Good catches on opening weekend at Rescobie Loch

Despite dreadful weather reports, RESCOBIE LOCH opened on Friday with all the boats out and five anglers on the Greenbank.

At close of day 20 rods had returned 46 fish for a total of 129lb 4oz, giving an average of 2lb 12oz.

Six anglers had a full bag including Bob Buick with four for 12lb 8oz. Bob has the heaviest fish of the month so far with a rainbow of 4lb 8oz.

Peter Greig and Brian Murchie both had four for 12lb and Steven Cassels returned five.

Sunday saw Balgay and Balbeggie clubs go out in better weather with a snowy backdrop on the hills.

Balgay’s six rods returned 11 fish for 40lb. A Newman had the heaviest fish of the day with a fine rainbow of 7lb.

Balbeggie’s 12 rods brought in 40 fish weighing 110lb 9oz. Jimmy Watson had the heaviest at 3lb 8oz.

Stocking continues today when 1000 rainbows will be coming from Welham Park in North Yorkshire.

was opened by Topher Nairn from Lochend, assisted by piper Stewart Marshall of Cambusbarron, despite snow lying thick.

The anglers who braved the weather were rewarded with some good catches with overwintered fish over 5lb landed. Successful tactics ranged from snakes and boobies fished on sinking lines right up to dry flies in more sheltered areas.

The best boats on the day had over 20 fish, with good areas being Tod Hole to Lochend, Malling, Sandy Bay and also over open water from Arnmach toward Lochend.

The Jimmy Nairn Memorial for the most beautiful fish caught on opening day was won by Alan Steven from Bo’ness.

At CRAIGLUSCAR FISHERY, the fly season got off to a cracking start with a rod average of 10.

While most fish have been returned on barbless catch and release, the fish kept have been 2lb 8oz to 2lb 12oz. A Moodie and B Pearson had 15 each and D Gray had the first tiger of the season at 3lb. Jim Candlish had a good session on size 10 buzzers and the odd fish has fallen to Diawl Bach and pheasant tail.

MONIKIE Island Pond is now open and the north pond will open when water levels are back to normal.

Despite the cold weather and extreme winds, Monday saw seven rods taking 21 fish for 53lb 15oz with 17 others returned.

Successful flies include damsel, black & green lures, nomads and cormorants. Some decent fish have come off in the early days of the season including two at 4lb 6oz, two more over 4 lb and another three over 3lb.

Goth FFC from Fallin were not put off by the sleet and snow on Saturday and had a good outing at ORCHILL TROUT FISHERY, catching 55 fish for 170lb with the heaviest bag coming from Donald McMutchie with four fish weighing 14lb 4oz.

If fisheries, clubs or individuals would like their fishery news included in this weekly column email sales@ angusangling.co.uk or contact Neil Anderson on 01307 466366 or 07759 022503. Tight lines!