Boost for anglers
more overcast. The fishing was definitely better when there was a breeze causing a ripple on the water.
Most of the fish were just below the surface for most of the week and were usually looking to chase, although some anglers were having success going a bit deeper. A wide range of fly patterns were successful included Cat’s Whisker, Yellow Dancer, Cormorant, Damsel, Cruncher, Kate McLaren, Bibio, Klinkhammer, Hopper and Daddy Long Legs. On the bait pond Maggots, Worms and Power Bait were all attracting fish.
The fishery is still open every day, 8am to 2.30pm and 5pm to 9.30pm except for Thursday when there is no evening session.
There have been a few changes to restrictions - the Meadow Pond is now open for fly fishing; now allowing two anglers per boat (from the same household) and one adult and child under 12 can share a rod on any of the ponds.
Several anglers made multiple visits this week with the most successful being John Mathieson with eight for 21lb 12oz including a 5lb 8oz rainbow, plus one c/r.
Other fly anglers doing well included: Colin More 6lb 12oz Tiger, Steven Mullen and Liam three for 10lb including 6lb 8oz Gold from the Millpond, Robert Watt eight for 19lb 12oz including two Golds, Brian McPeake three for 10lb 4oz including two Golds, bigger one at 5lb 4oz, plus two c/r, Andy Henderson three for 12lb including 5lb Gold, Paul McGlynn four for 11lb including a Tiger, Harry Haggarty four for 9lb plus two c/r, Willie Nyguist three for 10lb including 5lb Gold, Alan Hogg three for 9lb 4oz including a Tiger, Con Dillon three for 9lb 8oz including a Gold, John Pryde two for 7lb 8oz including a Gold, Gavin Johnson two for 7lb from the Millpond including 4lb Gold, Gerard Dawson two for 6lb 12oz including a Gold, Eddie McKillop jnr two for 4lb 12oz plus six c/r, Norrie Holms 6lb Rainbow, Henry Fulton 5lb Gold, Ross Martin 4lb Brown plus one c/r, Rab Cochrane 10 c/r and Alan Hunter five c/r.
Amongst the best bags on the bait pond were: Kenny McNaughton four for 9lb 4oz including 3lb 12oz Gold, Alan Stirling four for 8lb 4oz.
Anglers could be set to benefit from a £100,000 investment in improving water conditions for fish at a popular reservoir.
The funding injection from Scottish Water at Loch Venachar near Callander will help the salmon and sea trout populations that migrate from the sea at the Forth Estuary to spawn.
The work, which is expected to take three weeks to complete, includes the installation of ‘timber baffles’ to help complement the existing Victorian fish pass at the site and help break up the water flow, which will enable the fish to leap more easily across the dam spillway on their journey upstream.
Alexander Young, senior project manager, said: “While an existing fish pass is in operation at Loch Venachar Reservoir, salmon swimming up-river on the north side have a greater likelihood of becoming trapped and have no route into the reservoir.
“We’ve been working with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to look at ways to improve fish passage around the dam and the work we’re doing here will help improve the chances of fish passing through the weir and reaching the loch.”
“Appropriate measures have also been taken to ensure the work is carried out with full respect for the local environment.
“The construction materials we’re using will be strictly controlled to make sure there is no negative impact on the watercourse and much of the work will be done by hand rather than by heavy machinery.”
The outlet dam at the site, first constructed in the 1850s, helps to supply Glasgow with fresh water and enjoys Category A listed status, with the works being overseen by a team of experts to ensure the improvements don’t compromise the existing structures.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, water and land manager at SEPA, said: “Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment.
“We are pleased to see Scottish Water improving fish passage into Loch Venachar.
“Salmon are an iconic species for Scotland, and this work will contribute to an increase in the number of fish spawning successfully, as well as an improvement in the welfare of the fish.”