Lochside

The end of March found four nice trout,  all over 1 ½ lbs coming to the net from Luichart, two on the fly and two on a spinner, photos taken, these were returned to grow bigger. All were taken at a depth of ten to fifteen feet and bites were quite savage and unexpected, as I’d spent over four hours with not a sign of a fish.

I agree with Jonny Niblet that the one pounders seem to be few and far between, but this seems to be the norm nowadays on all the lower lochs.

We do have a population of otters now which wasn’t around a few years ago, but although I’ve found small pike with just the heads left and one or two trout half eaten on the bank, it is not conclusive that otters are to blame, or whether they would make that much difference to the vast stock of trout that abound.

I certainly can’t complaint with a number of trout to 4lbs recently, and the 11lb brownie from Luichart in 2009. The smaller ones are still a job to catch and only the hill lochs are producing consistently small trout on the fly.

Each year I also catch a number of 6lb kelt in perfect condition, on spinners, and the smaller grilse of 2lbs coming to the net.

Pike also seem to be on the decline as I see less and less spawning each year at their usual spots. This could be put down to mishandling and less fish being put back by so-called anglers who fish at night, leaving a mass of beer cans and bottles, cut down trees for their fires and all manner of garbage when they leave.

I still pick up the masses of line, hooks, and broken glass to prevent birds and animals getting caught, but I no longer collect the rest of the rubbish left as it's getting out of hand. Now I just avoid these spots where I used to enjoy fishing and go elsewhere.

Also, found on my wandering fishing trips two mink traps washed up, no tops at Lochluichart and two more (complete) and covered in mud, again washed up on the bank along the River Bran after a spate.

If anyone knows who is putting these down, they can contact me, I would be pleased to show them where they can be found.

The first male adder I have seen this year, had made a home under my boat. Apart from the warmth and shelter, it must also have been attracted by the mouse nest beneath it! It took a couple of photos which came up well on the digital but have yet to be printed.

I ended up April with a beautifully conditioned pike of 8lb, taken when spinning from the bank followed by a small 2lb jack that so engulfed the large lure that my fingers were covered in blood (mine!) when getting it out. Again I’m amazed what these small pike try to swallow.
First week in May saw three more pike of 6 ½ lbs, 7lbs and 9lbs taken in one session on dead bait.
Fishing for larger pike and trout usually picks up considerably by June, July and August. And I can virtually guarantee big fish will be caught during this period.

SO if there are any local men/women who would like to catch a large fish, but not sure where or how to go about it, get in touch with me on 07519 752344 and I’ll soon have you holding up a specimen (Don't worry if you haven’t any pike gear, as you are welcome to use mine).                 David Willis

Photography courtesy of David Willis