Bar of Silver

Just received the above from Andy Grant who was fishing with Roy Thomson on Friday/Saturday last. A nice fresh run fish about 3.5lb caught on a Black Pennel in Arienas. I'm busy now tying flies, greasing reels etc - Monday can't come soon enough !

Hot and Sweaty

I suppose its my fault - I sent Messrs Lapping and Whyte up to Tearnait and the other hill lochs this morning, and forgot to tell them that they would probably be best not taking waders. Its been a warm day, and they arrived at my house a short while ago more than a few pounds lighter - All that way in Neoprenes - Sorry lads !

They had a good day though, and landed 10 fish, nothing big as is usual in the hill lochs, but all good fighters. They are now heading swiftly to the the local social club for some much needed re-hydration !

Yours truly will be away for a few days in Glasgow and Edinburgh so it will be a wee while before there are any more updates - getting ready for the River Spey week after next though, and have just heard that there has been a call off. 2 rod days therefore available if anyone interested ( 8 & 9 July ) - Cost is £65 per day.

Smiles all round

After several days of "not the right sort of rain", the heavens finally opened on Wed night. Messrs Lapping and Whyte arrived from Ayrshire, booked in with Dot and Alastair at "Kyle", and had one of the excellent homely meals at the Lochaline Hotel. 9am on Thursday, I collected them for a day on the River. First up was Middle beat which was looking good, though as this part of the river rises last, it could probably have done with another few inches of water. Despite the continual downpour, I think the lads enjoyed themselves, despite few fish being seen. Mr Lapping lost a good sea trout of over 3lb, which he had on for a while, until it burrowed itself under the bank, and the fly came free. ( Stoats Tail). Apert from one salmon "porpoising" at the head of the Bend pool, nothing further was unfortunately seen or touched.

The afternoon saw us on the highest beat on the river Uillin, which with rain, rises very quickly. Above is Mr Lapping , braving the elements on Goodisons pool where the water was starting to roar past on it way to the Falls nearby. Both Mr Whyte and Mr Goodison had several brown trout, I think however that the bigger fish had not yet made their way up the falls after the recent rain.

Today the gentlemen have had a day on Arienas. I saw them off at the jetty about half past nine, and at about 6pm got a call at the house which sent me out with the camera

Smiles all round as the lads had a great day. Mr Lapping caught the sea trout, which I estimate at over 10lb about lunchtime, in what he says was dreadful weather. It took a Bloody Butcher on the point, and gave him a good fight of well over 10 mins before he got it to the net. Shortly after this fish, he was broken by another of about the same size and unfortunately it took his Butcher.

Mr Whyte got the lovely Brownie which is about 3lb. Both gentlemen had switched to intermediate lines, and both fish were caught in the aptly named "Big Fish Bay". In addittion to those shown, 8 smaller brown trout were caught and released. Most pleasing of all however, Mr Whyte, as Mr Lapping was struggling with his monster sea trout, caught a lovely Arctic Char of about 1lb. This was also released.- These lovely fish are seldom seen in the loch, and usually only appear about June and July when I am told they spawn in the shallows. I have caught a few over the years, all in the deep water as I have started the drift to Big Fish Bay.

Mr Lapping and Mr Whyte are on the river tomorrow, and on the Hill Lochs on Sunday - lets hope they can keep up their average. meanwhile, Mr Thomson is due to arrive shortly to night fish for sea trout. Hopefully more smiles soon !!!

First 2007 Salmon

Well, I headed for the river, and gave it all I had, and just about every fly in the box. All I had to show for it was a sea trout of about 3lb. I saw plenty of fish, particularly on the Acharn beat where after the usual quick drop in level in this part of the river, a fair few were holding in the Suspension Bridge Pool. Throwing everything at them did not work however, though through the polaroids, I did see one or two take a quick look. ( thats my story and I'm sticking to it !! )

Leaving the River I moved up to the Loch about 8.30 pm - change of tackle and change of tactics. The weather was foul, and the wind was swirling, changing from westerley to easterley and back again about every 15 minutes it seemed. I lost count of the times I started to cast with the wind, only to find that as I finished the false casting and tried to put the line on the water, it blew back in my face. A few birds nests, and even more expletives later, I opted to just cast in one direction, basically North where it seemed to be safest.

Things didn't start off to good on the fish front either - seeing one or two fresh fish coming out of the water, I put on a cast of Connemara Black on the top, Black Pennel on the bob, and a Teal Blue and Silver double ( size 10 salmon iron ) on the bottom. Parr seemed to be all that were interested, and usually on the Teal Blue and Silver which was almost as big as some of them ! As the wind steadied down a bit, I concentrated on my favourite bay about half way up the loch, but as the light was beginning to fade, I was beginning to lose heart. At almost exactly 930 pm, my persistence paid off. I cast a long line, worked a fairly fast retrieve, and saw a hump appear on the surface as something was chasing the flies. For what seemed like an eternity I kept up the retrieve, and about 3 rod lengths away from me, the fish took the Connemara Black. There was no mistaking it - at last a salmon. It kept fairly deep, and took quite a lot of line, before I finally got it under control and about 7 or so minutes later I brought it to the net, and got it ashore. It was a hen fish of about 9 lbs, and one that I think had been in the water for more than a wee while. Bar of silver it was not, but at least it was a fish. ( tried a pic on the phone, but not enough light I am afraid - just came out a blur )

Back it went to fight another day, and as I looked across the loch and saw a mini water spout forming, I decided it was time to go home to she who must be obeyed ( well some of the time ), and the mutts. Oh - by the way, Tara the new pup is a wee star - not a wet floor in sight, and hopefully that is the messy bit over with. Mind you, Becky my Retriever bitch has nearly taken her head off a few times - but then she is your typical grumpy old woman.

Lots of guests in the next few days so hopefully I will have lots to report next time.

Fish Running

Just a quickie as I'm off to the River having seen lots of activity at Ivy Bridge just before high tide this morning. Plenty of water, and now it looks like plenty of fish. ( also a seal hanging about, but hopefully not too much damage done ! )

Jim McCurdie and his partner are on Arienas today - yesterday they took the hike up to Tearnait and netted 11 trout.

Stormy Weather

Its Saturday morning, and overnight it was time to batten down the hatches. Strong winds and blustery showers prevail, and in the garden, 3 nests have been blown out of the trees. Surprisingly the big Jackdaw nest about 50ft at the top of one of the larches has survived, though it looks as if the builder has failed to find a mate.

The River has risen, and is looking good which will bring more fish up on the tides. At this height the sea trout will probably run through to the Lochs. Foul weather, but usually this is the best weather for Arienas. Suggested cast would be Teal Blue & Silver on bottom, Black Pennel on dropper, and Soldier Palmer on bob. With the wind as strong as it is, a fast retrieve is recommended, and casts as far in to the wind as one can manage will probably yield the best chance of a take.

I'll be going out myself today on Arienas first where I'll concentrate on the points on the South side of the Loch, and probably have a hike over to Big Fish Bay ( though as its a westerley, the wind will be in my face so I may not bother ). A few hours at this, then I'll be heading for the River. - For the past 4 years I have taken a salmon from the loch in May, and hopefully I can keep up this average.

Rogues Gallery + Others

Boy, am I knackered - remind me to think twice about another pup, but more about that later.

Lots of guests recently, including these three suspicious characters by the boat, one of whom netted that lovely sea trout last weeek. Hope you had a good time guys ( Alister, David, and the one from Wandsworth who is in Printing - sorry cant recall his name, but he's the "Hoodie" on the right. ) In the foreground is Jed - gundog extraordinaire, now retired, and sometimes now known as N0-nads ! ( work it out ).

Next pic is Joe Salt, all round good chap and leader of the Felling Lads who left saturday. Here he is either in full flow casting on Arienas, or as is highly likely as they are back big style - flaying at the midges. I think the lads enjoyed their stay, and I look forward to getting down to see them , perhaps in August. Unfortunately there was not enough time to fish for the Morvern Quaich, but I will take it down to Northumberland with me, and defend it on foreign soil. - remember lads I am hopeless at these rainbows, so if you want to win at last you know what to do. Anyway - if they are reading this, thanks for your company, thanks for the meal, and also the rest.

In case anyone is wondering what the fuzzy pic is, I have labelled this "Strange Occurrence No 23 ". Walking the river with Mr Aspin this afternoon, I noted some nylon hanging from a tree within reach of George's Bridge. Being a cheapskate, and never one to throw away a fly, I grabbed the end, only to find something furry on the end. This is a Bat, and unfortunately one that was more dead then alive. The fly by the way was a Blue Charm.

Catches since my last post have been moderate. Mr Thomson missed one on saturday, and he had several smaller sea trout earlier today, some of them on an olive "thingy " as he called it. Mr Aspin was unsuccesful on Arienas this morning, but it was warm and very bright. - Oh and to the two lads who insisted that they had caught fish on the fly, when I had seen them trawling with spinning gear ( which they tried to hide under their coats when I was close ) - Fly only here, and this behaviour just spoils it for everyone else. Also if you want to be a fishmonger - go to the fish counter @ Tesco's - dont come here !!

Prospects look fairly good for the rest of this week, with more rain expected - the river could now do with it though there are fish holding in the bigger pools. If all goes well, I may manage to get my own rod out as well.

Final pic is of the new puppy Tara who really is working out quite well, though it is very early days. Tara is being held by Cameron who has his hood up cos he doesn't like his new haircut !

Fishy Conditions

Its been a fairly busy couple of days, and the conditions have improved dramatically. The River is up, and fish are coming in fairly regularly now - mainly sea trout, but also the odd salmon. The Loch, as it usually does, has also filled up, which will extend the fishing on the main river as it acts as a reservoir.

The Felling lads arrived on Wed, and headed straight for Arienas. A light SE breeze made the water look good, but the fish at first were fairly quiet. Things livened up later though and 6 fish were netted, the biggest about 1.5lb. Sinve then the lads have spread themselves about. fishing the Hill Lochs, the River and also trying the sea for Pollack. Fortunes were mixed, and there were one or two near misses. Joe Salt got into a good sea trout on the river ( about 5-6lb ), but after a short fight, his line went at the knot. So I'll be looking for a fish chewing a Stoat's Tail ! He was using that flourocarbon stuff, which I have always found unreliable. I have switched him to maxima which is always dependable.

Last night, whilst with Joe and Scott on the River, I got a call on the mobile. David Barrie who was fishing the loch with a couple of friends was shall we say - excited. He had landed a sea trout, and wanted scales. Up to the Loch I sped, and on arrival at first could only see three big grins. Nearby however was a lovely Sea Trout which weighed in at just over 9lb. Not a fresh fish, but a cracker nevertheless. I listed patiently as he described how it took his size 10 Black Pennel on the point near Big Fish Bay, and was surprised that he had been using a small weight 5 rod ! Coungratulations David, it must have been a great fight. Anyway, above are the pics, and by now he is probably still smiling !

The River is still looking good this morning, and Mr Thomson from Glasgow should have a reasonable chance of getting into a fish. No fishing for me today though as I have to collect a new puppy - a Springer Bitch who will be called Tara. My big dog Jed has now retired, and hopefully she will be just as good when trained up. - Now off to get lots of newspaper and disinfectant for the expected little presents till house trained.

Bottom Beat 1000hrs this morning - not perfect, but enough water to bring fish up from the sea.

Lookin' Good

Just a quickie - Not quite the "Right sort of rain", but it has brought the river up. It's at a reasonable height at the moment, and if showers continue, this should hold. Wouldn't say no to yet more rain though.

Will be out today with the lads from Felling Flyfishing Club, and hopefully get some pics.

Rain Again

What is it with this weather we get these days ? yet again, we have had an extended ( well for more than 3 days its unusual here ) period of blazing sunshine. No point going near the river, and you could comfortable have a bath in some of the lochs. Worst still, fish are torpid, and its only really worth having a go early mornings or in the evenings. That's how it has been for the past week, and its been hard work. It didn't help mind you when I unpacked the car to find that I had an 8 weight rod, and had thrown in a reel with a 6 weight line !

The fish have been there though, and apart from my evening stroll to Tearnait, I have been keeping an eye on the main Loch. It was not as good as it should be at this time of year what with the heat, sunshine, little or no wind, and horror of horrors the midges have arrived ! Fish were caught though, and a few clients braved the conditions, balmed up with sun cream, donned the shades and gave it a go. Not an impressive catch, but considering the loch was only fished by 3 for one day, it doesn't look too bad. Final tally was 6, mostly browns I am told, and nothing really of note. Considering the conditions it is however good to see one or two netted. The fish were caught on :-Black Pennel/Silver Invicta/Blue Zulu/Soldier Palmer/Bibio, all on a floating line, and for 2, the fisher used an intermediate tip.

As the evening cooled, and the sun dipped behind the hills, the bigger fish started to show - mostly sea trout, but also salmon.

Last night, the rains and a mild wind arrived ( 30mph they reckon, and that is mile for here ). As I write, its still raining, and I am about to say my prayers in the hope that it continues. I have a few clients this week, and now that its cooling down, conditions, and catches, should get back to normal. I also have friends from Felling Flyfishing Club in Northumberland arriving so I'll be keeping the fingers crossed.

Oh, and no mayflies - I think I was hoping for too much with the hot weather - I expect them sometime later this month or in June which is normal. Plenty of Hawthorn flies about though, and the fish are coming up to those in the evenings.

Moonlight over Tearnait

What with lots of ear-ache from she who must be obeyed, and the hell that is putting up new bathroom cabinets ( when the little bubble is in the centre it means its level dearest ! ), I finally escaped late in the afternoon. Not a cloud in the sky, and not a whiff of wind, but I trudged up the hill regardless.

Lots of Red deer about, and wild flowers staring to come into their own, it was a pleasant amble, and about 45 mins later, I was at Tearnait.

There was a fair breeze when I got there, and it continued throughout the evening. Still coming from the SE though which is most unusual. Still, it meant that the best bit, the shallows at the top end would be a bit easier to fish, and I would have the wind with me for a change. No need for waders as the water was not too cold - I waded out towards the Crannog till I was about knee deep, and cast black spider, bloody butcher, and soldier palmer out with a slow to moderate retrieve.

To cut to the chase, 5 fish netted up to about 1.5 lb, and as it got dark, I made my way in the moonlight home. As I descended however I stopped at the bit of the River Rannoch above the Hydro scheme to have a look. Here the river flows steadily on a basalt bed, and it resembles a chalk stream. Not much activity and I resisted the temptation to tackle up again when I saw a rise or two - save this for next time.

May Day

Well its the forst of May, and the sun is shining. River is now dropping fast, but Lochs are still looking good with a steady breeze, and as yet no midges ( late this year, but no doubt they will arrive in their hordes soon ).

Mr Wilkinson has been fishing for the past 2 days, and had had 3 brown trout, including one from the river which he said tasted lovely for breakfast. He also rose a salmon on Arienas, but alas after a good run at the fly, and a boil, it was not hooked.

With this weather, I expect the small hatch of mayflies on the wooded side of Arienas to appear any day now so I'll be keeping my eyes open as I walk the mutts each morning.

Otherwise, the spaces on the Spey Salmon Fly Fishing course in July are filling up. - still some spaces if anyone is interested, and als0 still 1, maybe 2 rod/weeks available for fishing on this wonderful beat. Reports from the Ghillie are good, and after the sad week a wee while ago, the fish are now coming through in numbers, and catches are moving up quickly.

Have set aside tomorrow for an afternoon/evening on the hill lochs - watch this space !