Angling Reports/News

Lake of Menteith 18th March 2019 Opening Blawg

The Lake was opened by Topher Nairn (left) from Lochend – despite the snow lying thick around the country (but it wasn’t too bad at the port). The opening was assisted with some fine tunes for such a cold day, from Piper Stewart Marshall of Cambusbarron. Being only 50ft above sea level, and sheltered from many directions gives the lake its own microclimate – but the combination of sleet, snow wind and rain had many seeking the pleasures of the howff and wood burning stove within hours of going out. In the afternoon the wind dropped and nothing fell out of the sky, and some pleasant fishing was enjoyed.  

The anglers who braved the weather were rewarded with some good catches with overwintered fish over 5lbs being landed. Successful tactics ranged from snakes and boobies fished on sinking lines right up to dry flies in the more sheltered areas. The wind in the morning came from east/north- east and swung all the way round through north to finish a westerly by the end of the afternoon.

The Jimmy Nairn Memorial for the most beautiful fish caught on Opening day

The most beautiful fish was a “no brainer” for the panel of three judges and was caught by Alan Steven from Bo’ness, pictured with the fish and holding the trophies. Alan gets to keep the bowl, carved by Jimmy’s son in law – Chris Carroll.


All the beautiful fish contenders can be seen at the Lake of Menteith below. 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.

Opening Day This Saturday – 16th March 2019

Lake of Menteith 12th March 2019

One of the windiest weeks of the winter so far and yet the met office has Saturday as quite fishable. Let’s hope the systems aren’t delayed coming in off the Atlantic.

Water Temperature 5.5C Clarity 2.6m

We have put in 1022 rainbows (1.5 to 3.5lbs) and browns (mainly 3/4lb but a few bigger – like the one below (held by fisheries stalwart Douglas Fraser). As most of you will know the lake has fished well all winter thanks to the big end of season stocking (see fly tyer Peter Batchelor’s Feb fish). With a bit of clement weather, the fishing forecast is for quite a few overwintered fish. The Pike angling has been a bit mixed this pre-season but the strong winds have limited the possibilities. This 23lb pike was caught by Terry Eldridge of the PAC during the most recent outing. Terry also had the 2nd biggest at 18lbs.

New for 2019 are another couple of brand new Coulam Boats, the Online Booking system and a new square sausage supplier. The new battery-operated siphon tube will cut down breakdowns (and petrol consumption) due to water in the fuel.

To kick off the New Season we will have Davie Stewart’s World Championship Pies (beans if you want them) and some refreshments.

In honour of our long serving Director Jimmy Nairn, we have a new trophy for Opening day. Jimmy personally dragged this piece of bog oak out of the Lochend swamps. It is reckoned to be at least 5000 years old. Son in law Chris Carroll has made the trophy below right which will adorn the Angling Howff. Wood worker Chris also plans to donate a bowl every year (like the one below left) to the winner of this Opening day competition.

We are still mulling it over, but we reckon the winner will have caught the best fish that day. Size is not everything and the fish can be weighed in and or photographed or photographed and returned. The judge’s decision on the day is final .

Jimmy Nairn

To all of those who have been asking and are interested. We are having a memorial service for James Nairn at the Port Kirk this Fri 15th at 11:30am. (From Jimmy’s Family)

Jimmy was our Director and Neighbour and devoted much of his time to the fishery as Director and Managing Director. He interviewed both Douglas and myself. We have always been grateful for his considered opinion and enjoyed his generosity, friendship and advice. His hand on the helm will be missed. Quint

Tight Lines and a Happy New Year All

VACANCY FOR A PART TIME ACCOUNTANT at the Lake of Menteith Fisheries, Port of Menteith, Stirling FK8 3RA.

The Fishery company is looking for a part time accountant to look after the finances of the company which is based on the shores of the Lake of Menteith, where the company grows and stocks rainbow trout and rents out their fleet of 35 fishing boats. It is envisaged that two mornings per week will be required. The main duties required will include; recording of financial transactions and banking, preparing of budgets and accounts for planning and tax purposes and staff wages. Please send your application form to The Manager at the above address.

Fishing blog 13th Nov 2018

 

Pike Angler’s Alliance Scotland were had their special access day on Saturday 10th November and they had much nicer fishing conditions than the previous Saturday when the Pike Angling Club were out. Picture below left  Stuart Sutherland of FishX with two both caught at the same time (don’t try this at home folks). Scott Hardie (pictured right) had the biggest (on dead bait) at 31lbs 4oz. We stocked another 250 2 ½ pound fish today.

Some great catches of trout this week with 10 plus for the boat being the norm and quite a few anglers taking advantage of the reasonable weather. Best areas have been Tod Hole or Gateside with booby or lure.

The photographs of the ephemeral fish made by the Port School children are being very much appreciated and enjoyed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angling Blog 6th November

Lake of Menteith 6th Nov 2018

Water Temperature : 7C, Clarity (Secchi disc)2.2m

 

This week’s first November stocking at the Lake (250 at 2.5lbs) gets scrutinised by Connor Shearer. We still have another pen of 450 more fish waiting to go in. Been a nice mild week so far with the bet of the catches in the eastern basin – fishing into the reeds.

We have had a great October for fishing which has made up for our over hot summer.

Another fantastic end to the main season with the Kirk and School Fundraiser BBQ which raised over £3000 (for the first time – before costs). Thanks to the generosity of the anglers and parents. All permit money is donated to the Kirk and School by the fishery. The School Council and children layed on a fantastic BBQ with music and song. There is no better way to mark the start of winter.

We do have boats available all winter for when the weather is mild (except weekends and over the festive period), and just turn up if the boat availability page says there are boats available and your decision is made late in the day without confirmation (we will get you out). All advice re booking will also appear on the boat availability page.

Should we make de-barbed hooks compulsory next year? check out our poll on facebook.

 

16th October

 

Water Temperature : 9C, Clarity (Secchi disc)2.5m

It is the turn of the big oaks to go red at Menteith. So if you are lucky and get a hint of sunshine…The sunsets can also be phenomenal from mid Oct onwards – as the sun goes down over the Malling shore. We are still pouring in the fish. 1500 good looking blues, bows and browns were stocked last week and around 1000 are set to go in this week (over 500 are already in). The pens will be pushed ashore next week and access to all of Gateside Bay will be possible from Tuesday 23rd Oct. There should be quite a few wide tailed specimen residents featuring in the catches after this date.  Photos by Colin Riach.

 

Speaking of big tails, Lake Regular Tom Buchanan is featuring on Landward BBC2 in a feature called

SAVING OUR SALMON – 9PM TONIGHT (Tues 16/10/18).

I believe Tam will also be heard singing us one of his songs.

THE LAST 3 SUNDAY FISHING DAYS START AT 11AM (i.e. 21/10, 28/10 and 4/11). Prices are reduced pro-rata after the clocks go back.

Kirk and School Day on the 4th of November which brings to and end our main season. There are 13 boats left for this full on fishing, food, fireworks (over the water) and musical BBQ. All-inclusive tickets for two angler’s catch and release is great value at £45.

BANK v BARCLAYS

Simon Menzies from the Bank of Scotland AC reports: The Lake hosted the 41st competition for the T W Walker Trophy between Bank of Scotland and Barclays Bank on Friday. Bank of Scotland retained the trophy by catching 70 fish with a nominal weight of 148lb to Barclays 54 fish with a nominal weight of 114lb. The much forecast winds were luckily not as strong as expected, but the rain more than made up for it. Stevie Nicoll was best rod for Bank of Scotland and Ralph Painter for Barclays. Both anglers caught ten fish. Rod average for the event was just over 5. Following the match, a dinner was held in The Birds and Bees, Stirling’. Best methods were washing line set ups with booby and nymphs although lures and dries did pick up fish as well.

Winter opening at the Lake is restricted to week days only from November onwards – apart from the Kirk and School Day and the Pike Club days. See boat availability. Photo QG