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Weekly Report
Issued 28th March 2006

Menteith Opening Day Report

Menteith trout season opened on the 25th March and was blessed with the overnight change to mild weather. The fishing was opened by Jan Simpson of Arntomie (pictured left) – the family are share holders in the Fishery Company. Water temperature was still cold though, and at 3.5C, was less than half of the water temperature at this time last year. With pre-season stocking at similar levels to last year the effect of colder water temperatures was a big reduction in catches from last season’s record day when there was a glut of fish and 530+ fish were caught for the 31 boats. This season catches were more respectable. 146 fish were caught by the 30 boats plus 25 fish returned. The Lake is heating up rapidly now and catches are improving consequently. As of Tuesday the 6ft water temperature stood at 6C with a low clarity (1.5m in Gateside Bay) – the result of spate conditions. All areas have been reporting good catches but anglers have been concentrating on their favourite spring haunts – Hotel Bay, Road shore, Lochend and the Butts. Traditional patterns at this time of year include green and black, and lures with hints of either or both colours have been doing well. Also reported working is the white cat, booby, blob and buzzers. As the water has warmed the fish have moved up and catches are now being reported on floating lines through to Di3. Chris Sutherland of Largs AC had a nice over wintered fish (top right), Paul Young also had a successful outing (middle right). John Singleton of Pinkertons AC (lower right) caught this ~ 20lb pike on 6lb fluorocarbon and a black green fritz. The fish was returned to the water after a 10-25min tussle. Paul Clarke of Cardonald (bottom left) landed this nice resident brown.

Club results: Dalziell (7 boats) 33 fish 69lbs, Pinkertons 17 fish for 38lbs, Scotsman (3 boats) 13 fish for 29lbs, ICI (6½ boats) 45 fish for 98lbs.