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Menteith Weekly Report Preseason issued 9/3/07

Preseason Report

A mild winter to date with only a few days with a thin skim of ice amongst the reeds. Torrential rain caused serious flooding in late December, and the Lake boats were used to rescue sheep from the Carse when the River Forth burst its banks. It was the worst flooding in 100 years. Ospreys were first noted on the 6th March this year (ours, or other birds on route?), and are now seen on a daily basis, with a pair spotted over Lochend Bay this morning.

2006 Catch Summary: The average 8 hr day fish catch per 2 man boat was 4.6 fish for 10lbs 4oz - up 7% on 2005. 8hr day average boat catches were: 4.7 fish for 10lbs (Mar/Apr), 4.6 fish for 10.9lbs (May), 4.2 fish for 9.5lbs (June), 3.2 fish for 6.9lbs (July), 5.6 fish for 11.8lbs (August), 5.7 fish for 12.9lbs (Sept) and 4 fish for 9.9lbs (Oct). The overall average fish weight was 2lbs 4oz. The effect of the heat wave in July is evident. In 2006, the brown trout record was broken by David Mateer with a fine resident fish of 10lbs 15oz. The rainbow trout record was broken 3 times in 2006 – finally by David Downie who landed a beautiful on grown bow of 17lbs 13oz on the last day of the season. The proportion of fish returned was 10.4%. One of the most interesting stats from 2006 was the fact that anglers at the Lake raised over £20000 for charities.

Pike fishing has gone well with 3 of the 4 winter pike days having been held so far. On the last November 18/11/06 the pike anglers had perhaps one of their best days on the Lake with 1 fish of 35lbs, 10 fish greater than 20lbs and 70 pike between 10 and 20lbs. On Saturday 3rd March Derek Smith from Argyll caught this 31lb 4oz beauty.

Trout “bag” targets have decreased in recent years, and catch and release is receiving increasing emphasis. In line with these moves the fishery has reduced the limit per boat from 15 fish to 12 fish. Once the limit has been reached anglers can fish catch and release, but are allowed to keep any fish caught over 5lbs in weight.
In 2007 the fishery is scheduled to hold some major angling competitions, including the: Youth International, Police International, IFFA Autumn International and the Final of the SANA National Championships, Scottish Club Championships and the Menteith Boat League. More information under events on the website.

The 2007 season commences on 24th March and stocking will commence 2 weeks prior to this with 500 brown trout and 1500 rainbows.

April Tactics: April can often be the best month at Menteith catch wise (e.g. 2005). Fish will be found close to the bottom in the very shallow water. Tactics in the early days of last year varied from floating lines to DI3 with lures or buzzers but with a slow retrieve. Popular areas last April included the Shallow Markers, Dog Isle, Inchmahome South shore, Hotel Bay, Road shore, Lochend and the Butts.