Fame at Last

Its taken a while, but at last I can say that FISHMORVERN is now internationally recognised !!! - well in Japan at least ! After a call from Visit Scotland, we hosted the above party who are making a film in the area, I think about rail journeys, with Fort Willam to Mallaig being used as the "Harry Potter" connection. As part of their documentary, amongst other things, they wanted to film some Salmon Fishing, and we were happy to oblige.

"Ken", the one in the waders, is the Commentator on the programme, and wanted to learn how to cast a fly. No problem, and after about 15 mins of practice, he was casting into the Big Pool at Claggan like a pro, well nearly. The River was looking good and one or two fish showed. Alas however, it was not to be and in the short period of time available to them, we did not touch anything. I hope that they enjoyed themselves, and that they got the footage they wanted - Cameron who was spectating however did say that they were most impressed with my "Snake Roll" cast - I suppose everybody has to be good at something. - I wouldn't mind practicing the cast on one of the rivers in Hokkaido, the Northern Island of Japan though - plenty of King, sockeye and Coho I hear, and if anyone out there knows anything about fishing in Japan, I would be glad to hear from them.

Onto other matters, Ardtornish will be closing the River tomorrow, as they always do at the end of the stalking season for Stags. A week or so left on the main lochs ( salmon & sea trout only ), so its effectively the end of our season.

As its been the first full season of FISHMORVERN, I am glad to report that it has been successful. The totals for the season have been about 45 salmon, over 200 sea trout, and countless brown trout from River Loch and hill loch. Highlights have been the continuing run of large sea trout early in the year, with the best being over 12lb ( Mr Lapping from Irvine ), and most of all, the increased run of salmon into the Aline system. I hear reports that other West Coast fisheries may be struggling, but apparently, and hopefully, here we are starting to return to former glories. Whether this is the knock on effect of removing cages from the sea loch years ago, increased co-operation with the Fish farming Co's, or more likely the closure of the Irish Drift Nets ( well those that are legal anyway ), I don't know. More good news is that I understand that there is to be some form of stocking by the landlords, so we look forward to some form of hope for the future.

Its now the time of year when I have to sort out Accounts, Corporation tax and the dreaded VAT, and also sit down to make plans for the future. The Web site will be getting a re-vamp, advertising ( expensive but necessary ) put in place, and now that I have my Motor Vessel ticket, an expansion of the sea fishing activity on board "CAMRACH". So next year I will be offering fishing for Salmon, Trout & Sea Trout, and also sea fishing and sight seeing trips in the Sound of Mull - Whales, Dolphins, Sea Eagles etc abound round here, and in the winter we get the occasional visit from Killer Whales who seem to find the seals tasty ( good !!! ). Oh, and the boat will be coming out of the water this weekend, for a good clean and service.

Finally, I will also be offering Deer Stalking , by arrangement, and if it works out, wildlife photography expeditions. How will little me fit all this in you ask ? - Well, things are now good enough that I can consider taking on some help. Enquiries are welcome, but I will probably be looking to recruit a youngster to help - I am after all not getting any younger.

Most of all, as this will be the last big report, can I extend my thanks to all those who have visited this year. It has been a pleasure to introduce you to Morvern, and a great pleasure to enjoy the company of you all ( I'll try to get some new jokes for next year ). Thanks also to those who have mailed me in support, and to those that have commented on this my first attempt at a blog.

I'll give brief updates on the sea fishing in the next few months, and on the stalking which after tomorrow moves on to the hinds. Otherwise, thanks again, and I look forward to seeing some of you again next year.

Jm B

Winding Down

Its been 2 weeks, but what a 2 weeks !!

The River has been at its real best with ( until this week ), regular rain to keep it at an excellent fishable level. As a result, fish have been seen and caught everywhere, including Arienas and Doire na Marst. This, as you will appreciate has kept me very busy as with one or two exceptions all of my fishers have tasted success.

The size of fish has averaged about 6/7 lb, and I did hear of a much larger cock fish of about 14lb landed by a customer of Ardtornish. Sea Trout have also been in evidence, though as it is late in the year, they have tended to be about "normal" size, and nothing like the very big fish we get in April/May. Overall catches are slightly up on last year, and the 8 fish in the past 2 weeks have been welcome.

Sea Fishing has also been good, but as the season advances into Autumn, fewer Mackerel are evident. This however gives us the incentive to go after the bigger Pollack, and Cod ( heard of a 17lb Cod taken off the point at Kullundine Castle last week which is excellent ).

Just for a wee change, I was happy to receive an invitation from the Fishing Club of a well known Bank to fish in one of their competitions on the Lake of Mentieth. My son Cammy and I attended, and although we had a good day. fish were found to be few and far between - a fate suffered by the rest I gather. I though it was us, and after trying all the flies and tactics ( I do hate this sunk line stuff though ! ), it only made us feel a little bit better when we were told that the previous day the Scottish Championships had been held there and oodles of fish taken, none of which had been replaced. Still, we did have a good time, weather was good, Cameron's repertoire of tactics improved, and he only caught me near the ear once in a whirling wind !

Otherwise, the Stalking is in full flow, and when not fishing I have been up the hill after Stags. The Rut has started a wee bit early this year ( harbinger of a hard Winter ? ), and the beasts are in excellent condition. 2 nice specimens so far, and hopefully more to come as the fishing winds down, and I spend more time up the hill.

It will soon be the end of my season, and next time, I will hopefully be giving a rundown of what has been a good year.

Speak soon