23/12/2011 - Eliburn

Bit of a beast

 Time - 12.40 - 16.20
Water - Cloudy, cold
Where - Middle Peg & Bridge Peg
Weather - Cold, calm, odd very light shower, 6.5 degrees on arrival
Methods - Meat cubes on the bottom, multi maggots on float
Total - 14
Species - Ide (4), Perch (9), Roach (1)
Size - 4.5 inch - 17.5 inch

Five anglers in total, two of them with poles were trying their luck. The water had been frozen until Tuesday before thawing and was certainly still chilly when I dipped my hand in.

I was delighted to find my fave middle peg unoccupied and settled in. Rather than specimen hunt with both rods, due to the time of year I decided to try one with meat cubes on the bottom with one rod and vary the depths under a float with maggots or pellets on the other. A tactic that proved very productive by the end of proceedings.

I'd sat for a while with nothing doing at all. The pole fishers were on the last two pegs on the east bank at the dam end. The Dam boy got a gudgeon and the other guy landed two I think, one I defo saw was a roach of about 8ish inch. Not sure of his bait, but he was sending the pole out, tipping his bait in, retrieving the pole, adding his bait/float, then dropping it right on top of his bait again. The fourth gent arrived and took the bottom corner peg chatting a bit on the way past. His intention was to fish the bottom.

Tip top condition

After exploring depths & areas with the mag rod, I was even unsuccessful right in at the bank hoping for a guj or wee Perch. Eventually, only marginally further out I had a wee tickle and extracted a Perch that, if I had had the temerity to measure it, may have broken the 4.5 inch barrier. And it had wolfed the hook right down. About 20-30 mins later, another little bit of action on the float was met with my eagle-like reactions. Fully expecting a guj or 4 inch perch, I was delighted to feel something a bit more substantial. It turned out to be a 10.5 inch Roach in nice nick. Not quite a mad half hour, but thats sort of how it felt at the time.

There hadn't been any fish visible just under the surface, but occasionally what were probably decent carp, would break the surface, mostly near the middle of the water so with a couple banked and some sort of activity about, I was happy enough. Nothing whatsoever on the meat rod though and no nibbles at all when I retrieved the bait for inspection. As the time edged closer to darkness, I had to decide whether to stay put, maybe get another fish or two and maybe a nice one on the meat, or head towards the bridge where I would always go if I had to catch a fish if my life depended on it at Eliburn. So I upped sticks and moved.

Half way to my destination, I noticed another dude fishing where I was headed. However he was packing up. So I politely made enquiries and sure enough it would be all mine soon enough. The vacating gent said he'd taken 4 small perch on the maggot.

One of the greedy 15 inchers

First cast my float disappeared and I took my second tiny, hook swallowing roach of the day. Result. Another 3 followed, maybe reaching as much as 6 inch in length. I'd edged about as north as I could go, where the inflow drops off and struck into another perchy type bite and realised immediately I was into something a lot more substantial. A couple of minutes later I had a 15" Ide on the bank. Where did that come from? I was baiting up a bit more now and the Idey type swirls would appear now and again so I knew I was in with a chance of some more. Bang, another 15 incher soon followed which was blind in one eye, then almost immediately another that gave me a good tussle requiring a fair bit of cajoling to keep it out of the weeds beds. It tipped the measuring tape at 17.5 inches. A few more wee perch then followed before a final 15 inch Ide obliged. All fish on the maggot and all using tactics that wouldnt be out of place at most other times of the year at Eliburn, although generally deeper than usual, but not necessarily on the bottom.

19/11/2011 - Pumpherston Pond

South Bank looking East

Time - 14.00 - 15.30

Water - Quite clear, very weedy
Where - All accessible points

Weather - Mild, slight breeze

Methods - Maggots, float
Total - 1
Species - Perch
Size - 7 inch

The recent advent of full time employment combined with the time of year and reducing hours of light have contributed to limited (no) opportunities to wet a hook resulting in about six weeks of frustration. Finally I was able to grab a wee sesh at Pumpherston Pond, having considered trying the F&C canal at Kilsyth or Falkirk. Best chance of avoiding a blank tipped me towards Pumphy where the Perch are usually most accommodating and there is always the chance of the odd surprise.


On arrival I was pleased that the weather was pleasant enough without too much wind, as Pumphy is reasonably open. First inspections though showed the pond to be choking with weed (too much weed, what an unusual complaint). This seemed to be the case for as far as I could see out before the reflection took over even around to the golf green which had no such problem this time last year. Will need to bring a rake and a rope the next time to dig out a swim.


There was the usual amount of litter for this venue. This wee pond has bags of potential yet seems to be used as a litter bin by many of the locals. And as is so often the case, a lot of the litter was from Anglers. I suppose one good thing about the litter of other anglers is at least you can get an insight into their methods and quarry as there was an empty pack of Sprats, so obviously, someone must have been after Esox Lucius at some point recently. While I was setting up and absorbing this, I saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the woods behind me, alas, it was too shy to let me get a photo, but a bonus sighting nevertheless.

Fish of the month so far (from a shortlist of 1)

So I dropped some mag's into a hole in the weed off the brick 'pier'. No action. So I scouted around the bank a bit more. It was apparent I was going to have my work cut out due to the profusion of aquatic growth.


On the bridge next to the green, there was an open channel of water out through the weed and I noticed around half a dozen fish gliding away from me, most probably Perca. The golf course has big scary signs up now prohibiting fishing. So, applying common sense, seeing that there were no golfers on that or any adjacent holes and being unable to fish anywhere else, I chucked my hooked mags and a sprinkling more out into the channel. Nothing for 2 or 3 casts. I then inadvertently used the 'Perch Inducement Method' that seems to work on the tiddlers in Eliburn. I'd cast out, but due to discrepancy between where the float & bait hit the water, the float was over the channel, but the mag's would fall onto weed. So after I'd cast and the mag's had had time to drop, I suspected they may not have fallen to their intended suspended depth and gave a little pull to dislodge them. If maggots are suspended and there are Perch about, often a small tug, imparting a little 'artificial' movement to the mags seems to angry up the Perch and induce a take. As soon as I'd adjusted the bait, the float went under and I was delighted to be in to my first fish of the day/month.
However, there were two sets of golfers coming into range so I made sure I was well out their way and this meant leaving what appeared to be about the only fishable bit of the pond. I had a dip along the south bank casting as far as my set-up would allow hoping to get past the weed I could see, but I was generally getting entangled and so the sesh petered out to an inevitable end.


With some daylight left I decided to have a wee look at the weir on the Almond at East Calder. I've seen prolific amounts of fish trying to clear the weir here before, although in early October if my memory serves me correctly. There hadn't been much in the way of rain or high water recently, so I wasn't really expecting any migratories, but you never know.

The weir at East Calder.

The river was at normal enough height, not low, not high. Before too long there had been a few jumpers. Most if not all were Brownies, mostly about 8 inches with one or two being no bigger than 12 inches. It is quite likely that I was viewing repeat jumpers, so if I say I saw 25 jumps, I reckon half of those were the same fish on more than one occasion. Although not paying full attention, most jumps were taking place in my wee corner. I only noticed one fish jump at the far side of the fish ladder. I'll include some video I took below once on my pc.

03/10/11 - North Esk

Time - 18.00 - 19.00

Water - Around 10cm up, coloured nicely
Where - Railway Tunnel Bridge - Dalmore Weir

Weather - OK

Methods - Size 3 mepp
Total - 1
Species - Brown Trout
Size - 10.5 inch

An excellent image above of the overnight rise in water level according to the Dalmore gauge on the North Esk.  While an excellent resource, I've only recently discovered this specific water level indicator. On the few occasions since discovering it that I've been able to match it to my own actual observed conditions, I'd say that it is accurate at recording water levels, bit the times it claims to represent are a bit out. I'll be more specific once I've had time to do a bit more matching up of data and observations.

From Dalmore Tunnel looking west along the Old Railway

The boost in water attracted me out. Auchendinny was the direction. After an unsuccesful stint at the bridge, walked through the tunnel to the old mill site to find it's been fenced off since my last visit. So back up to the bridge, into the water and a traipse downstream. However, as I was crossing at the foot of the bridge pool, I chucked the spinner directly upstream. This is the tactic that has brought me my only two fish to date from this pool and first cast I was into another. Notable that they don't sniff the mepp in other directions but can't help themselves when its heading straight downstream.

10.5 inch

Afterwards there was a little toil for no reward. Nothing doing at all in the weir pool and the impending darkness ended proceedings.

01/10/11 - South Medwin Water

Biggest Hill Pool

Time - 18.00 - 19.00

Water - Crystal clear, not low, but not high either
Where - Parked at the farm track ford & fished upstream in the hill pools, then a quick shot at and above the humpback bridge

Weather - Windy, drizzly

Methods - Size 3 mepp
Total - 3
Species - Brown Trout
Size - 6.5-8.5 inches

6.5 inch

With time running out in the trout season, I made my way to Dunsyre to see what was on offer. Initially drove thru the village and along the farm track to the weir. The track is becoming difficult to pass and an off roader would be well advised next time I attempt the mission. Had a quick thrash in the weir pool, but nothing showed itself in a favourable looking spot.

First 8.5 incher

Moved upstream in the increasing drizzle doubting my decision to persevere. En route witnessed at least a thousand geese, maybe as much as five thousand or so, migrating in their V formations, in half a dozen or so groups. Took some footage, but in the grey drizzle and at the height they were at, not really worth adding the clip on here. Tried my luck in one or two small runs, the burn is pretty small this far upstream with no success. At the first decent pool I connected with a 6.5 incher, resplendent in a real buttery brown colouring and flapping about like the wild burn brownie it was. An absolutely excellent wee fish and suddenly everything was worthwhile again.

Best saved til last

At the next and biggest pool, prospects looked outstanding. After a couple of missed taps, I managed to get my second fish, marked and coloured exactly as the first fish. However on closer inspection, there was a problem with its tail. At first I assumed it had been nibbled a bit, and that may have been the case. But it was probably some sort of fungus/wasting type infection. Otherwise the fish was lovely.

The very next cast I hit the jackpot again with another 8.5 incher, this time without any problems. Fish of the day to top things off. If these are the fish that make their way downstream and into the Clyde, then the Clyde is a lucky river indeed.

With the rain and potential for lying water in mind, I made my way back to the car to get back along the farm track before things got too slippy and puddles got too deep at the risk of becoming stranded.

At the humpback bridge, I had a wee peer to see what, if anything was happening. Upstream there is a shallowish pool which slopes right into shallows before running under the bridge. At the tail of that pool, there must have been 8-12, 7-9 inchers lying which were spooked by my silhouette and made themselves noticeable as they made for cover in the deeper current. I fished from the bridge up for a few small pools and runs, but generally the pools were too small. Nevertheless I did manage a couple of half decent bites.

Last stop was the pool immediately below the bridge. I opted to fish upstream into it from the right bank. I was tapped a couple of times when casting right into the inflow but was unable to make them count and called it a day after a right good covering.

30/09/11 - Union Canal

Dangerous business

Time - 17.00 - 18.00

Water - Cloudyish, quite like coffee
Where - M9 trunk road basin

Weather - Dull and breezy

Methods - Worm/float & pike lure
Total - 0


Whilst still awaiting ultimate success at this excellent looking spot, I had a hankering after some worm action. So with a tub of worms I set off in search of a Perch or whatever else would take the bait. Whilst chucking the worm out I also pursued a pike with my £9.99 pike lure. There was a fair amount of  leaf litter and suchlike so I was often catching leaves and grass with the spinner. And thats about as exciting as the lure report goes.

The worm had just as much (or as little) action. Was hoping for an angry perch to get involved, but not to be. There were the odd bubble or two, although I'd strongly suspect they were simply gas bubbles. But there was some activity in the surface from really small fish, flapping or semi-rising. Despite being very sure the limited commotion was from fish, I was unable in the light & reflection to see and/or ID these little blighters.

25/09/11 - North Esk

Time - 18.00 - 19.00

Water - Up a little bit and still a bit of colour, but right back down towards standard level
Where - Dalmore Tunnel Bridge Pool and downstream.

Weather - A bit muggy

Methods - Size 3 mepp
Total - 1
Species - Brown Trout

Size - 8.5 inch


Conditions a lot less favourable for the spinner due to relaxing water levels. But that didn't stop me hoping for biggies. I did manage a few taps and eventually briefly extracted this lovely wee scrapper from its home.


I fished downstream from the previously most downstream pool I'd fished. At the very foot of the Dalmore site there is a long crescent of a pool. I crossed upstream so I was on the right bank. Despite it looking excellent, I had no luck until the second part of the pool which has a small run in to a deeper section that runs alongside a wall on the left bank. I caught my solitary fish at the run in. Although it was well worth its photo, I decided to photograph it as I suspected it might be the only victim of the day. And so it turned out.


Below here, there were another couple of likely looking spots, but nothing else came to play before I had to retrace my steps prior to darkness o'clock.

23/09/11 - North Esk

Time - 14.00-14.45 & 16.30-18.45

Water - About +10cm
Where - Dalmore Tunnel Bridge - Dalmore Mill & Above Weir at Mavisbank to about 1/2 mile downstream

Weather - Fair, a bit breezy with a hint of a chill

12 inch radge

Methods - Size 3 mepp
Total - 6
Species - Brown Trout
Size - 8.5-12 inch

First session at Dalmore started nicely with a follow and semi take by a nice fish under the Tunnel Bridge. No smaller than 12 inch. Then connected with the 12 incher which went mad jumping out the water three times and wrapping itself up in the line a bit. Managed to get it in and back without much trouble. No more luck on this stretch and had agreed to pick up B to try elsewhere.

Decided on the Mavisbank/Polton stretch behind Loanhead. B got a bite and lost one above the weir in the 7-8 inch bracket. I managed to extract a 9.5 incher below the weir. We then worked down the right bank initially. I took an 8 incher from a steep banked spot before we decided to head up and across and down the left bank.

9.5 inch

At the first (very) nice spot with a metal structure lying down the near side, I covered it for a few bites and three more fish all at or around 9 inch. Once done, headed down to B to find him in the process of unhooking a lovely 12 incher he'd taken at a wall pool with a nice run into it.

Access wasn't always easy from there down and we stopped at the first house.


As you can see from the two photos, a stark example of the difference in markings and colouration of the same species. Location, time of year, size, diet and probably sex all have a bearing on the appearance. You could be forgiven if you thought they were different species.

22/09/11 - North Esk

17.5 inch

Time - 18.15-19.35

Water - Up about 10cm, nice peaty colour
Where - Bridge Pool at Tunnel Entrance to Dalmore Mill

Weather - Fair

Methods - Size 2 silver & 3 silver Mepp with blue spots
Total - 4
Species - Brown Trout
Size - 10.75-17.5 inch

12 incher

I'd had a quick blast the previous day but the water was a bit too high and cloudy and no interest was registered. With a rainless day and information from further downstream that the river was in great condition, I headed for a quick evening session on the Auchendinny stretch and connected with four stotters. First up was an 11.5 incher. A few minutes later a 10.75 incher. Next cast a 12 incher, a lovely fish. Then, after a spell of calm after all the fish and interest, BANG, a 17.5 incher attacked the mepp and set off downstream with me in hot pursuit. A heck of a battle mostly fought in the rapids. I nearly had it and lost it a couple of times before finally being able to grab it and dive onto the overgrown bank. Four trout only, average length = 12.8125 inch!!! Delighted. Subsequently lost my size 3 mepp on the bottom just as dusk turned to dark.

The 'smaller' fish were all in excellent nick and carrying some chubiness. The bigger fish was a lot slimmer. While I wasn't sure what my all time Esk record was and had it provisionally at 12.5 inch, this is certainly the biggest brownie I've either caught or seen caught in the Esk.

11.5 incher

15/09/11 - North Esk

Dalmore Mill Weir & Pool

Time - 17.00 - 19.45
Water - Up 5-10cm, nice peaty colour

Where - Bridge Pool at Tunnel Entrance to Dalmore Mill

Weather - Fair

Methods - Size 2 & 3 silver Mepp
Total - 2
Species - Brown Trout
Size - 12-12.5 inch

Arrived at first pool to find an Angler in residence. He was set up with maggots & a swim feeder and also fly fishing the tail of the pool. Plenty small ones rising, incumbent claimed to have just set up and had no luck. He decided to pack up, so I was able to fish through the very tasty looking pool. Without success. Worked downstream through 2-3 nice pools, still with no luck.

12 inch

The pool below the weir produced 2 or 3 quick bites from fish no bigger than 8 inch. Moved to the left bank and got tapped by half a dozen or so, 2 or 3 of which were very decent, prob similar to what followed. One of the big losses took almost instantly in the froth right under the edge of the waterfall. Beats me how they're so alert and rapid. Waded onto the bottom of the weir to get a better angle across and under the trees on the far bank and hooked into a 12 inch brownie. This nudged my record up from 11.5 inch on the Esk. Delighted!!!

12.5 inch

After a quick celebration in the customary fashion to let the water settle, I resumed the contest. Another few bites, again including more than one stotter ended when Fish Two connected after uncustomary perseverance by myself. The fish were less prone to being spooked by the spinner as the turbulence of the water over the edge of the weir helped to cover up takes and misses.

Both fish required a fair bit of bossing as I wasn't in a great Landing Spot. Didn't need to worry too much as both fish had gulped the lure. The second fish tipped my Esk record upwards by another half inch. Despite continued effort, long after I'd usually leave a pool, no more were obliging.

Moving downstream I soon lost the triumphant size 3 mepp in a tree and switched to a size 2. Despite some nice looking runs and the odd half decent pool, I only managed two more bites in the next half hour or so before dusk set in and I retired with a 12.25 inch average.

Below is some half decent footage of the release of the second fish.

08/09/11 - Eliburn Reservoir

Blank Buster

Time - 15.00-20.00

Water - OK, visibility 18-24 inches, pretty calm

Where - Middle Peg

Weather - Decent enough, not much breeze, sunny outbreaks amongst cloud

Methods - Rod 1 - Maggots, float, 3lb trace size 18 pre-tied hook link, Rod 2 - Meat
Total - 1
Species - Roach
Size - 7 inch

As unusually tough a day as I've had here. First note of interest at 17.30 on the mags. Started shallow and increased depth. Although bites did increase, nothing wonderful. Prob just a Perch or two, a Guj or two and a Roach or two. The Roach I did eventually get was a very tentative offer, on mag, about 3-4 feet down.

Worth noting I didn't have too many maggots (leftovers from previous visit) & they were in a bit of moisture & pretty unpleasant to handle so I wasn't baiting up as often as normal. If/when I did, interest certainly increased.

The meat rod had no runs, one pickup up & spit, and two or thee line bites as far as I could tell. Twas a different brand of meat from usual and I'd like to think this had a bit to do with the general underwater inaction.

Others Anglers seemed to be in the same fishless boat. Two younger dudes started in the Dam Corner Peg and about 19.30 got a Mirror Carp of about 6lbs. Method looked like maggots in a swim feeder.

06/09/11 - Eliburn Reservoir

21 inch Common Carp (est 6lbs)

Time - 12.30-19.30
Water - OK, visibility 18-24 inches, a bit choppy, no film

Where - Second Peg on the arm, then Middle Peg

Weather - Very windy, nice to start with, drizzle increasing to really miserable at times

Methods - Rod 1 - Maggots, float, 3lb trace size 18 pre-tied hook link, Rod 2 - Meat
Total - 17
Species - Gudgeon, Perch, Common Carp
Size - 4 - 21 inches

If ever a day rewarded perseverance, this was it. Six Perch to 5.5 inches, ten Gudgeon to 5 inches in 6 hours until the meat rod finally paid off big time.

Started on The Arm, another gentleman started just before me on the First Peg using a pole. I began on the next peg along. Chucked the meat in near the lilies on the right, tried a few different lies, but nothing at all. The chunk had been quite well nibbled, but not by anything substantial and not enough to show any signs of a bite on the rod.

Extracted three Perch (including the 5.5 incher) & a fat 5 inch Gudgeon on varying amount of maggots. Started quite shallow (a foot or so) and got enough interest. Went deep and interest dropped off, although not altogether. Got stuck on the bottom a bit too often, although didn't lose any tackle so moved up to 1.5-2 foot and had most interest. Possibly the odd bite from an Ide, probably the odd bite from a Roach. A carp splurged in front of me about 15 feet out and despite the wave on the water, there were enough skimmer type fish louping out now and again to keep my interest up.

Decided to shift positions and see what was doing at the dam end. Spoke to Pole Guy. He'd had a small roach and a Crucian of about a pound and a half on pellet. Also spoke to guy on next peg round. He was using bread/float but had no joy. Observing plenty bubbles near the weed bed.

Happily the middle peg was free. I'd been thinking about a Dam end peg as it looked the most sheltered from the wind but the Middle Peg proved too tempting (another couple of guys were moving pegs too and were in Dam Outflow Corner Peg).

Lobbed some meat out in the usual spot and began efforts to connect with something other than Perch on the mags. A 5lb or so carp half splatted out of the water in front of me as I was re-setting up. However the wind was dragging the float right to left and into the shore too quickly. No chance of spotting surface fish and there were a few drizzly showers too. So I tended to fish no more than a rod length out with varying amounts of maggots and was able to get loads of attention mostly from Gudgeon and some Perch.

Gudgeon 4.5 inch (not the fat one)

The weather really closed in meaning a huddle under the brolly and a few missed bites on the mags. Another Carp flapped right out of the water about 20 feet in front startling me somewhat. Nothing happened for ages on the meat rod. Thought I had a wee bounce at one point, then eventually got a definite tap. But offers/attention were few and far between and I was missing anything that did show. There was one probable line bite too.

During a drizzle break I decided to move to the Dam Wall Peg. I collapsed the net and lay it on the fence and it was at this point that my meat line screamed off and up the lake. Turned, tightened and struck only to feel the hook and fish part company. No idea of size, but defo not a minnow!!! So had to stay put. I suspected it may have been a carp. Usually its more of a bounce than a run when the meat is taken. But as the day wore on I became a bit more convinced it was a Barbel (about 60/40).

One of the Perch I caught came off with the (pre-tied) hook and line disconnecting so started using a size 16 with the mags to no obvious slowing up in offers.

Was varying the distance from the bank with the meat rod (not too far, but sometimes quite close) and had another couple of bounces but couldnt connect. Meat often showed nibble marks. Noticed the barb of the hook was a little turned in, so straightened it in the hope it would help.

Then at about 6.45 the meat rod screamed off again (very satisfying sound) and this time the hook set nicely. I was able to turn it and exert a modicum of control. It didn't try to go too far (maybe just my increasing ability and composure in these circumstances). I'd been re-baiting the mag rod when this kicked off, so the water was clear in front to play it. Tried to get it up into the top of the water to get a look but it stayed quite low, and the fact it wasn't haring off uncontrollably meant I was happy it was a decent Barbel, confirming my earlier hypothesis. Eventually got it into view and was rather delighted to discover it was a friggin carp!!!

It might not have been uncontrollable, but it was still well heavy and difficult to get near the net. When it turned away it was also doing a good job of flapping its tail on the line. After 10-15 mins I was able to get it into the net without too many frights. The hook was securely in the top lip and no prob to disgorge.  Measured it, got a couple of photos and released it back.

It might be a sign of madness, but the fish seemed to be a reasonably chilled individual. It didn't scrap any harder than a 17 inch Barbel and felt less weighty by far in the water than my previous Common. It didn't flap about at all on the bank either, almost as if he knew the script and was waiting to be released. A very nice specimen. I didn't consider it's weight on the bank, but estimate it was about 6lbs for its 21 inches in length.

Although I continued on for another half hour, there were no more bites and I packed up.

02/09/11 - South Esk

Time - 17.00-20.00

Water - (Roseberry outflow) Up a little but quite clear, (Edgelaw outflow) Up a little bit also & a bit peaty

Where - Temple Road Bridge down to Corner Pool & upstream to Carrington Road Bridge

Weather - Fair

Method - Bronze mepp size 2
Total - 2
Species - Brown Trout
Size - 5.5 & 9 inches

A few taps here and there but fish generally on the smaller side. Didn't really fish too much, mostly showing B about. Both caught two of same size in the same pools.

Got a tap in the Concrete Shed pool but nothing else there. The pool has completely changed its character from previou sseasons and even the reent visit in higher water. The current always ran down the far bank, but now comes in the near side and swirls back upstream on the far bank. Strange to see how nature can completely trsansform the way things happen in such concise examples.

My first was in the first pool upstream on the Edgelaw outflow. B caught his first here too after a mis-cast into the current at his feet induced an instant hit off a wee broonie. I caught my second in the Corner Pool after the confluence. Spotted a big branch/log under the water behind the fallen tree that is straddling the pool. I only noticed it after a few unproductive casts and thought, if I can get a cast to the other side of that, there might be fish lying on the other side that haven't seen me or been disturbed yet. First cast at it, bang, fish on. Love it when a plan comes together.

Avoided the temptation to go on a Shroom pic quest again. Another time.

26/08/11 - Bonaly Reservoir

Reflection

Time - 16.00-19.00

Water - Clear, flat calm mostly

Where - Dam wall

Weather - Fair, no wind

Methods - Dead bait, fly (lure), maggot
Total - 0

No fish, no bites, no sign of any fish whatsoever for that matter, but some nice photos including some more funghi!!!

Flat Calm

Lack of wind tempted me to give Bonaly an erstwhile effort. Some reasonably well to do yoof were camping on the south bank and making accompanying noises ruling out any angling along my favoured bank. Concentrated mostly on the weedbank off the dam wall at the northern end.

Plonked a mackerel section out a foot or two under the surface. Moved it a couple of times to tryboth sides of the weed bank.

Tried the Wooly Bugger & Cats Whisker on a sinking line. Varied the retrieves and worked my along the dam wall to the south bank. B spun a minnow for a short while and tried some maggots.



North over Edinburgh to the Forth





Bonnie heather (looking west)

24/08/11 - North Esk

View upstream from left bank

Time - 18.00-20.30

Water - Turning peaty from brown, 10 cm or so up

Where - Wooden Bridge to Ele's Hole

Weather - Damp

Method - Bronze mepp size 2
Total - 3
Species - Brown Trout
Size - 7.5 - 11 inches

Fairly typical session for time of year & conditions etc. Connected with excellent example of the Salmo Trutta coming in at 11 inches on the measuring tape. Twas such a nice fish I've added two photos profiling both flanks.

Note the vivid red on the tail and adipose. It emerged from quite close to the waterfall.

There were another couple of fish trying to jump the waterfall, nothing over 9-10 inch.