Fisheries ready for spring after ‘challenging’ winter

Believe it or not spring is just around the corner and the traditional trout fishing season is looming!

Many fisheries stay open all year round and this winter has been a “challenge” to many David Duff, at Ledyatt

Trout Fishery, said: “As a fishery operator, I can tell you this has been a very tough winter. So much snow and ice has forced us to close for extended periods.

“Though when we do open the magic happens!”

Scott Allan, 17, had the time of his life, netting 24 fish in one session, including a 7lb rainbow using a floating line and a blob under an indicator. He also landed his first tiger trout.

David Anderson was actually shaking after netting a mega rainbow straining the scales at an incredible 14lb.

Kevin Haughton had a great time battling two doubles in one session. This time a 14lb and a 13lb fish.

Ian Forbes landed a whopper weighing 10lb 2ozs. Most of the fish were taken on floating lines with a sink or midge tip with a team of black buzzers.

None of these fish won the cash pot for heaviest fish of the month. That goes to Richard Alan for a second time with an 11lb trout.

● Newton Farm Fishery has also battled the elements this winter with some “interesting” conditions.” The beast from the east didn’t fail to deliver.

Newton was closed for four full days. Once anglers returned there was more than decent fishing.

David Simpson, Forfar, landed 12 hard fighting bows up to 4lbs, while Tomasz Wodzinski went two better, landing 14 including a rainbow at 11lbs.

● Despite horrific Arctic weather, Forbes

of Kingennie has been open most days.

However, angling numbers have naturally been well down. Top rod on the Boathouse was Mr Hogg who returned a very creditable 10 fish. James Smith found a Hare’s Ear worked well, releasing four fish in a short session.

Scott Watson had a short outing on the Burnside but managed three fish on buzzers, the largest a fine rainbow estimated at 10lbs.

Dave Whitecross also returned three in a morning session, taken on yellow dancer while Nick Soave took three rainbows for a total of 6lb 8ozs.

Frank Sherriff again did well on the Bankside poo, returning three fish with the best being a superb rainbow of 9lbs 2ozs.

● Raith Lake Fly Fishery. Management have decided to close the fishery and re-open on Thursday March 15.

The melting snow and rain is leading to the water being severely coloured.

The planned stocking of over 200 rainbows and blues will now take place on March 15.

● Canmore Angling Club tickets are now on sale for 2018 – £40 for adults and £30 for OAP and juniors for a full year.

The club has the lease on Forfar Loch which is stocked with browns and rainbows. It also has the lease on Den of Ogil which is stocked with browns only. Boats are available on both venues. ● The Strathmore Angling Improvement

Assocation tickets are available and remain at the same rates as last year. Both permits are available at Angus Angling Forfar.

Email your news to sales@angusangling.co.uk or contact Neil Anderson on 01307 466366 or 07759 022503.

Tight Lines!