) how all caught their  limits weighing 32lb. 2^nd were 2007 champions Inverclyde with 11 fish for 25lb, 3^rd were Port Glasgow with 10 fish for 24½ lb. Top rod of the night was Ian Cambell from Inverclyde (Below) his 5 fish weighed 12lb 3oz caught his fish behind Dog Island on dries, joining him in the champion of champions are George Martin (Port Glasgow), Alan Renshaw (Clan Chiefs), Craig McKeen and Willie Wining both from East Kilbride. The competition is sponsored by Famous Grouse Whisky and the Glasgow Angling Centre.

 Water aid

On Scottish water held their annual fundraiser on the lake the 24 boats caught 77fish for 190lbs top team was BASF Fly fishers with 17 fish, Top rod was Chris Evans from Anglian water had 9 fish. over £10,500 was raised so well done to Robin Lambert for organising the event.   

In the Menteith ACS Boat League on Wednesday, Anglers opted to fish to total catch and release rules with tied places being decided on the time of the first fish caught. Anglers were free to fish to the bag limit for their own needs. 22 anglers caught 104 fish. George Whyte caught 11 to his rod to finish top on the night. George was fishing up in Gateside bay on diawl bachs on a midge tip line, second on the night was Ian Stuart with 10 fish and third was James Fairlie who is currently leading the league. 

The rush to get to the fish at start of the 5^th semi final of the Scottish National Championships. 

There are still boats available the early morning session this Saturday 2^nd July, 4 am till 9am. 

The food van won’t be at the lake of Friday and Saturday late shifts (11pm), food will be available in the lodge over the weekend.

21^th June 2011

Water Temperature – 14C, Clarity (Secchi disc)2m.

SANA Open

There are still some places left for the SANA Open heats on Monday 4th July. Call 07719 603064

The low temperatures have slowed the usual pattern of thermal stratification at the Lake. This time last year the water temperature was 20C and clarity 3.7m. My neighbour is worried about the lack of grass growth and silage for the winter - a reminder that the days will soon be getting shorter. Farmers might be moaning about the lack of grass but the cool temperatures have kept the surface layers well oxygenated and have been ideal for the fish. Colin Riach snapped this good looking fish on dries last week.

Anglian Water Scottish Heats

On the third and last day of the Anglian Water/Airflow Heats at the Lake, Craig Cowan (right) was top bag (again) with 10 fish, and this was a significant help to Leven Flycasters qualifying in first place for the finals at Rutland Water. In 2^nd place in the day heats were Orkney Trout Fishing Association and 3^rd  were Neilston AC. In the Evening heats; Team Sunburst and Saltire Fly Fishers Qualified. The winners of the last two Anglian Water Finals, Change A, failed to qualify.

Scottish Club Championships

The lake fished well again on Saturday night with 45 anglers landing 98 fish for 231lbs. Top team were Clan chiefs (left, l to r; Robbie Mather, Barry Robertson and Marcus Smith). 2^nd were Leslie LLannilar, 3^rd were Dunfermline Artisans and 4^th Forth Area FF. Qualifying for the champion of champions were Jim Hay (fishing dries at the silage pit), D.Dunn, L.Gourlay and I. Dobbie. There were ten limit bags on the night. The competition is sponsored by Famous Grouse Whisky and the Glasgow Angling Centre.

The first of the two Menteith early morning sessions took place on Saturday 18^th. Above dawn breaks with the moon still high in the sky. Early bird Frank Gillespie was pleased with this 4lb plus resident. 

In the Menteith ACS Boat League on Wednesday, Anglers opted to fish to total catch and release rules with tied places being decided on the time of the first fish caught. Anglers were free to fish to the bag limit for their own needs. 16 anglers caught 52 fish. Young James Fairlie caught 10 to his rod to finish top on the night. James was fishing dries and hoppers around the islands?. In 2^nd place was Ian Stuart with 8 fish and 3^rd was John MacLean with 6.

It is with sadness that I announce the death of John Brice. John was Chairman of the Federation of Disabled Scottish Anglers.     

If you would like to help the WaterAid Fundraisers, their annual comp takes place at the Lake on Friday 24^th June. Organiser Robin Lambert is looking for two more  ghillies to help novice anglers on the day. If you would like to help please contact Robin on 07969 208507 or the fishery. There is a meal and best ghillie’s prize afterwards.

 14^th June 2011

Celebrate the summer solstice with an early morning shift at the Lake this Saturday 18^th June 4am 9am (electric engines only). Boats available – call 01877 385664. Our other early morning session is on the 2^nd of July.

Water Temperature – 13.5C, Clarity (Secchi disc)2m.

The arrival of Anglian water team Jon Marshal and John Mees for the Scottish heats of the Team championships coincided with some “chilly for June” type conditions at the Lake – with high winds blowing from both east then west, confusing anglers and fish alike.

Scottish Club Championships

The lake fished its socks off on Saturday night. 48 anglers had a catch of 168 fish for 360lbs. The comp was fished to a five fish limit with no catch and release, and there were 23 limit bags. All areas of the lake seemed to be holding fish and dries and buzzer tactics were the order of the evening. Winning team with 15 fish for 33lbs 14oz were Hedgehogs (pictured left), with Famous Angler Whisky. Left to right are Craig Cowan (heaviest bag and heaviest fish), Paul Sharpe and Colin smith. 2^nd were Alba Orvis with 15 for 33lbs 5oz and 3^rd were Newtyle and Meigle with 15 for 26lbs 8oz. Craig Cowan was fishing in the dog Isle area, targeting rising fish on a midge tip line with FABS and dries.

Anglian Water Heats; Best bag on the Monday day heat was Craig Cowan of Leven Fly Casters who landed 10 fish and helped his team mates (Colin Smith, Bill Barnes, David Chalmers, Keith Doig and Paul Sharp) to first place and qualification for Thursday’s Final. Also through were Change A, Tweedside T’anglers, Perth RASC and Heron Fly Fishers. In the cool and windy evening heat, Grizzlecats were top team with 15 fish, 2^nd were Team Sunburst – also with 15 fish, 3^rd were Alba Orvis with 14 fish and James Gardiner with top bag of 7 fish, 4^th Caley liners and the last team to qualify for the evening final on Thursday was Saltire Flyfishers.  Rod average day heat 3.3, evening heat 2.0. The Anglian water heats at Menteith are being fished to a 2 fish kill, then barbless catch and release for 8, then time bonus. Still six bags of fish left in the car park last night. During the day and evening 321 fish were netted and 145 were returned.

Menteith Boat League:  Brian MacKenzie was top rod with 14 fish – fishing dries at Gateside, Stable Point and the Rookery. The 22 anglers managed a rod average of 5.9.

7^th June 2011

Water Temperature - 13C, Clarity (Secchi disc)2.2m.

A quieter week at the fishery has seen small increases in temperature and clarity and some fine catches. The whole loch has produced fish at various times. Last Wednesday in the ACS Boat League the Heronry and Butts produced the fish.  Later in the week best catches were coming from Gateside Bay, Rookery, Reedy Point, Malling, The Islands and Tod Hole.  Good hatches of mayfly and buzzers this week. The A873 is scheduled to be closed between Thornhill and BlairDrummond turnoff until 10^th June (http://www.stirling.gov.uk/roadclosures)

Scottish Club Championships

SANA President David Ogg’s  3lb 8oz overwintered fish (pictured left) wasn’t big enough for the big fish prize in the Scottish Club Championships sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling – this went to John Jarvie of Thistle AC with one of 3lbs 10oz. It did boost his bag weight though, and helped  him qualify for the Champion of Champion’s. The 14 teams, 42 anglers, weighed in 128 fish for 284lbs. Top team on the night were St.Fillan and Lochearn with 15 fish for 29lbs 14 (P.Auchterlonie, R.Gilbert and George Whyte). There were quite a few limit bags and past Champion of Champion Peter Auchterlonie was unfortunate not to qualify due to the luck of the draw in landing smaller fish – he was perhaps the first to bag up at 7pm. Team mate and previous national champion Ronald Gilbert was also unlucky with his weight of fish as he was bagged up by 7.30pm. The 2^nd placed team were Balfron Piscatorials with 13 fish for 28lbs 8oz and 3^rd were Grizzlecats with 13 fish for 28lbs 4oz. The 5 heaviest bags on the night were D.Keenan (IBM), J.Fairlie (Piscatorials), A.Daisley (Sunburst), D. Ogg (Bothwell and Blantyre) and D.Lamb (Thistle). Top bag man D.Keenan was bagged up by 9.15 and was slowly fishing diawl bachs plus booby on a midge tip line in the cages.

Menteith Boat League:  In the ACS Menteith Boat League last year’s winner Simon Littlejohn was top league angler on the night with 13 fish. Best rod on the night was 16 year old Calum Hardy from Denny with 14 fish. Calum was fishing in the Butts and was a guest of an experienced Boat League member who only managed 1 fish. In 2^nd place was Jane Wright with 9 fish and 3^rd was George Whyte with 8 fish.  Simon was fishing a blob on the point plus 2 cormorants on a midge tip line - in the Heronry, Gateside and Rookery. 22 anglers landed 100 trout for 212lbs.

Club Results: Grangemouth 4 boats 28 fish 62lbs 10 rtd, Bank of Scot 5 boats 29 fish 63 lbs 24 rtd, Loanhead 5 boats 35 trout 71lbs, Denny 3.5 boats 14 fish 33lbs, Rothes Oak AC no return made, Western AC no return made, Rotary 15 boats 56 trout 133lbs, St.Mungo AC 9 boats 19 fish 43lbs, Edin/Glas Walton 6 boats 10 fish 25lbs.  Pike Anglers Alliance had a lure evening with 36 anglers and and netted 98 fish up to 10lbs and 7 doubles, with 2 at 15lbs.

31st May 2011

Water Temperature Mon 30^th - 12C, Clarity (Secchi disc)2m.

The 4^th heat of the Scottish Club Championships on Saturday 28^th was victim to a last gasp squall of what turned out to be a dying wind. As the anglers waited to get going, the boats were battered by fairly fierce winds and the organisers called off the heat. Unfortunately no sooner had the anglers (and some were far travelled) got back in their cars and started to make their way homewards – then the wind abated, the water calmed and an unusually peaceful Saturday night descended on the Lake. Angler safety is paramount, and this was the first time that many could remember the event being cancelled at such late notice and will no doubt be the subject of scrutiny at committee level.  The heat is being rescheduled to take place on the 6^th August.

It has been the windiest week in my 13 years at the fishery with fishing cancelled on 4 of the 7 days. The upside has been that after the wind the fishing has been great, with increasing clarity as the sediments resettle. There has been a good hatch of mayfly in the past few days and on Monday the Caenis were out in force.

Thursday 26^th saw Heat 11 of SANACCs National Fly Fishing Championships. The 54 anglers caught 143 fish for 287lbs and returned another 121. The keep limit was 3 fish with catch cards employed thereafter. Half the anglers progressed to the Semi finals of this event and top rod on the day was young Scott Millar of Stanley and District AC (above right) with an outstanding 15 fish for 30lbs 4oz. Scott was fishing a slow sink line with a FAB on the top dropper, 2 diawl bachs and a scotti cat on the tail. Most of his fish were taking on a drift off Shear Point into International Bay. Ian Campbell (above left) of Inverclyde was second and Keith Logan of North Berwick 3^rd.

The evening of 30^th May gave us some very welcome and pleasant fishing weather and the Lake was dappled with one of the best rises of the year so far. This time it was the turn of anglers to compete in the SANA Open and Pairs Championships. The first evening heat of this competition was won by Jim Watson of Kilmaurs (pictured left with boat partner Jim Tomlinson) with 9 fish. Jim was fishing in the rookery with a midge tip, orange blob and cormorants. Top pair was Andy Boylan and Arthur Wilkie. The 22 anglers caught 80 fish. No fish were killed for the competition but a catch card used to record returned fish. The time of the first fish caught would split competitors in the event of a tie. Competitors were free to kill up to 5 fish for their own purposes, although only 5 fish in total were taken. In the ACS boat league 19 anglers kept 33 fish and released 36. The winner on the night was Mark Steven with 7 fish, fishing dries out in the middle.

Great strides have been made by all these organisations in reducing the taking of unwanted fish during competitions. This move is helping hugely to keep our sport both affordable and sustainable.

17^th May  2011

Clarity 2.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 13C.

Bruce Millar of Bearsden (left) caught this shovel tailed resident 7lb blue at Dog Isle on an ace of spades.

In the Disabled National on 15^th May (all boats sponsored by the lake) the winner was Bill Barnes from Fife who had 12 fish – mainly on buzzers, in wavey conditions in International Bay. 2nd was Jim Crawford from Ayrshire with 7 fish and 3^rd Ossie Smith with 5. Also qualifying for the team were; Willie Brash, George Bell. Tony Lithgow, Rab Chisolm, Dave Penny (reserve) and Tam Ward (reserve).  

 

Scottish Club Championships

In the 2^nd Sat night heat of the Scottish Club Championships sponsored by Grouse whisky and the Angling Centre Stirling, 42 anglers landed 80 trout for 166lbs.  Heat winners were Ayr Travellers (pictured right, photo Tom MacTaggart) with 5 fish who was fishing with orange blobs and orange cormorants on a midge tip or slow glass in the rookery and cages. Also qualifying for the Champion of Champions were George Gall, Stevie Walsh, J.Anderson junior and Willie Edmond. 

The Mayflies are hatching in significant numbers at the Lake.

The Menteith and Angling Centre Boat League

The league kicked off on the night of Wed 11^th and it proved a difficult night with the 17 anglers landing 20 fish for 44lbs. Top rod was Ian Stuart with 3 fish taken on dries in the Butts.

In National Championship Heat on the 11^th May, 48 anglers caught 119 fish for 226lbs and returned a further 111. Cut off weight for qualifying was 8lbs 14oz. Top rod was Nigel Muckle (below centre) of Last Cast AC with 13 trout. Nigel fished from Stable Point to the Rookery – out over the deeps with a DI5 blob, two diawl bachs and a w.c.booby on the point. 2^nd was Angus Armour (below left) with FABS and buzzers on a midge tip along the rope in Gatesdide. 3^rd was Ian Glasford with a di3, booby, blob, cormorant and FAB at the cages and rookery.

Club Results: Bothwell and Blantyre 8 boats 42 fish 87lbs plus 10 rtd, RAF North League 10 boats 47 trout 94lbs. Bridge of Alan 6 boats 27 fish for 58lbs, Leslie Llanilar 39 fish 84lbs and 9 rtd. Central Police 4 boats 21 fish for 44lbs plus 24 rtd.

MONTHLY STATS – record number caught and returned. 

The mean 8 hr two man boat catch during late March and April 2011 was 7.4 fish for 14.1lbs. The mean weight of fish in Mar/April was 1lb 15oz. The number returned was 41.9%. 

This catch figure represents the fishery record in terms of monthly numbers caught (April 2010’s average 8hr boat catch was reduced to 7.1 due to corrections)The number of fish returned in April also represents a new record with the previous record being last April at 34.2%.

ROAD CLOSURE WARNING: NEXT WEEK THE B8034 Arnprior to Port of Menteith is scheduled to be closed from 23^rd to 27^th May.

10^th May  2011

Clarity 2.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 13C.

Best areas this week have been Sandy Bay, Roadshore, Gateside – i.e. just about anywhere! Flies  have ranged from buzzers to lures and dries, and lines from DI3s, midge tips to floaters.

National Championship Heat Menteith 5^th May

The 57 anglers weighed in 147 fish for 278lbs and returned a further 161. Top rod on the day was John Kaye of Stormontfield AC, with 14 fish for 27lbs 15oz. John (“ I could have had more but gave up because of the rain”), was fishing a white cat booby and olive buzzers on a midge tip, initially in Hotel Bay then in the Heronry. 2nd was Derek Barclay and 3^rd Gary McGinley. Both were fishing at Gateside with DB’s and cormorants and blobs and cormorants. Gary who lost 5 at the net did well in his first national competition. The cut off for qualification was 9lbs 3oz. Full results at www.sanacc.org.uk.

Scottish Club Championships

In the first heat of the Scottish Clubs on Saturday night, 12 teams landed 53 fish for 99lbs 14oz. Winners of the heat were last years competition winners Change A with 11 fish for 19lbs 13oz. In 2^nd place wedre Dunoon and Dist with 7 fish for 12lbs 14oz. Third were Butcher Boy with 5 fish for 10lbs 10oz. Top rod on the night was Douglas Scott of Earlston with 5 fish for 9lbs 5 oz. Douglas was fishing olive buzzers on the Malling Shore. 2^nd top bag Kevin McCabe was fishing dries at Kates Brae. Two teams were disqualified for late finishing. See www.sanacc.org.uk. For more details. 

Club Catches:

LBPAC 15 boats 118 trout for 230lbs plus 61 returned. Fife Police 4 boats 22 fish 41lbs 16 returned.

Edin Walton 10 boats 50 fish 98lbs 5rtd. Revenue and customs 5 boats 26 fish 51lbs and 6rtd. Dollar AC 4 boats 15 fish 33lbs, KAAC 4 boats 23 fish 45lbs 16 rtd. Pencaitland 10 boats 15 fish 32lbs Rusty Nail 5 boats 23 fish 48lbs 2rtd. Pike Anglers Alliance Scotland had a lure fish event (large spinners, plugs etc only) on evening of Monday 9^th. 44 anglers landed 164 pike and the biggest was 13lbs (there were 4 other doubles).  The biggest recorded pike this week was 16lbs, caught by a pike fly angler! EKAC 10 boats 50 fish 96lbs and 10 rtd. 

East Kilbride AC is celebrating 50 years old this season with a number of special events., the outing on Sunday at Menteith being the first. Considering Saturday night was spent in the Rob Roy Hotel, they all look in surprisingly good nick !!

Winner on the day was Gil Farid, with 5 for 11lb.04oz. plus 1 returned. 2nd. was Simon Cocker with 5 for 10lb.13oz. plus 1 returned. 3rd was Craig McKean with 5 for 9lb.13oz plus 1 returned. Gil won a Trophy donated and presented by Michael Low, and he also won a bottle for the heaviest fish - 3lb.2oz. Best boat on the day was Michael Low and Stuart McLean with 10 for the boat.  

Well done to EK for holding together all these years and thanks to Ronnie McKean for letting us know about the birthday.  

First session of the Angling Centre Boat League on Wednesday 11^th May. 

Still plenty boats available this Saturday - 14^th May.

Introduce a mate to the sport and get 50% of your next boat at the Lake (see coaching page on the website).

3rd May 2011

Clarity 2.9m Water Temperature at 6ft 13C.

Water temperature and clarity have remained steady. The unusual dry spell has dried up the burns and the paddle aeraitors and pumps are going full tilt in the rearing ponds to keep the fish happy. Mercifully low night time temperatures have helped keep the fish comfortable.   

Our first week of fly sales (Iain Barr Flies) at the lake have gone well  and popular purchases have been blobs, FABS, boobies, cormorants, harry potters, crunchers, buzzers, damsels and dancers. The bright sunshine and clear conditions have perhaps pushed the fish out into deeper water. Intermediate and D13 lines with cormorants/buzzers in combination with FABs and boobies have been popular. Best areas; Sandy Bay, Gateside clockwise to Lochend. 

National Championship Heat, Menteith, 26^th April Results 

The 44 anglers caught 146 fish for 346lbs. The comp was fished to a 3 fish limit and 34 fish were returned. Kevin McCabe of Change FF (above centre) was the clear winner of the heat with 20 fish for 39lbs 8oz. In second place was John Simpson of Ardrossan Eglington with 11 and 3^rd was Ian Birch of Moncrieff with 8. Kevin took all his fish on buzzers and a floating line at Kates Brae and the Road Shore, whereas John and Ian used a slow glass with cormorants in Hotel Bay and Gateside Bay respectively. Cut off weight for the 22 qualifiers was 6lbs 10.4oz. More info at the SANACC website.  

Evening fishing has commenced and the nights are stretching.  

The Boat League kicks off next week on the 11^th May. If you are interested in joining the Lake League, there are places available. See website or contact the fishery for more information. 

CATCHES.

Donnie MacBeth and Neil MacDonald from Fort William had a good day with 19 trout to the boat and this fine pike of 15lbs 3oz. CSP 7 boats 26 fish 56lbs. CIBA AC 5 boats 28 fish 53 lbs and 2 rtd. Newmarket 4 boats 17 fish 30lbs. Middleton 8 boats 65 trout 108lbs plus 32 returned, Dunfermline Artisans 6 boats 34 fish 69lbs plus 14 returned. 

Plenty boats available on Saturday 14^th May. Introduce a mate to the sport and get 50% of your next boat at the Lake (see coaching page on the website).

26th April 2011

Water temperature has increased and clarity has also improved as the water column becomes stratified and nutrient input is no longer replenished from other areas of the water column by mixing. The result is less algal growth and increased clarity. Over the last 2 years clarity has shown a significant improvement at the Lake. The fishery report records show this week’s reading to be the best for this time of year, since the web records begin in 2003.  

We have had some great warm and overcast fishing conditions in the past week. Today is the first of our national championship heats. At the start of the competition there was a hesitancy in the fleet before they veered left towards Lochend. There have been a number of reports of good catches on washing line tactics, from the northern and western drifts – as well as in the South East basin. A lot of rising (not sure which species) has been obvious out in the middle of the eastern basin and over the Inchmahome deeps.

Frank Gourlay (Bridge of Weir) caught these two on the same drift on Sunday 24^th – both on a size 10 olive buzzer. The pike seem to have just finished spawning at the Lake – considerably later than at Loch Lomond (3-4wks later?). This is presumably a result of the Lake getting colder than the deeper lochs during the winter. Frank and boat Partner

 Alistair Keir finished with around 22 fish, all on small boobies and buzzers with midge tip lines. Looks like Frank has a thought bubble  – or it may be a canoe.

Evening fishing commenced this week. This year we are also doing a late day shift on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fancy a shot at fly fishing for pike – now is the time. If you need to hire tackle please give us some advanced notice as our fly pike tackle is limited in number. 

CATCHES. Thack AC 6 boats 44 fish 90lbs plus 23 returned, Falkirk Fly 6 boats 54 fish 98lbs and 12 returned. Falkirk Municipal 7 boats 31 fish for 64lbs plus 11 returned. Monifieth 6 boats 45 trout 89lbs and 15 returned. National Youth Team 8 boats 5 fish for 11lbs plus 98 returned.  Stanley 7 boats 30 trout 55lbs plus 9 returned. On the fly pike front anglers are having good sport, one individual had 50 plus on the fly during a day session last week. 

Strange Snaps

Pulled Mussel at Loch Leven.

Huggy sent me this photo of a mussel he caught on a recent trip to Loch Leven. The “Swan” mussel – as identified on the web (Huggy had another name for it) took a nomad lure.  

 

 

Another photo from my Orkney trip. We happened upon these strange  hollows one day. They are called “noosts” and are hollows dug into the ground to stop your boat being blown away during the winter.

We live a sheltered life at the Lake. 

 Plenty boats available on Saturday 14^th May due to a cancellation.

Flies can now be purchased at the Lake.

Report 12^th April  2011

Clarity 2m Water Temperature at 6ft 11.5C.

Water temperature is on the rise again with an increase of 2.5C to 11.5C. Some calm and overcast weather has allowed some buzzer and nymph fishing. One boat had a good day yesterday (27 fish) using a small booby to suspend buzzers on a midge tip line. The calm weather meant it was easy to spot the fish and I noticed big rises in the middle (out from the road shore), around the islands and over the deeps at Gateside. Catching has been reported out from the road shore, Rookery, Malling and off Reedy Point. The ospreys were busy yesterday with the birds giving anglers some good close up displays of their fish catching skills.  

TASTER DAYS. Remember you get 50% off  a boat hire if you introduce a mate to these courses (see website coaching). We can also schedule a day to suit – on request.

 

CLUB CATCHES. Some recent club catches: Fire Service 13 boats 37 trout 70lbs, Bank of Scotland 6 boats 29 fish for 56lbs, Balbeggie ? Boats 35 trout 63lbs, Rainbow Warriors 6 boats 50 fish 116lbs plus 13 returned. IBM 9 boats 46 fish……CIBA 5 boats 32 fish 57lbs.

 

 Left; Another photo from Colin Riach. Don’t know how he does it. This man has a fishing photo coffee table book – just waiting to come out.  

 Plenty tickets still available for the charity comp on this prime Saturday fishing day in May.

FOR DETAILS OF THIS YEAR'S MAY CHARITY EVENT FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/competition-fly-fishing/148207-chas-chantelle-day-comp-lake-menteith-14th-may-2011-a.html

Report 12^th April  2011

Clarity 1.8m Water Temperature at 6ft 9C.

The water temperature is up a couple of degrees, and clarity a little down on last week.

Kevin McCabe with the best recorded fish so far this year. The 12lb 3oz fish went to the backing three times before being unhooked, weighed and returned to fight another day. The fish took a size 12 buzzer. Well done also to Kevin’s son who got his first unaided fish. Cracking photo btw. 

Some good catches again this week – when the weather was conducive. The best areas have been the eastern basin from Reedy Point round to the Road shore, Lochend and the Butts. I was up in Orkney for much of the last week but I am told that “the usual tactics” are working. So I suppose that this probably rules out the dry fly, and rules in blobs, fabs, boobies, cormorants, diawl bachs, buzzers, goldhead damsels and whitecats on a variety of lines.  Reports from today were, “very close to the edge” from one angler, and “deeper today” from another. 

Some catches: Central Scotland Police 7 boats 21 fish for 40lbs and 8 returned. Heron FF 3 boats 11 fish 19lbs and 21 returned. Strathclyde Police 53 for 90lbs and 8 rtd, Milngavie 3 boats 8 fish 19lbs. ECSAC and PFF 6 boats 39 fish for 71lbs rtd 6. Townhill 9 boats 56 fish 89lbs. Tillicoultry 5 boats 27 fish 49lbs 3rtd. Kingfishers 20 Perth 5 boats 27 fish 48lbs. some Sunday results awaited.

Report 5th April 2011

Clarity 2.3m Water Temperature at 6ft 7C.

After the good weather for the opening weekend the wind and the rain started, despite this the fish are still getting caught on or near the surface The fish are getting caught near the shallow markers out from the boat shed, Shear point, Katie’s brae, Lochend up into the shooting butts using midge tip or a fast glass line. Flies that are doing well include, Diawl bachs, Nymphs, Montana’s, and the ubiquitous Blobs and Booby’s.

Notable Catches
Butcher Boys A.C. had 9 boats and caught 40 for 79lbs; the Scottish youth team caught 49 fish and returned them. Bothwell and Blantyre (10 boats) caught 68fish for 125lbs and returned another 20, Grizzelcats (7 boats) caught 28 fish for 56lb and returned another 100, Heriots A.C. (7 boats) caught 28 fish for 556lb and returned another 20, Mr Kelly/Mr Finlayson from Livingston caught 4 for 8lb and returned 17, K Laird from Lochgilpead caught 23 fish and returned them all.  Mr Dickinson from Paisley caught and returned 31 fish.

Elaine McCracken getting one in the boat before boat partner John “boo” Buchanan gets set up.

 

Beware road closures between Rob Roy Hotel and Gartmore due to resurfacing (www.stirling.gov.uk/roadclosures)

 

Weekly Report 16th November 2010

The boards are out of the boats and the oars drying out for another year. These were the contrasting views north and west from the Menteith hills on Sunday.  The last days pike angling was a successful one with 208 pike netted, including 45 fish between 10 and 20lbs and three greater than 20lbs (largest 22lb12oz).
2010 Catch Statistics
The average weight for October was 2lbs 8oz and the average catch per 2 man boat 8 hr day was 5.2 fish for 12.9lbs and 29% of these fish were recorded as returned. For the year as a whole the average 8hr boat 2man catch was 5.4 fish for 11lbs with 27% of fish recorded returned, in all very similar to last year. The fish for next year are all on site and are already ahead of their weight at this time last year – so assuming we don’t break new records for temperature this winter, we will see an increase in mean weight next year which will help to reduce the effects of predation and break casts.

2011 Permit Prices
You will see that our prices have gone up by between 3.3% and 4.8%. The background to this has been sharply rising fish costs (last year up by around 8% - we buy in around half of our fish requirements) and fish feed costs (up 12%). Fish cost is currently lagging behind fish food cost and the increases are due to the growing world demand for fish, chasing fewer fish in the oceans. Other major variable costs also increased, e.g. petrol went up by 12%, and inflation has been running at around 3%. Next year the VAT element of our permit will rise from 17.5% to 20% - as our major cost variables are VAT exempt (fish and fish feed) we will not recoup much of this when we reclaim VAT on our purchases.

After much thought - right up to the last minute (in fact a few clubs received notification in error of a decrease in limit and they will be contacted), we have decided to leave the catch limit at 10 fish per boat. We hope that anglers and angling organisations will continue to voluntarily return a good proportion of their fish below the catch limit, as this will increase the overall catches (and fun) at the fishery and also means that anglers will only be taking home fish that they want. Over the years the number of fish caught has increased by around 35% (see below). This is due to more fish being caught and released (up 20%) and more fish being stocked (up 13%). Increased catch and release has not meant savings on stocking – but increased catches!

YEAR	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
FISH STOCKED PER BOAT HOUR		0.67	0.67	0.63	0.66	0.77	0.73
TOTAL CATCH PER 8HR BOAT	3.9	4.4	4.6	4.6	5.1	5.4	5.4
MEAN WEIGHT OF FISH	2.21	2.15	2.25	2.42	2.36	2.2	2.03
% OF CATCH RETURNED	8.2	11.9	10.4	17.1	23	26	27

 

Weekly Report 8th November 2010                

KIRK and SCHOOL Day at the Lake.

The Lake Fishery Company donates the permit takings from the first Sunday after the end of the official season to local causes. For many years this has meant that our neighbours the Port Kirk and the Port Primary School have been the recipients – although going back to before my time the village hall also benefited.  The Kirk and School day faded in the nineties but since its revival it has gone from strength to strength and yesterday’s effort was no exception – a great party was had to end the trout season and there were/was some fantastic; weather, stew, curry, soups, kebabs (lamb, pigeon, venison, vegetable), chops, sausages, burgers, cakes, puddings, toffee apples, tablet, songs, tunes, fish catches, refreshments, raffle prizes (thanks to all the local businesses, parents and anglers), wild and melodious kids, Stewart Piping, generous anglers, mistress of ceremonies, auction antics, helpful and generous parents, barmy boatmen, masterminds and gifts.

The amount raised at yesterdays Funday was £2300 which will be greatly appreciated by the School’s Fundraising account and the Church Roof Repairs committee.

James Litster from Kilmaurs landed the biggest troot at 8lbs, and 54 trout were recorded netted.

More next week. QG

 

 

Weekly Report 2nd November 2010

The official trout season at the Lake is now over and recommences on the 26th March 2011. There is one more chance to fish for trout in 2010 and that is at our annual charity day on Sunday 7th November when all proceeds go to the local school and Kirk. Fishing is from 12 noon till back of 4 and is followed by a BBQ with refreshments, a raffle and a song from the kids. Ticket for two which includes fishing and BBQ is £40 and there are 5 boats still to be sold (phone 01877 385664).

Catches over the last week of the season were on occasions excellent – although there were always those that didn't find the fish and found it tough. Overall it looks like a good head of fish left to overwinter.

On the last day Robin smith had 7 fish in the Butts on dries whilst John Buchanan of Gargunnock had 10 at the far side of Gateside fishing a Cortland Blue line and single booby on 8ft of nylon. John's 5 returned fish included these 2 crackers above. John gave me one of his cat boobys at the end of the day for the report. It looked like a size 10 hook but with a wide gape.

Other points of interest were the micro-barb and the red head on the booby which makes a distinctive contrast between the booby's eyes. John returned both of these fish before he reached his 5 fish limit – much appreciated.

Some other nice fish caught and photographed were: left Alec Stewart from Curry and another by Jim Law of Motherwell.

Weekly Report 26th October 2010

Food Van Present Every Morning and will be present for the morning of the Kirk and School day, where the money for all teas and coffees will go to the above causes. Plenty of boats left for the rest of the official season which finishes this Sunday. The price for the last Sunday boats has been reduced to £40 due to the clocks going back.

(Left) Bob Ralston of Aberfoyle

Resident Fish

Fishing has been good over the last week – weather permitting and there have been plenty of big resident fish caught since the buoys were removed from Gateside Bay – allowing anglers into fish where the fish pens are normally stationed. These big fish do feed on stray pellets or the occasional directed scoop, during the summer, but are reliant on natural sources of food from mid October to mid May (seven months) when the fish pens are empty.

 

 

 

 

 

(Above ) Keith Anderson from Edinburgh got two nice ones (Photos R.MacIntyre).

Davie Paterson (Left) of Stenhousemuir had his best day of the year with 15 fish in total - including another of 7lb plus returned.

 

 

 

Big fish target man Davie Stewart (Right) from the Port got another.

Gordon MacGregor of Edinburgh (Above) was pleased with his day.

(Left) Stan Paterson of the same club, cuts his autumnal game pie as Bailiff Douglas Fraser loosens off some buttons.

(Right) Neil Robertson of St.Mungo AC with another

 

 

 

 

Not to be outdone a hurried photograph of my biggest salmon to date? I put it in the book at 17lbs but I have estimated the length to be 87cm and the girth at 50cm (my size 12 boot is 13cm wide) – which puts it at around 20lbs on the Gowan’s calculator. Nice third last cast of the season

Weekly Report 19th October 2010

Clarity 1.9m, Water Temperature at 6ft 10C. FoodVan Present Every Morning

500 rainbows going in today and this will be the last stocking of the 2010 season.We will then be sorting the pens out and pushing them into the shore inreadiness for removing the exclusion zone marker buoys tomorrow afternoon.

Due to the nights fairly drawing in, the last two Sundays are being discounted to adjust for the shorter fishing times and the prices will be £48 for the 24th and £40 for the 31st. There are plenty spare boats available for these two Sundays and also for Saturday 30th October.

Michael Low – 2010

Daily Record Champion of Champions

Heating engineer, Michael Low from EastKilbride (centre) is this years Daily Record Champion of Champions. 24 year old Michael netted 12 fish for 25lbs 7oz and wasfishing mainly in Hotel Bay with a floating line, cat booby on the point followed up by a quill buzzer and a pearly cormorant with a very slow retrieve.The Champ, who is also the Commonwealth Individuals Gold winner this year,hooked no rising fish, had no practice days, and was enticed into Hotel Bay because of the lack of boats. Runner up was last years winner Kevin McCabe (left) with 11 fish for 23lbs 10oz and third was Jim Crawford who had 11 fish for 23lbs 4oz. Our thanks to the Daily Record for Sponsoring the fishing and the meal, FAMOUS GROUSE for providing whisky prizes throughout the heats and to SNOWBEE for providing the prizes of rods, reels and lines. In all the 60 anglers weighed in 146 fish for 341lbs and returned 99 fish. More in the DAILY RECORD THIS FRIDAY, and at www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk.

12th October 2010

Clarity 2.8m, Water Temperature at 6ft 11.5C. Food Van Present Every Morning/Evening.

Stocking Days: Tuesday

The strong east winds have eventually died down, allowing the anglers some calm to explore the whole loch – and the fishing has been good. Catches have been reported from the west side of Gateside Bay, Hotel Bay/Shear Point and the  Heronry and Malling. Dave (Van) Stewart (pictured left) from Port of Menteith had a good afternoon today and caught this 5½ pounder in Gateside with a green pea in need of a hair cut. Lures have been on the surface and also deeper, and buzzer tactics have also been successful. Teams of cormorants have worked well – including the "rangers" one. Catches are predominantly blues in the 2-3lb range – so it may be time to replace that cast. Below a blue trout finely photographed by Colin Riach of Heriots AC.

September Stats

2 man boat 8hr average catch was 5 fish including released fish. Released fish accounted for 30% of the catches this month. This latter figure was helped by the

large number of released fish in the Police International Days and also with the number of fish released in the Scottish club Championship. The average weight in Sept was 2.28lbs.

Club Results

Scotsman 3 boats 14 fish 30lbs, Dollar 4 boats 19 fish 49lbs, CSP 5 boats 24 fish 62lbs, Strathclyde Police 9 boats 74 fish 177lbs and 34 released, Pentland 5 boats 31 fish 70lbs plus 5 rtd, CIBA AC 4 boats 16 fish 39lbs. SSEB 10 boats 45 fish 93lbs. Falkirk FD 6 boats 40 fish 88lbs, Heriots AC 7 boats 8 fish 16lbs plus 14 rtd. Locher 4 boats 15 fish 40lbs plus 6 rtd, Broxburn AC 4 boats 13 fish 31lbs, Falkirk and Municipal 7 boats 23 fish 54lbs plus 10 returned.

The nets and bouys will be removed from Gateside Bay during the afternoon of Wednesday 20th October.

5th October 2010

Clarity2.8m, Water Temperature at 6ft 12C. Food Van Present Every Morning/Evening. Stocking Days: Tuesday and Wednesday.

Back to Back For Change

Change AC "A" Team are the new Scottish Club Champions. These three (L to R; Jock Kettles, Andy Dunn and Kevin McCabe) are the first to retain the Silver Salver in consecutive years since Beith St. Inans in 91 and 92.  The Championship which is sponsored by the Daily Record, Famous Grouse and the Angling Centre Stirling is the largest angling contest in the land with more than 200 clubs competing for the £1700 worth of cash prizes (the majority of which is donated back to Yorkhill Sick Kids Special Equipment Fund), whisky and angling equipment provided by the ACS. Change A picked up £500 and three Airlite trout competition rods. In Second place were St.Fillans and Loch Earn (George Whyte, Peter Auchterlonie and Ronald Gilbert) who collected £300 and Airflow Competition Casette reels. Third were last years winners Change ‘B'. The winning method for Kevin (10 fish) was buzzers and a gold booby on the point with midge tip at the Road Shore and Kate's Brae. Andy (9 fish) was in Reedy Bay with a booby later changed to a dry and two buzzers and Jock was at Gateside with a stinger and two buzzers. The 54 anglers weighed in 142 fish for 322lbs and returned a further 144 fish.

Club Results

Gartmore AC 5 boats 15 fish 36lbs, Kelvinside 5 boats 15 fish 38lbs + 7 rtd, Laurencekirk 3 boats 13 fish 29lbs, East Kilbride 10 boats 45 fish 107lbs plus 2 rtd.

Some bigger over summered fish in the catches – see photos at

www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk/menteith-fisheries.co.uk/weeklyreports/weeklyreports2010/report051010.html

Kirk and School Charity Fundraiser

last trout day of the season and BBQ Sunday 7th November.

The nets and buoys will be removed from Gateside Bay during the afternoon of Wednesday 20th October.

26th September 2010

Clarity 2.9m, Water Temperature at 6ft 13C. Food Van Present Every Morning.

Stocking Days: Mon 27th/ Wed 29th September.

An improvement in clarity again and the slide into winter continues with the thermometer. Most areas of the Lake are now holding fish – although with many anglers practising for the Scottish Club Championship Finals on Friday 1st October – information is more scarce than usual. Certainly the Lochend, Road Shore , Hotel Bay, Reedy Point, Heronry/Malling and Gateside all have concentrations of fish. Many anglers are reporting fry feeding activity – and it is that time of year when the fry are big enough to escape and leap out of the water and put on a bit of a show. Boobies, blobs, nymphs and dries have all been working……

In the second of the Scottish Club Championship semis; 30 boats landed 135 trout for 313lbs and returned another 100 fish. Top angler was George Whyte with 12 fish. Qualifying for the Club championship final were St.Fillans, Alba Orvis, Change A, Grizzlecats (A or B?), Newtonmearns, Clan Chiefs, Balbeggie, Canmore Forfar and Largs and District. The cut off weight was 25lbs 6oz.

Ian Campbell (left) from Paisley caught this bow at 25yrds on a dry in Gateside.

Results

Heriots 5.5 boats 11 fish 25lbs plus 9 returned, Ed.Walton 10 boats 24 fish 62lbs plus 1 rtd, Strathclyde Police 76 fish 164lbs plus 23 rtd, ECG? AC 3 boats 24 fish 49lbs, Edin Trout Anglers 36 fish 88lbs, Breadalbane 19 fish 40lbs, Pentland FF 4 boats 16 fish 36lbs, Dundee AC 5 boats 18 fish 41lbs, Townhill AC 9 boats 33 fish 72lbs, BOS Glasgow 7 boats 14 fish 31lbs.

Kirk and School Charity Fundraiser

last trout day of the season Sunday 7th November. Boat for two with BBQ/soup and refreshment £40. All funds to the above. Does anybody have a days fishing that could be auctioned – or other prizes – please let me know.

The nets and bouys

will be removed from Gateside Bay during the afternoon of Wednesday 20th October.

Rab Mitchell's

funeral takes place in Menstrie Parish Church at 11am and thereafter at Logie Cemetry on Monday 4th October.

21st September 2010

Clarity 2.5m, Water Temperature at 6ft 14.5C. Food Van Present Every Morning.

Stocking Days: Mon 20th/Wed 22nd

Scots win again! Well done to the Scottish International Fly Fishing Team who made it Scotland's 3rd victory in a row at the recent Home Internationals in Wales.

This Guillemot was photographed by C.Riach at the Lake. It is not unusual to find these "sea" birds at the Lake – especially at this time of year.

The first semi of the Scottish club Championships was held at the Lake last week. The 30 boats landed 155 trout for 333lbs – a further 104 fish were returned. Top bag on the day was Mike Willis of Bridge of Allan AC with 15 fish on a slime line with a blob and two boobies in Hotel Bay. Qualifying for the Club championship final were Loanhead and Dist, Grizzlecats, Bridge of Allan, Rothes Oak, Change B, Roscobie, Kinglassie, Dunfermline Artisan and CSSA Rosyth. The cut off weight was 27lbs 5oz.

Tactics

Calmer conditions in the past week and a rise in clarity. The top drifts have been the on the north and eastern shores with outstanding individual catches taken from Hotel Bay, International Bay and Gateside. Successful methods have varied from the above to dries/hoppers and buzzers.

Results

St.Fillans AC 3 boats 15 fish 45lbs 15 rtd, VOLDAC 6 boats 30 fish 65lbs, Br. Of Allan 3 boats 21 fish, Glenrothes 34 trout 78lbs, Lochinch 5.5 boats 27 fish 54lbs, L&B and Northumbria Police 10 boats 57 fish 134lbs plus 14 rtd, HASSRA 13 trout 27lbs, Grizzlecats 7 boats 34 trout 68lbs 56 rtd, Stanley AC 4 boats 30 fish 70lbs.

Rab Mitchell

We were saddened to hear today of the passing away of Scottish Disabled International Angler and friend Rab Mitchell, from Menstrie, whilst he was on holiday in Spain. Rab's visits and his engaging personality will be greatly missed.

Tel / Fax 01877 385664

Weekly Reports 14th September 2010

Clarity 1.8m, Water Temperature at 6ft 14C. Food Van Present Every Morning.

Stocking Days: Tues 14th /Wed 15th

Ayrshire Policeman Alan Hill celebrates achieving the best bag trophy and dons his winner's medal at the Police Inter-national presentation dinner. The Scottish Police set a new record with their fifth consecutive win at this event.

Scotland netted 81 fish, 25 ahead of their nearest rivals England. In all the 64 anglers netted 237 fish of average weight 2lbs 1.5oz, of which 95 were returned.  Alan spent most of his time in Gateside Bay, trying to keep away from other boats and ended up fishing a team of black hoppers. 2nd top bag was Steve Bett from Fife – also with 12 fish. Proceeds from the sale of the police catch went to charity.

Tactics

A week of north-westerly winds looks set to further decrease water temperature. Shelter from this wind direction is most behind dog Isle, Gateside, Rookery, Hotel Bay and the Butts. The squalls can give quite hairy conditions with the Road Shore and Lochend being the most exposed. Alan Hill has set a trend for black dries or black crunchers – also doing well has been the usual lures such as white cat and booby.

Results

Schools 9 boats 47 fish 97lbs, Fire Service 11 boats 35 fish 78lbs, Wiremill 10 boats 33 fish 67lbs, N.Berwick 5 boats 26 fish 56lbs, Basfords 4 boats 13 fish 29lbs, Stewarton 7 boats 46 fish 99lbs, Pentland FF 28 fish 67lbs, Central Scotland Police 5 boats 33 fish 70lbs, Lothian and Borders 16 boats 111 fish 228lbs plus 30 rtd (Champ 2010 J.McBride), Northern Police 4 boats 22 fish 48lbs - Champ 2010 - D.Mateer – see photo right).

Amendment

It was wrongly stated in a previous report than Max McInstrie had won both youth national heats – he was in fact the aggregate winner. The heats were won by Stuart Crockett and James Fairlie.

Weekly Reports 6th September 2010

Clarity 1.8 Water Temperature at 6ft 16.0C

Food Van Now Present Every Morning. Shore Road scheduled to be closed this week.

Ladies National

Net Maker Marion Wallace from Kilburnie in Ayrshire is the new Scottish Ladies National Champion. Marion (pictured in centre receiving the trophy from Bunty Webster on left) was fishing Lochend and the Road Shore with a white cat booby, holographic cormorant and diawl bach on a snowbee buzzer line. Second was Dione Roberts and 3rd Abigail Montgomery. Nikki Ross (above right) caught the heaviest fish (4lbs 2.5oz). The 23 competitiors caught 51 fish for 111lbs (including 3 released fish).

Tactics

The fishery will be stocked Tuesday and Friday this week. As usual the fish will be distributed around the loch and we will not be stocking the Gateside Bay area. The best catches have been of recent on the eastern shore and at Lochend. There is more colour in the water (think we must have had autumnal destratification with last weeks frosts), and white lures have proven successful.

Results

Rotary Annual Competition 29 anglers 59 fish for 160lbs, Fife Police 4 boats 14 fish 35lbs, Pitlochry AC 3 boats 15 fish 34lbs, Bank of Scotland 48 fish for 110lbs, Barclays 42 fish 92lbs, Dollar AC 5 boats 15 fish 34lbs, CSP 5 boats 25 fish 65lbs 3rtd, Longannet 3 boats 7 fish for 17lbs, Good Companions 8 boats 44 fish 92lbs plus 4 rtd.

August Catch Stats

2505 fish recorded caught for 5228lbs and 777 recorded returned – a 2 man day boat average catch of 4.1 fish killed or released. The fish average weight was 2.1lbs. Last year the catch average for a 2 man boat was 5.9 fish. Stocking rates per boat hire were similar in the last two years. I'm sure there are many factors at play but it would be good to rule out catch recording as a factor. I've worded this carefully as the customer is never wrong! I counted 60 boats for the month which were fishing with clubs that submitted no return. The National Finals were also moved forward into August and the catch returns were low due to practising (e.g. 30 boats out on the 27th and only 18 fish were weighed in with 3 recorded released). Many thanks for recording all catches and releases!

Weekly Report 31st August 2010

Clarity 2.1m Water Temperature at 6ft 16.0C

Food Van Now Present Every Morning. Shore Road scheduled to be closed next week.

118th Scottish National Fly Fishing Championship Final

Peter Auchterlonie (pictured below) of St.Fillans & Loch Earn AC cemented his position as one of Scotland's elite trout anglers by becoming the 118th Scottish National Fly Fishing Champion. Peter netted 11 fish (his boat partner blanked), and was fishing in Gateside Bay, figure of eighting a slow glass line with a cat and booby. On the way in Peter picked up a further two in front of the Hotel. In second place was Ian Storrar of Balbeggie AC with 10 fish and third was Ronald Gilbert (also of St.Fillans & Loch Earn).  Ian fished a midge tip with nymphs and a booby in Gateside Bay.The top eighteen who qualified to fish for the Scottish team are: P.Auchterlonie, I.Storrar, R.Gilbert, D.McAllister, K.Porteous, N.Burns, G.Martin, J.Craig, K.McCabe, W.Simpson, F.Robertson, N.Barrett, A. Thomas, E. Clark, G.Connolly, G.Hayward, A.Smith and  S.Graham. Full results www.sanacc.org.uk.

Tactics

Following the first heavy rain in months the Lake's clarity has dropped to 2.1m. In the recent bright weather a variety of tactics have produced good results as already detailed, however dry flies have also been successful and there are good catches being reported also from Lochend and the road shore– as well as Gateside. I have been asked why Gateside has been the top drift for such a long period this year – not just as usual for a month during the peak heat of summer. The answer is, I'm not sure, but the peak hot spell came early this year and the cooler deeper waters are always an attraction and drew the fish in earlier. A congregation of fish appears to attract more fish and thus the numbers were sustained even after the Lake cooled. Perhaps the exceptional clarity this year allowed the fish to pick up signals from further afield? We only very minimally stock Gateside Bay and will be increasing the no stock zone around the fish pens.

Results

Kenny Hunter of Gargunnock landed this fine 7lb Gateside resident on a dry fly on Monday 30th. Snipef 25 boats 66 fish 118lbs, Scottish Fly Fishing Championships 30 boats 245 fish of which 90 were returned. Due to high winds (which subsided in the afternoon) only a few boats ventured out on Sunday.

Weekly Report 24th August 2010

Simon Littlejohn, pictured centre, a 38 year old podiatrist from  Cumnock is the new Menteith Boat League. Simon won £150 and nominated the registration kitty money (£500) to go to CHAS. Over the 15 evenings the 41 participants landed 1096 fish. Simon's tactics were similar on most evenings - which commenced with a sink tip line with three cormorants. If this wasn't working or there was a rise then Simon changed to dries (CDC) with a buzzer on the dropper to keep the line down. Simon received a late challenge from Alan Brock of Creiff (left) who finished in 2nd place, 3 points behind Simon on 29 points from his 9 best outings. Alan usually arrived late for the comp. Do they not have flexitime in Creiff? In third place was Ken Oliver. In addition to the total of £300 prize money for first, second and third places, £900 of heat prizes were dispensed by the Stirling Angling Centre. The winner of the Alan Ronald memorial trophy for the largest fish was Paul Clarke of Glasgow. The total value of all the prizes and charitable donations exceeded £1700.The lake donated the food, drink and consolation prizes for the final evening.Full results www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk

Tactics

When the conditions calmed down fishing has been good with catches being reported from the Road Shore, Malling and Gateside Bay on Tuesday 24th. Successful tactics have been mainly small stuff – dries, diawl bachs and cormorants etc on a sink tip.

Results

L&B Police no return, Scotsman AC 3 boats 16 fish 34lbs, Interclub 13 boats 105 fish for 200lbs (winners Caley Liners Ralph Irvine and Billy Moir), Boat League 10 boats 38 fish, ESAC 3 boats 17 fish 35lbs, Bothwell and Blantyre 10 boats 24 fish 40lbs, SANACC 7 boats 140 fish (130rtd), Thack AC 6 boats 32 fish 73lbs, Rainbow AC 6 boats 14 fish 31lbs, Gartmore 7 boats 15 fish 30lbs, Cove and Kilcreggan - no return, Western v West of Scotland – 11 boats 22 fish 43lbs, Leslie LLanilar 5 boats 39 fish 84lbs, Lame Ducks 5 boats 13 fish 38lbs plus 15rtd.

Well done Max McKinstrie – winner of both youth heats and outright champion for 2010.

Food Van times at the Fishery next week; Every Morning (except Sunday). Evening fishing has now stopped for the year so the van will no longer be present for 5-6.30pm. In an effort

to make the provision of food viable at the fishery we have taken the decision to withdraw free coffee when the van is manned – otherwise tea and coffee will be freely available as normal.

Are you an absent minded angler?

We are getting short of lifejackets at the lake – if anyone has taken home a red lifejacket by mistake we will be very grateful for its return. Also a number of clubs and competitions secretaries seem to be forgetting to fill in their catch returns.

Next Week – Results of SANACC National Fly Fishing Championship

Weekly Report 17th August 2010

Clarity 3.1m Water Temperature at 6ft 18C

Food Van times at the Fishery next week; Every Morning (except Saturday and Sunday), for the evenings – only Wednesday. Another settled week and catches were good on Monday 16th with limit bags coming from the Malling shore area, Gateside, Rookery, International Bay and Kate's Brae.Most of the good bags I spoke to yesterday were on dries but buzzers, hoppers, bibios, snatchers, Cormorants, Diawl bachs and blobs and boobies will no doubt have their moments. Hopefully the heather fly will appear shortly – I was up the hill on Sunday and I have never seen so many flying ants in my life but no heather fly.

14th heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling) Alan Brock won it for the second week in a row and now lies in a close second position overall, behind leader Simon Littlejohn.The 25 anglers landed 56 fish for 118lbs. The final heat will be fished tomorrow night and it is anyone's guess as to who will pick up the league trophy, prize money and nominate a charity of their choice to receive £500. Bill Ramage and Dougie Carr won this weeks fly lines. We will be serving a beef stew and drinks while the results are being calculated tomorrow night.

Clubs

Pentland FF 4 boats 18 fish 34lbs 8oz, St. Mungo 9 boats 30 fish 59lbs 5rtd, Rowbank AC 7 boats 31 fish 2rtd, St.Fillans AC 2 boats 10 fish 23lbs 21rtd, Falkirk FD 5 boats 28 fish 47lbs, Heron FF 3 boats 13 fish 28lbs 5rtd, Basfords 3 boats 21 fish 50lbs, Balbeggie 8 boats 24 fish 56lbs, Heriot AC 8 boats 15 fish 34lbs 7rtd. There was only one boat out for the last of the fly pike evenings and M.Black and Partner caught 14 fish (biggest 8lbs).

Weekly Reports 3rd August 2010

Clarity 2.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 17C

Food Van times at the Fishery next week; Every Morning (except Sunday), and in the evenings - Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

A dull/overcast week apparently (I was in France),  with most of the fishing concentrated again in Gateside and the North Western drifts with snatchers, crunchers and boobies quoted in despatches. The heather fly (bibio) may shortly be upon us (time flies), especially if we get a bit of a northerly wind to carry them from the hill. For those who prefer a bit of space while fishing, anglers have also reported good catches from Hotel Bay and the Road Shore. There have been a couple of big on grown fish taken in the last week – including this 9lb plus fish caught by Andy Rough of Central Scotland Police.

In the Final of the SANA Open (Individual and Pairs) – Jock Kettles (below right) became the new SANA Open Champion and Ross Callaghan (below left) and John Ross (2nd from left) won the Open Pairs trophy – all also picked  up a check for £100. The 42 competitors were fishing an interesting new rule where all fish caught counted, but anglers had the option to decide if they wanted to keep fish for the table or return them. In all the 42 anglers captured 96 fish. In the event of a tie, the time of the capture of the first fish would have been deciding. Open organiser Fraser Renwick is pictured second from right.

In the 13th heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky  28.5 boats landed 91 trout for 187lbs 5oz. Winning teams were: 1. Leslie and Glenrothes, 2nd Newtonmearns 3rd Saturday AC 4th Crieff A. In the DailyRecord Champion of Championst) : 1st R.Anderson, 2nd J.Buchanan, 3rd M.Low and 4th S.Millar. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 12th heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling) Brian Mckenzie got his first victory this year and Simon Littlejohn came second. Brian got his fish in Gateside bay on a white cat and crunchers on a floating line. Ronnie Robb and Peter Edge get this weeks free lines. See Website for more details. 22 anglers landed 68 fish for 142lbs.

Scottish Command Fly Fishing Open Petty Officer Warren "Mal" Malcolm (pictured on right) is presented with the Scottish Command trophy by HMS Caledonia's Commander David Pickthall CEng Royal Navy.

JUNE STATS

The average catch for a 2 man boat for 8hrs in June was 4.8 fish for an estimated 9lbs. The average weight of the fish was 1.88lbs and the percent of fish returned was 22.5%. This was down slightly on last June when the average catch was 5 fish per 2 man boat, and I assume this was due to the fine weather as stocking rates per angler hour have been higher this year (up 17% in June).

Report Week Ending 27th July 2010

Clarity 2.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 16C.

Food Van times at the Fishery next week; Every Morning (except Sunday), and in the evenings - Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

The Wet and windy weather has subsided but the majority of the fish are still getting caught in the deeper water i.e. Rookery Gateside bay and Malling shore, there are some residential fish cruising in Sandy bay. Dry fly's (CDCs shuttlecocks) are doing well also Cormorants, Daiwl Bachs, Hares Lugs, Buzzers are doing well on floaters down to a slow sinking line. Douglas Surfing on Manly beach whilst on holiday in Australia

In the 12th and penultimate heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky 18 boats caught 42 trout for 83lbs 14oz. Winning teams were: 1. Alba Orvis Fly Fishers ( Paul Garner, Jim Hunter and Jock Royan) 11 fish for 23lb 1oz2nd was Ayr Travellers and 3rd was SANA. Top rod of the night was Part time boatman Paul Garner (Alba) with 5 fish for 11lb 12oz, 2ndwas Jim Hunter also with his 5 fish weighing 9lb 4oz, 3rd Ian Wilson Clatto & Stratheden 3 trout 5lb 15oz and 4th was the SCC hard working organizer Kenny Miller   SANACC 3 trout 5lb 05 oz. Heaviest fish of the night was a lovely rainbow of 3 lb  6oz caught by John Anderson (Senior) of Ayr Travellers. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 11th heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling): 25 anglers landed 59 fish for 125lbs. there were 5 limits and three blanks. Last years Champ Ian Skilling got his first victory in the heats and Callum Fraser makes a dramatic late entry to get second. Ian was in the cages and Callum who had to leave early was bagged up on dries behind dog isle by the back of eight. Allan Smith got a line with the second heaviest fish. Remember there is an extra heat this year and we are finishing on the 18th Aug! With points now getting dropped Ian is now leading with Simon Littlejohn only 3 points behind and Gordon Hayward dropping to third. Full listings are on the boat league page of the Lake of Menteith website.

Other Catches

Tom Ward and Jim Davie 10 fish for 26lb Tom had one weighing 6lb his fifth of the year over 5lb. Loanhead and District caught 53 fish for 108lb, Largs a.c. caught 22 fish for 45lb, Jim Law (Wishaw) 7 fish 15½ lb,  Mr McCrory (Bathgate) had 2 boats 19 fish for 44¼ lb, Gourlay/Kier (Bridge of Weir) 10 fish plus 6 returned 24lb, CSSA Rosyth 34 fish for 70lb, Mr R Kennedy (Alva) 9 fish for 17lb, Kenny Woods (North Berwick) 10 fish for 21lb plus another 10 returned.

As from next Monday 2nd August the evening fishing session will terminate at 10pm.

Weekly Report 19th July 2010

Clarity 2.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 16C

Food Van times at the Fishery next week; Every Morning (except Sunday), and in the evenings - Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Wet and windy weather has continued and the anglers have yet again been forced to fish the sheltered areas on the western shore and in Gateside Bay. This area of deeper water seems to be where the fish are congregating this year although the cooler water should see fish remaining in the shallower bays after stocking. Tam and Jim pointed out that they had there best ever day last week on hoppers/crunchers, not dries – as stated in last weeks report. In the 11th heat of the 2010.

Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky  22.5 boats landed 101 trout for 199lbs 5oz (including 2 fish over 5lbs). Winning teams were: 1. Change B, 2nd Rainbow Warriors and 3rd RAF Fish Hawks. Daily Record Champion of Champions(all captured a 5 fish limit) : 1st D.Sibson, 2nd Allan Gamble, 3rd Abigail Montgomery and 4th Jim Crawford. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 10th heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling) 24 anglers landed 85 fish for 159lbs. there were 11 limits and two blanks. James Fairlie won on the night - fishing the rookery with ken Oliver. It was definitely a night for dries or boobies. Since James had already won a prize we had to go to 4th place to find someone (Brian McK) looking for a line. Alec Barnes got the biggest fish. Gordon Hayward is still out in front.

Other Catches In the United Edinburgh & Leith Angling Clubs Association match on the 5th July 17 anglers boated 49 fish weighing 96lbs 4oz and returned a further 48 fish. Successful methods on the day included dries, blobs, crunchers and diawl bachs. Top rod was Eric Fox (pictured left) representing the Edinburgh Civil Service Club and President of the UELACA this year, with a weight of 11lbs 2oz for his 5 fish. He also scooped the heaviest fish trophy with a rainbow of 4lbs. On Sat 17th , Thack Ac (6 boats) 42 fish 71lbs and returned 15 and Falkirk FD (6 boats) 35 fish 70lbs.

Message in a bottle recovered from Gateside Bay after 60 years. During the recent hot spell I did a little snorkelling to appraise myself of the Lake's aquatic state. The water clarity was the best I've seen in my 12 years at Menteith. This James Duncan lemonade bottle was found in about 6ft of water in the north-west corner of Gateside Bay. Although the metal clip had long since corroded, the rubber collar had maintained the air tight seal. The old heavy bottle had obviously sunk straight to the bottom. A note inside declared that the finder should contact Gabriel Gilvear (picture inset) of Tullibody for a reward. I contacted the Stirling Observer whose readers put Gabriel in touch with me last week. In a letter from him which included a £50 cheque, Gabriel states that it must have been whilst accompanying his brother on a fishing trip around 60 years ago that the bottle was put in the Lake. STV have been in touch recently and would like to do a news feature on the find, so hopefully Gabriel and I can meet face to face and I can return to him his bottle and note. Thank you for the generous reward Gabriel, I am donating the money to the Kavule Parents School for the Deaf in Uganda.

12th July 2010

Clarity 2.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 16C

The road is open.

Food Van times at the Fishery next week; Every Morning (except Sunday), and in the evenings - Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Wet and windy weather has reduced temperature and clarity – but the latter is still good. Great sport on the dry fly when conditions permit – if it windy the fish are still near the top. Best areas (in strong westerly and south westerly winds) have been Gateside, Malling, Dog Isle and Rookery but the other drifts are largely unfished. Today the fishery was nice and quiet and regulars Tam Ward and Jim Davie said they had their best ever day on the Lake with over 50 fish on dries.

Lexus European Open Championships

Pictured left are the qualifiers of the Individuals heat (1st Ken Oliver, 2nd Jim Watson, 3rd Brian Duffy). In the windy conditions Ken Oliver was fishing blobs on a di3 at the Rookery. The 39 anglers caught 182 fish and the av. Fish. Wt was 2lbs. In the team event; qualifying were Hungry Trout, Frozen North and Aberdeen and Dist. (see picture below left). Peter Edge got top bag and the 47 anglers caught 187 trout.

In the 10th heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky 25 boats landed 85 fish. Winning teams  were: 1. Thack,2nd Canmore Forfar and 3rd. Clan Chiefs. Daily Record Champion of Champions: 1st J.Miller, 2nd S.McGilp, B.Robertson, F.Robertson. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 9th heat of theMenteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling)

28 anglers weighed in 96 fish for 181lbs. Davie Paterson was top rod and Jim Twaddle got the line for the heaviest fish. Gordon Hayward leads the league.

5th July 2010

Clarity 3.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 17.5C

Diversion on A873 at Thornhill (via Callander/Cockhill) in operation for the next few days due to resurfacing work.

Food Van times at the Fishery next week; Every Morning (except Sunday) and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Evenings. Wild weather resulted in the fishery being closed on Sunday and it looks like another windy week ahead with sheltered spots like the cages and Dog Isle being favoured by the anglers.Below; Stevie O'Neill with a nice fish on the early morning session (photo J.Litster).

SANACC National Semi Finals

In the last of the semis on 1st July 28 anglers landed 67 trout for 115lbs and a further 69 fish were returned. Top rod was Fraser Robertson (above) with 12 fish for 23lbs 9.2 oz. (5 fish limit).  2nd James Litster and 3rd Ian Anderson. The cut off was 12lbs 10oz. Full results  www.sanacc.org.uk

SANA Open

17 evening boats landed 95 fish for 169lbs. Top pair was Ken Oliver and Ian Campbell, best individual Steve Manion. There ware 11 limit bags from the 34 anglers. The top 9 or 10 (tbc) pairs go through to the final on 2nd August.

In the 9th heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky 48 anglers ? landed 121 trout weighing 217lbs. Winning teams  were: 1. Grizzlecats,2nd Leslie Llanlar3. Largs and Dist. Daily Record Champion of Champions: 1st Frank Gillespie, 2nd Andy Gourlay, 3rd Calum Crosbie, 4th Morris Dickson and David Dunn. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 8th heat of theMenteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling)

24 anglers weighed in 50 fish for 88lbs. Alan Smith was the top rod with 5 for 9lbs 14. Winning fly lines were Jim Watson (2nd top rod) and Ian Skilling for 2nd heaviest fish. Free line went to Ian Stuart. Gordon Hayward is still at the top of the pack.

Vegetarian Trout?

Huggy sent this explicit shot of a lake trout stomach contents (a few weeks ago) which had been feeding on (according to expert opinion): "Shoreweed, Litorella uniflora, assuming it was fairly solid. Grows on the edge and inundated around the loch margin. If it had four channels up the middle it could have been Isoetes, Quillwort, off the bottom." Rainbows are known to be able to deal with more dietary cellulose than other salmonids but this one certainly takes the biscuit.

Weekly Report 29th June 2010

Clarity 4.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 18.5C

Diversion on A873 at Thornhill (via Callander/Cockhill) in operation for the next few days due to resurfacing work.

Food Van times at the Fishery till 9th July next week; Every Morning and Evening except Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd when will not be present.The warm spell has been gradually moderating but it has been mainly bright and quite windy – not the angler's favourite. The water clarity just keeps getting better…..at 4.5m this week.  It is possible to see the fish in the water – and the fry are thriving! The at times significant wind made fishing hard on the roadshore (pushed the warm water to that side?) and for most of the last week the best bags were from the western shore, accept when the wind died and dries did well in International Bay and Shear Point.

Fly Pike Fishing gets regular slot

The Lake is opening for regular pike fly fishing to the public (currently access is via pike angling club membership) on a Monday evening. As everyone knows there are a fair amount of pike at the Lake and with historic attempts to remove the pike doomed to failure or discredited, it makes good sense to treat this fantastic fish as a resource. Pike fly fishing is to be offered to the public at £40 for two people for an evening boat (same as current price to Pike Fly Fishing Association) on Monday evenings 6-11pm. Only 10 boats per Monday will be made available this season, on a first come first served basis – till we see how things go. To fish for pike you will need to have a 9/10wt fly rod, long nose pliers (for unhooking in the water )and have read the lake pike fly rules (will be posted shortly on weekly reports page)

Wateraid raises £10000

The largely corporate Wateraid Lake fundraiser run by Robin Lambert of Scottish Water and co is reckoned to have raised £10000 for the charity. The 46 anglers had a good day, catching 134 fish for 245lbs.The winning team Wavin Plastics are pictured right. Gordon Inglis of Scottish water was top rod. Thanks to all the corporate spnsors and Glasgow Angling Centre for their generosity.

SANACC National Semi Finals

The lake held its first semi-final today with 58 anglers contesting for 20 places in the Final. Top rod on the day was Peter Auchterlonie (pictured left after the results)with 18 fish, second was jock Royan with 11 and 3rd Ronnie Glass – also with 11. Peter was fishing at Malling and Gateside with a slime lime and figure of eighting a blob, cormorant and buzzers. The cut off weight was over 10lbs or 6 fish. Full results at www.sanacc.org.uk

In the 8th heat of the 2010Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky 42 anglers landed 72 trout weighing 134lbs. Winning teams  were: 1. Coldstream,2nd Stirling Castle3. Balbeggie. Daily Record Champion of Champions: 1st Craig Masson, 2nd Derek Chapman, 3rd Peter Forrest, 4th Dick Logan. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 7th heat of theMenteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling)

20 anglers weighed in 79 fish for 142lbs. Winning fly lines wereArthur Wilkie for top rod – using Wilkie Hoppers and floating line between Dog Isle and Stable Point. Heaviest fish and free line went to Ian Stuart. Gordon Hayward tops the pack with Simon Littlejohn in second.

Weekly Report 22nd June 2010

Clarity 3.7m Water Temperature at 6ft 20C.

Food Van times at the Fishery this week; Every Morning (except Sunday) and also Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Nights.

The hot weather and the three days of Anglian Water Heats combined to make things difficult more difficult than usual. However, since the end of the Anglian Water Comp we have stocked with over 2000 fish so any difficulties (for some not many) are now down to the weather alone. The water is now quite warm and the clarity is exceptional with the bottom visible in many areas not seen before. On Monday the hot spot was the Malling shore with anglers having success on midge tip, buzzers and blobs, close in or at the edge of the shelf. Other areas have been difficult to indentify but beyond the shallows of Shear Point/International Bay fished well on Saturday night. Considering the warmth there will be fish which are lying deeper and a faster sinking line will be worth a try, although given the clarity, with a bit of dullness the fish are willingly coming to the dry fly. Evening fishing is the best advice – until things cool down.The Canada geese are moulting (flightless) just now and this is evident by the increased population (moulting migrants) floating in rafts in the relative safety of the Lake. Angler Mike Connet reported a fox taking a young goose in broad daylight at the weekend.

Catches/Comp Results

In the Anglian Water Air Flow Scottish Team Day Finals Change A were 1st with 14 fish for 32lbs 10oz (incl. time bonus), 2nd were Thalasa and 3rd were Aberdour and Associates (these teams qualify for the UK final). On a hot day the 54 anglers landed 98 fish for 184lbs incl. time bonus. Top rod was Jock Kettles who had his limit before noon. In the evening heat – the rod average went up marginally (although there was 2 hours less fishing time) and the 36 anglers landed 67 fish for 121lbs (incl. bonus). Menteith Ospreys were 1st with 20 fish for 39lbs and Alba Orvis were 2nd with 11 fish for 21lbs (these teams qualify for the UK final).  Top evening rod was Michael Low of Menteith Ospreys. Evening qualifiers and comp organisers Jon Marshall (left) and John Mees (right) pictured above.

In the 7th heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky48 anglers landed 80 trout weighing 131lbs. Winning teams  were: 1. Bridge of Allan FF 12 fish for 21lb 3oz,2nd Crown FF8 fish 14lbs 6oz3. Barrhead 9 fish 14lbs. Daily Record Champion of Champions: 1st Mike Willis, 2nd R.Thompson, 3rd F.Johnson, 4th R.Chesney.Heaviest fish Stuart Raybould 2lb 6oz.. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 6th heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling)

21 anglers weighed in 30 fish for 54lbs. Winning fly lines were: Neil Anderson who was in first place on dries and Graeme Steel who landed the heaviest fish. Alan Brock is sitting on top of the league with Gordon Hayward lying second and Ian Skilling 3rd.

Reports for the Week to 15th June 2010

Clarity 2.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 16.0c

Food Van times at the Fishery this week; Every Morning (except Sunday) and also Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Nights. This week due to the Anglian Water AirFlow Team Challenge the Food Van will be present additionally on Thurs 17thevening.

We have been hosting the Anglian/Airflow Team Challenge this week and with the final on Thursday anglers have been keeping successful tactics close to their chests. The deeper areas of the western shore and Gateside bay have seen the highest boat congregations but as usual fish are also to be found all over and around the Lake. Jim Hunter and Paul Garner caught these predominantly over wintered (or over summered fish), pictured left, on Monday evening.  The clarity is remaining good and the pin fry abound (about 1.2cm long). Also in plentiful supply are the damsel flies which need sunny weather to "inflate" their wings when emerging from the nymph stage. The larval stage of the damsel is pictured below right.These 25 long nymphs crawl up stems to hatch out, and are sometimes seen swimming in free water by means of an eye catching side to side tail wagging.

Catches/Comp Results In the Anglian Water Air Flow Team Heats on Monday during the day (rod average 3.2) Change Fly Fishers, Leven fly Casters, Grizzle Cats, Alder FF and Butcher Boys qualified for the Thursday finals with Team Wellbank, Craufurdland, Heron FF and Heather FF failing to make the cut. On Monday night (rod average 2.0) Menteith Ospreys, Hungry Trout, Saltire and Change B qualified with West Lothian, Leslie and Glenrothes and Perth AC missing out.

In the 6th heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky 45 anglers landed 122 trout weighing 214lbs. Winning teams were: 1. Ferry FF , 15 fish for 29lb 2oz,St.Fillans15 fish 25lbs 10oz3. Rothes Oak 14 fish 25lbs 9oz. Daily Record Champion of Champions: 1st Peter Auchterlonie, 2nd Andrew Glasgow, 3rd Finlay Meechan, 4th Gordon Fisher.Heaviest fish 6lb 10oz caught by A.Glasgow. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 5th heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling) 31 anglers weighed in 92 fish for 176lbs. George Whyte finished top (again). Brian Mackenzie and Andy Boylan are in equal first position with Alan skilling in 3rd position.

Club Returns

SPRA 18 boats 82 fish for 164lbs, Thack 6 boats 46 fish for 105lbs and 26 returned, ABC&D 7 boats 34 fish 15 returned. CSSA 7 boats 49 fish 98lbs, Penicuik 37 fish 69lbs, Rothes Oak 5 boats 17 fish 36lbs 15 ret, CSP 7 boats 60 fish 113lbs, Hedgehogs 20 fish 33lbs 60 ret.

Weekly Report 7th June 2010

Clarity 2.7m Water Temperature at 6ft 16.0C

Food Van times at the Fishery this week; Every Morning (except Sunday) and also Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Nights. Next week due to the Anglian Water AirFlow Team Challenge the Food Van will be present additionally on evenings of Mon 14th, Tues 15th and Thurs 17th.

The fishing has been centred on the western basin in the last week although there was also some success in the Butts, Kates Brae and the points. Water temperatures soared at the weekend but have since retreated to a more fishy 16C. Olives, mayflies and damsels have been hatching. The pin head course fry are now also in abundance and the phantom midge is also evident. This larva was present in a water sample taken from 20m in the deeps off the rookery.

The phantom midge is about 12mm long and feeds on daphnia and other small zooplankton. They migrate up and down the water column by means of air sacs (the four large kidney shapes). This migration is influenced by atmospheric pressure according to one web author. The emergent midge adults appear variously shaped I'll try and get some pics of likely candidates…..

May Catch Data Lake of Menteith

2 man day boat 8 hrs: average catch 5.6 fish for 10.1lbs 2man Eve boat average (5hrs) catch 3.5 fish for 6.3lbs. 27% of fish were returned. In terms of catch number this was the best result in the last 6 years but on total weight 4th best.

Catches/Comp Results In the 5th heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky

42 anglers landed 72 trout weighing 132lbs. Winning teams  were: 1. Grizzlecats "A" , 12 fish for 21lb 2. Strathgryfe 10 fish 16lbs 7oz3. Kinglassie 7 fish 14lbs 8oz. These three clubs go forward to the semi final on September 17.Daily Record Champion of Champions: 1st Steven Welsh 5 fish for 11lbs 5oz. 2nd Alan Hill 5 fish 10lbs 10oz 3rd Tom Wilson 5 fish, 4th Robert Murray 5 fish.Steven Welsh caught all his in Sandy Bay on a midge tip line and then on dries. Heaviest fish 6lb 4oz caught by Sandy Ramsay. Full story in the Daily Record this Friday.

In the 4th heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling)

29 anglers weighed in 116 fish for 222lbs. Top rod Simon Littlejohn was fishing at Reedy and shear Point. With Gordon Hayward having a less successful night - Andy Boylan is the new league leader.

Club Returns

Rotary Club 16 boats 31 fish for 48lbs, Rowbank 8 boats 49 fish for 94lbs, Grangemouth AC 6 boats 18 fish 40lbs, Loanhead Miners 8 boats 15 fish 28lbs, Good Companions 7 boats 35 fish 55lbs. Denny AC 5 evening boats 8 fish 14lbs.

Reports for the Week to 1st June 2010

Clarity 2.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 16.0C.

Food Van times at the Fishery this week; Every Morning (except Sunday) and also Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Nights.

1st June means I've been working at the fishery for 12 years. Mayfly (right – thanks Sandy F.) have been evident in the last week as well as a fair number of large olives and a significant amount of daphnia.  The best areas of recent days have been Gateside, Rookery, Shear Point and International Bay. Ian Stuart (below left) got this 7lb 6oz resident in Gateside Bay on a dry during the SANA Open, but the predominant tactic of anglers has been midge tip or variant with buzzers / diawl bachs / cormorants and a blob or variant on the tail. On overcast days the lake has been fishing extremely well.

Whilst pondering how to best keep the cormorants off the fish pens during the winter I read a recent scientific report describing how cormorants are benthic feeders (cruise on the bottom) and able to successfully hunt in extremely low light intensities. The authors of the paper made the thought provoking suggestion that the cormorant may have other sensory organs which help it to locate fish.

Catches/Comp Results

In the 4th heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky(29th May) 48 anglers landed 97 trout weighing 172lbs. Winning teams  were: 1. Kinross AC, 11 fish for 22lb 8oz. 2. Penicuik AC 10fish for 17lb 2oz. 3. Kahts Whisker 7 fish for 15lbs 10oz. These three clubs go forward to the semi final on September 17. Daily Record Champion of Champions: 1st Allan Smith 5 fish for 13lbs 2oz. 2nd Paul Wilson 5 fish 3rd Ian Forrest 5 fish 4th Frank Robertson 5 fish. There were two non qualifying limit bags – including last year's champ Gregor Fleming. Allan and Paul were both fishing the Rookery with buzzers and cormorants and stingers on the tail. Ian Forrest had all his five in International Bay on a Mirror flash booby.

In the 3rd heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling): 26 anglers weighed in 79 fish for 141lbs. Top rod George Whyte got his fish on buzzers in international bay on a midge tip line doing a fast figure of eight. Gordon Hayward tops the bunch with a 5, 7 and a 3 so far.

In the SANACC Fly Fishing National Championship Prelim on the 25th May 35 anglers netted 226 fish for 402lbs (includes returned fish estimated at 2lbs). Top rod was Ken Kennedy of Merkister with 13 fish and 2nd was Sandy Boag of Moncrieffe also with 13 fish. The cut off for qualification was 11lbs 3oz. (see www.sanacc.org.uk).

In the first heat of the SANA Open 13 boats landed 69 fish for 132lbs. Top Pair on the night were Ian Stuart and Jim Fairlie with a 10 fish limit for 29lbs 11oz.

Club Returns

Longannet 3 boats 15 fish 24lbs, Crown Fly Fishers 9 boats 84 fish for 175lbs plus 69 returned, Ladies Catch Totals?, NBAC 4 boats 20 fish 51lbs, Bridge of Allan 76 6 boats 50 fish 104lbs plus 5 rtd, Pitlochry 6? Boats 14 fish 28lbs.

Weekly Reports 25th May 2010

Clarity 3.1m Water Temperature at 6ft 16.5C

Food Van times at the Fishery this week; Every Morning (except Sunday) and also Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Nights.

The exceptional clarity remains a feature of the fishing at the Lake and anglers have been using a variety of tactics in the sometimes bright or overcast or calm or breezy conditions. Areas that have produced best catches in the last week are Gateside, Malling Shore, Heronry/Sandy Bay and the Road shore.

Catches/Comp Results

UK Fire Services Championships

The overall individual champion was Jeff Lawson of Fife (pictured right).  In all the 37 boats landed 165 fish for 279lbs plus 53 returned. 18 anglers recorded as nil returns. Jeff also had the heaviest fish of 4lbs 14oz. More results from this next week.

In the 3rd heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky on Saturday 22 was no fishing after the capture of the first five fish. Winning teams  were: 1.ndMay the 48 anglers landed 122 trout weighing 204lbs. There Dunfermline Artisans, 11 fish for 20lb 4oz. 2. Roscobie Loch Development 12 fish for 19lb 14oz. 3. Beith St.Innans, 12 fish for 19lb 3oz. These three clubs got forward to the semi final on September 17. Daily Record Champion of Champions. 1. Steve Hayhurst Dunfermline Artisans 5 fish for 10lbs  2. Darren Heenan, Arbroath, five trout for 8lb 13oz. 3. George Gall,  five trout for 8lb 8oz. 4. Mike Beurskens, Dunfermline Artisans, five trout for 8lb 4oz. Top bag on the night Stephen was fishing a blob on the top dropper and two cormorants. Of his 5 fish only the big one took the blob. His method was a slow figure of eight retrieve on a fast glass line and he was fishing a band of water 20-50 yards from the Plantation Shore at Malling.

In the 2nd heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling) 28 anglers weighed in 104 fish for 172lbs. Top rod Ken Oliver caught the tricky larger specimens in the Butts using small flies.

In the SANACC Fly Fishing National Championship Prelim on the 20th May 58 anglers netted 218 fish for 387lbs (includes returned fish estimated at 2lbs). Top rod was Steven Corser of Inverurie with 15 fish for 28lbs 3oz, 2nd Stevie Bett (Fife Constab) with 9 fish and 3rd A. Anderson of Troon Ac with 8 fish. The cut off for qualification was 6lbs 9oz. Steven caught his trout at International Bay, Road Shore and Malling Shore using nymphs and Diawl Bachs on a midge tip. (see www.sanacc.org.uk).

Club Returns

Strathclyde Police 9 boats 70 fish 122lbs plus 46 rtd, Pitlochry AC 4 boats 20 fish 31lbs, Rowbank 11 boats 61 fish 105lbs plus 20rtd, Cockburn Ac 4 boats 6 fish, Falkirk Fly Dressers 6 boats 33 fish, Pentland FF 5 boats 23 fish, Stewarton 8 boats 39 fish 15 rtd.

Weekly Report 18th May 2010

Congratulations to the Scotland Team in Ireland

Clarity 3.0m Water Temperature at 6ft 14C.

Food Van times at the Fishery this week; Wednesday night boat league, Thursday morning SANACC, Saturday morning, Saturday night. Davie's contact details for cold rolls are07922214946.

The good clarity is continuing, water temperature has risen to a healthy 14C at 6ft, the water lilies are emerging, tree pollen is on the water, and the big spade tailed overwintered fish (some look into  double figures) are back in numbers under the cages. Catches have been good this week – helped again by much catch and release from the anglers. In the CHARITY Fundraiser on Saturday 15th, for example, all the fish were returned. Areas reporting good catches have been, Malling Shore, Sandy Bay, Gateside, Road Shore and Kate's Brae. Tactics have varied from pulling lures to buzzers and the methods have not been deep.

Catches/Comp Results

Charity Match

£7000 RAISED – 75% FOR CHAS, 25% FOR YORKHILL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FUND. 45 rods caught 173 fish all returned. Winners of the drawn pairs were Keith Anderson and Mick Moran and the Heaviest Sponsored Competitor (£1200) was Spey Gillie Jock Royan. Thanks to Kevin McCabe and Change AC for all their hard work and congratulations to who ever won the raffle for a trip for two to Rutland with full board for three days!

In the 2nd heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky on Saturday 15th May the 42 anglers landed 100 trout weighing 178lbs. In first place were Rowbank with 13 fish for 24lbs 7oz, 2nd were CSSA Rosyth and 3rd were Dunfermline Rusty Nail. The four champion of champions were (in order); Paul O'Neill, Gary Mitchel, B. Munro and Donnie MacBeth.

Scottish Police National 214 fish (including 72 returned) for 371lb 1oz were caught by the 66 anglers Individual Champ was Alan Hill with 18 fish for 34lb 6oz. Runner up was Graham Harvey (LnB) with11 fish for 20lb 8oz. (Pictured on left with cup with Chief Constable Baker of Dorset Police).

In the first heat of the Menteith Boat League (sponsored by the Angling Centre Stirling) 25 anglers weighed in 78 fish for 132lbs. Top rod Andy Boylan caught his fish on blobs with a midge tip line at Gateside.

Chairman John Bryce), is the new Champion with an amazing 24 fish to his rod – the most I can remember any individual bagging in a major Lake comp. In all the 14 boats landed 80 fish for 130lbs. Qualifying to fish in Ireland in 2011 are Jim Crawford, George Bell, Rab Chislolm, Bill Barnes, Tony Lithgow, D. Bradshaw, George Learmonth and Stevie Gill.

Weekly Report 11th May 2010

Clarity 3.5m Water Temperature at 6ft 10.5C

Food Fan times at the Fishery this week: Wednesday 12th 4pm till 6.15pm, Thursday 13th 8.30 till 10am, Saturday 15th 8.30am till 10am and 4pm till 6.30pm.

Exceptional clarity for the time of year is prevailing (3.5m) but water temperatures have been pegged back due to the northerly air flow. So far there have been absolutely no signs of a repeat of last year's problems with water turnover and associated poor clarity.

Areas that have been fishing well include Kate's Brae, International Bay, Hotel Bay, Reedy Point, Rookery, Gateside and Stable Point. In the predominantly bright conditions of the last week most successful anglers have been going deeper with lures and cormorants although buzzer and dry fly fishing has also been successful – especially in the overcast conditions. Boat League starts on Wed 12th May

April 2010 Catch Data has now been calculated and represents a new record in terms of the month average for numbers caught per 2 man boat over 8hrs - 7.5 fish for 14.8lbs. Last April's data was 5.6 fish 11.3lbs.  The improved catch data is due to; anglers returning more fish, the Lake's stocking policy and a good head of overwintered fish. Davie Stewart (the food van man) from the Port landed this 4lb beauty last week.

Catches

The 1st heat of the 2010 Scottish Club Championships Sponsored by the Daily Record, Angling Centre Stirling and Famous Grouse Whisky took place on Saturday 8th May and the 48 anglers landed 100 trout weighing 156lbs. In first place were last years winners Change A (K.McCabe, Jock Kettles and Andy Dunn) with 15 fish for 22lbs 15oz, 2nd were Loanhead and District with 10 fish for 17lbs 10oz and 3rd were Craufurdland with 11 fish for 17lbs 7oz. The four champion of champions were (in order); Derek Marklow, Willie Wilson., K.McCabe and G.Polinie.

Scottish Fly Fishing National Menteith Heat 2. 57 anglers caught 153 fish and in addition 141 were returned. 29 anglers qualified for the semi-finals and the cut off weight was 7lbs 12.8oz. Iain Campbell (pictured left) of Inverclyde was the top rod with 14 fish for 26lbs 8oz and he was fishing dries and buzzers in Kates Brae. Ronald Gilbert was second and J.McBride third. Detailed results at www.sanacc.org.uk

On the Club Scene Lothian and Borders Police landed 55 for 75lbs and returned 20, Fife Police (5 boats) netted 22 for 35lbs, Edin Walton (10 boats) caught 64 fish for 99lbs and rtd 2, Civil Service didn't mark in, Kelvinside Ac 4 boats 24 fish 37lbs and 15rtd, Youth International Team 8 boats 17 fish for 28lbs and 57 rd, Pencaitland 9 boats 28 fish 51lbs.