MARKLE, Borders (01620 861213): Although extremely quiet due to the terrible weather those who went out fishing returned with some pretty impressive catches.
SWANSWATER, Stirling (01786 814805): Despite the atrocious weather conditions a good number of anglers braved the elements and for most of the week were well rewarded for their efforts. On the days when Swanswater was virtually unfishable because of
high water levels and strong winds, the small ponds came into their own and fished well. In spite of all the rain, the water is coloured rather than dirty and is clearing fast. Yellow Dancers, Damsels, Black and Green Fritz, Okay Dokey and other Buzzers were the best patterns. Several anglers took advantage of seasonal holidays to make several visits to the Fishery during the course of the week. Peter Bryce, Alloa, in five visits took a total of 17 fish for 53lb 6oz, the biggest one being a 5lb 4oz Rainbow. Sandy Ireland, Lochgoilhead, ten for 28lb 4oz in two visits including two Blues, 13-year-old John Mathieson, Doune, nine for 26lb 8oz, including a 5lb Rainbow in two visits, and Peter Baranowski, Bridge of Allan, had eight for 26lb 12oz including a 5lb 8oz rainbow and a Blue in two visits. Sandy Jenkins, Carronshore, also made two visits and took eight for 24lb 12oz, Ronnie Loos, Stirling, four for 13lb 12oz including a 4lb 4oz Blue in two visits, and Stuart Cameron and grandson Thomas from Alexandria shared five for 17lb from the boat
KINGENNIE FISHINGS, Broughty Ferry (01382 350777): Ian Barclay and party from Penicuik had a great day out on the Specimen Pool when the nine rods took a total of 14 fish weighing 72lb. Also doing well were Jim Tait from Forfar with four for 22lb on the Green Pea and Sandy Jones from Dundee took four for 19lb on the Gold Head Damsel. Stewart McPhee from Elgin had five for 30lb, best 7lb, and Jim Cuthill from Carnoustie took three for 18lb on an Orange Fritz. The specimen pool will close later this month for a couple of weeks for ‘de-sludging’. The Bankside Pool continues to fish well especially to Buzzers, surprisingly enough for this time of the year. Gilbert Cheetham senior and junior had 48 fish between them keeping eight for 22lb. The top taking pattern was the Damsel Nymph. Others doing well included Mr Godfrey from Kirriemuir who took four for 9lb and returned 13 on Buzzers, Jim Hampton from Forfar took four for 9lb 12oz and returned 11 and Jim McFarlane from Kirriemuir managed four for 10lb, returning five. The ‘New’ Bankside Pool will be the venue for the Kingennie Summer League Fly-Fishing Competitions that will be sponsored with £1,000 of tackle from Greys. The Singles heats will take place on Monday nights from May until September and the pairs will be held on Thursday evenings. This will be a pegged event on a catch and release basis with the draw taking place at 6pm then fishing until dark. The cost will be £10 per angler/night, payable in advance and further details can be obtained from Neil Anderson on 01382 350777. The Woodside Pool had some good catches last week with the best coming from Mr Bushnell and Co from Perth taking eight for 10lb on Power Bait, Chas Anderson from Dundee took four for 5lb on Power Bait, Mr Clark from Leuchars, eight for 11lb also on Power Bait, and Mr Armstrong from Dundee, five for 8lb on Hepps.
BURNHOUSE LOCHAN (01324 840404): There is still plenty top of the water activity with Black Buzzers and Micro Buzzers still doing well. The bigger fish are feeding on fry at the moment and Green Fritz with a black tail and the Black Fritz are all taking good bags. Heaviest catch of the week was taken by Jim Sullivan from Falkirk who had a fish at 12lb 7oz. Also doing well were Archie Miller from Banknock, two fish for 7lb, and Phillip Tully from Falkirk, two fish for 8lb 8oz. Garry Watson from Denny landed two fish for 8lb 4oz and returned a further eight, Alex Britain from Falkirk took two fish for 8lb, James Potter from Allandale, two fish for 9lb 4oz, and Jim McGregor from Camelon, three fish for 11lb 6oz.
COYLE WATER (01292 571291): Ayrshire Cancer Support will be holding their annual fishing competition early in 2005 at Coyle Water. This year there will be a change of format. Instead of the five-man teams, this year’s competition will be a singles event. The qualifying days are Saturday, February 12 and Sunday 20, then Saturday, March 5 and Sunday 13, with the final being fished on Saturday, March 27. Ten anglers from each day will go through to the final and the winner will receive the Fred Berkley Trophy and £300. Second will receive £200 and third £100. There will be an extra prize and a raffle on each of the qualifying days. It is anticipated that places in the competition will be snapped up quickly and further details can be obtained by telephoning Coyle Water on the above number or John Beck at Ayrshire Cancer Support on 01563 538008.
HOWWOOD, Renfrewshire (01505 702688): Due to the horrendous weather the fishery has been very quiet but those who braved the gales and rain did very well indeed. Stevie Horsburgh from Johnstone had four for 8lb 12oz, Mr Leslie had a brace weighing 4lb 12oz and Donny Muir from Johnstone managed three for 9lb. Also doing well were Heather Goodfellow from Johnstone who had two for 4lb 14oz and Campbell Mills from Glasgow caught two for 3lb 12oz. The best flies have been the Damsel, Cat’s Whisker and the Black and Green Montana Nymph.
ORCHILL LOCH, Auchterarder (01764 682287): The fishing was extremely good last week with the Damsel, Yellow Dancer, Black and Green Fritz and small Nymphs all taking good baskets of fish. Amongst those doing well were 12-year-old John McLean from Crieff who had three fish for 8lb 12oz on a Blue Fritz, Mike Piper from Edinburgh took three for 8lb on the Yellow Dancer and Paul Campbell from Halbeath managed five for 16lb on the Yellow Dancer. Bill Smith from Menstrie caught three for 8lb on a Black and Green Fritz, Andrew Airnes from Clackmannan had three for 8lb 4oz and John Meek from Tullibody had three for 8lb 4oz on the Yellow Dancer.
Wellsfield Trout Fishery, by Denny (01324 822800): The 2005 Increased Fish Stocking Programme has started. The three lochans were stocked heavily and fished well again this week for both bait and fly fishers resulting in 331 fish caught between the fly and bait ponds - mostly rainbows and blues. The average weight was again above 3lb at 3lb 4oz for both Fly & Bait ponds. Bait Anglers should note that the Bait Pond is "Any Method" for all of January, including spinning. One double was caught this week: an 11lb rainbow for D Bennie (Denny). John Score (Alva) landed a Yellow Prize Tag last week which wasn’t mentioned in last week’s report. One other Yellow Tag was caught this week - a 4lb 12oz rainbow for Alan Williams (Larbert) on Rainbow Power bait. A 12-15ft long leader proved best this week with a slow retrieve and best flies were Olive Damsel, Viva Dancer and Bloodworm for the fly fishermen. Best Baits were Rainbow Colour Power Bait, Maggot and Worm fished deep.
