THE LAKE OF MENTEITH FISHERIES WEBSITE
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Fly Fishing for Pike - Lake Rules
Below is the current procedure and rules for fly fishing for pike. No doubt refinements can be made so please feel free to comment re possible improvements as it is early days.
Fish are to be unhooked in the water in the net. So if fishing two to a boat, unhookers should make sure that the other angler does not unbalance the boat. Pike nets will be provided. Drogues must be disinfected or have been suitably dried. If the fish is to be weighed this should be done by attaching scales to net for a quick weight to be achieved. If a photo is required the fish can be held for a short moment above (or nearly above) the water while the photo is taken. The body and the head should be equally supported – especially with large fish as if too much weight is supported from the gills, damage to the fish can occur. All anglers should carry long nose pliers for releasing the hook and only single debarbed hooks (max size 6) are allowed. The maximum number of boat permits issued will be 10 and the price for an evening boat for 2 is £40 (as per existing fly pike price). A proper weight of fly rod is required (9-10wt) as this ensures that the fish is played out quickly. All fished should be supported in the water after unhooking until they can vigorously swim away. In summer, the Lake is a stratified (distinct temperature reduction with depth) and these layers do not mix until winter. As the Lake is mesotrophic (moderately productive) there are many organisms living and growing at all depths. In the summer these organisms quickly use up all the oxygen at depth, and as there is no mixing below about 10m, these deeper layers become anaerobic (devoid of oxygen). If a fish is released too early above these deeps then it will sink into an area with no oxygen and die. Particular care should be taken when releasing fish above deeper areas and fishing should be concentrated in areas of shallower water (the majority of the Lake is less than 10m deep) to avoid this possibility (see depth map in brochure).
The fly pike fishing is a trial venture this year and we will be monitoring catches closely to see how catches develop and for any possible adverse effects. All boats must fill in a catch return (use trout recording sheet) but state number and weight of pike caught. The fishery is and will remain primarily a trout angling water and income from pike fishing will help to boost trout stocking levels and maintenance of the boat fleet. We currently have pike gear for one for hire (cost £6, £20 deposit).
To summarise:
Pike Fly Fishing (10 boats) is allowed on Monday evenings only.
All fish must be unhooked in the net (pay attention to balancing the boat) provided.
Fish must be held until recovered before release.
Weighing to be done in capture net using portable spring scale.
Long nosed pliers to be carried at all times for unhooking
Avoid fishing or release of fish over deep areas.
All hooks to be debarbed – max size 6.0
9/10wt rod required.
Accurate catch returns required from all boats (including blank returns)
Drogues must be suitably dried or disinfected.
My PB. QG