Category Archives: Weekly Reports

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery: Weekly Report: 21/05/21 – 30/05/21

WEEK OVERVIEW

After a year of lockdowns, uncertainty, and restrictions, it was brilliant to finally be able to organise and host our first competition of 2021, the Burnhouse Trophy Day. The weather was awful, there were many snapped lines, it appeared like anglers were using rubber hooks with more fish being lost than making it to the net,  but the anglers were undeterred – they were here to have a great day and a great day was what they had! A day of fun, laughter, impressive fish, and great food! A day where even though we still have some restrictions, we could relax and feel almost normal again!

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to ALEX ROOK  with a beautiful 10.2lb rainbow. Well done, Alex!

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS, APPS and EGGS.

Due to the size and strength of our fish we ask that all anglers use a minimum of 8lb line, there has been a large number of doubles lost this week due to weaker line snapping. There is also a danger with weaker line that the larger fish will be over played, drastically reducing the chances of the fish recovering.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• BILLY HOEHLE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using his new favourite fly, a black pennell on a floating line.
• GREG HOGGAN – Was getting his practice in for the competition day, in just 4 hours he safely returned 10 rainbows caught using a smoker on a floating line and an olive apps on fast glass. The practice paid off; on the competition day he won the trophy! He safely returned 15 rainbows caught using various apps olive, brown and yellow on a fast glass, buzzers on a floating line and eggs fished static under a sight indicator. His last fish of the day stripped his line to the end of his backing, wrapped the line around another anglers podium and much to everyone’s disbelief he still got the fish to the net!
• MARTIN LEYDAN – On his last visit to Burnhouse, Martin was unsuccessful in getting a fish to the net. On this visit he came with a determination to better his performance, and he did, he safely returned 5 rainbows caught using sunburst eggs fished static under a sight indictor. That is how you do it Martin, well done! Thank you for volunteering your help on the day of the competition, it was greatly appreciated!
• DONALD FORBES – Safely returned 9 rainbows including a few weighing 7 & 8lb caught using a sweetcorn fab, buzzers and a snatcher on a floating line. On the day of the competition, in completely different weather he safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers and a cat bug.
• JIM KYLE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a dark olive and a sunburst fab on a floating line.
• SCOTT WALKER – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a green & black lure on an intermediate line and a smoker on a floating line.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an olive apps on an intermediate line. On competition day he safely returned 6 rainbows caught using olive apps on an intermediate line and a spearmint egg fished static under a sight indicator. If Ross had managed to net all of the fish he had on, he would have been in the running for the trophy, but he did nothing wrong, the fish just kept getting away! He was disappointed, but he really enjoyed the day.
• ALLAN DOWNIE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line. He was snapped several times on a double humpy.
• ROSS DRUMMOND – Weighed in 4 rainbows for 17.11lb and safely returned 1 tiger, 1 brown and 1 rainbow, using a white rabbit on an intermediate line and a cheese egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• GARY HAMILTON – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.17lb caught using a smoker on a floating line and a peach egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• DREW MILLER – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a buzzer and a tequila egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• ANDY RICHMOND – Safely returned 2 rainbows and 1 blue caught using a tequila egg and shammies fished static under a sight indicator.
• ALEX MCRYSTAL – Safely returned 1 rainbow and lost 2 doubles.
• STEWART MORTIMER – Safely returned 1 rainbow and 1 tiger using an Ally McCoist and buzzers on a floating line.
• TAM WILSON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an orange egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• PETER WEAVER – Safely returned 9 rainbows caught using an orange and a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• GEOFF APPLETON – Safely returned 2 blues caught using a yellow wotsit on a di5 line.
• MARK EDEN – Made his return to fly fished after many years away from it and was ecstatic to take home a 3lb rainbow for the dinner plate. Well done, Mark! A black nomad was the fly that secured him his dinner!
• GREG HOWE – Popped up for a few hours to practice for the competition, he weighed in 1 fish for 4.3lb caught using an orange & black okay dokie on a floating line. On competition day, he safely returned 2 rainbows caught using an olive apps on an intermediate line and buzzers on a floating line. A few days later, fishing for an hour he safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an orange lure on an intermediate line.
• JIM ANDERSON – Won second place on competition day with 10 rainbows and 1 7lb brown, using a black pennell, buzzers, cormorants, and a cutthroat damsel all on a floating line.
• LEWIS KIDD – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a uv yellow dancer on a floating line.
• ROBIN LAMBERT – From THE SCOTTISH FLYFISHER online magazine, lost more fish than he got to the net, but it did not faze him, he safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a uv cormorant and CDCs on a floating line. He was also snapped twice one very early on by a large double.
• STEVEN MCGOWAN – From Newhouse fishery safely returned 5 rainbows using a white bug fished static under a sight indicator, buzzers, and cormorants on a floating line.
• ALLY MCMAHON – “It’s some set up here, I’ve had a cracking day and the fish are another level! I will be back very soon!” He safely returned 4 rainbows all of a good size caught using a Dawsons olive rabbit on a floating line. He was also snapped early on in the competition by a double.
• ALAN SMITH – Was snapped on his very first cast! He ended the competition with a return of 4 rainbows caught using sedgehogs and hoppers on a floating line and “a mad, crazy, bung, THING” he tied up the night before, sorry Alan but your description just had to go in the report. A few days later he popped in on the way past for a coffee but could not resist an hour on the water when he seen the amazing evening rise, he safely returned 2 rainbows caught using CDC emergers on a floating line.
• AARON KIRKWOOD – Safely returned a beautiful 4lb brown and 1 rainbow caught using a black & green apps on an intermediate line and a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator. After seeing the evening rise posted on Facebook a few days later, he popped up for a couple of hours and safely returned 5 rainbows caught using shipmans and sedgehogs on a floating line. He returned the next day still buzzing from how great it fished the night before and he had an outstanding day safely returning 17 rainbows and blues using orange and yellow apps on an intermediate line and an orange fab on a floating line.
• DECLAN WINTERS – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a purple apps and a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• JOHN DONALDSON – Got off to a cracking start safely returning 6 rainbows caught using a red apps and yellow dancer on an intermediate line and shipmans on a floating line. The afternoon proved less successful, but he still finished joint 4^th.
• DEREK SAVAGE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a yellow apps on a floating line. The first fish put up an incredible fight and “just wouldn’t come in!”
• MICHAEL MCKENNA – Thoroughly enjoyed his first ever competition, he safely returned 2 rainbows one weighing over 5lb and the other over 6lb and 2 browns caught using a daiwl bach and matchstick buzzer on a floating line. Burnhouse provided his first wild brown caught on a Stillwater and his P.B twice! Well done, Michael!
• SCOT MITCHELL – From Woodhall flies, safely returned 5 rainbows and 1 blue caught using an olive apps on an intermediate line, buzzers on a floating line and shimmies fished static under a sight indicator.
• CHRIS MELVILLE – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using hoppers and damsels on a floating line. A rather large rainbow was playing games with him! He hooked into a big fish, after a good fight he got the fish close enough to see a white fly at the side of its mouth, but it slipped his hook! Later in the day, he hooked into the same fish, but it had the exact same outcome! I could feel his frustration! Next time Chris!
• DOUGIE HUGHES – Had a breaking day! Literally, first he was snapped by a big fish, then he snapped his rod! Like a true fisherman though, it did not wreck his day! He managed 1 rainbow to the net using a damsel and really enjoyed the “banter, quality of the fish, food and atmosphere of the competition.”
• RORY STEWART – An exceptional young angler, impressed all of the participants with his level of skill! He finished the competition not just with the biggest fish, a rainbow weighing 9.5lb but also winning 3^rd place, in extremely difficult conditions! I know I say this all the time but keep up the hard work, you will go very far in this sport, and it is an absolute joy to watch your progress! Well done, Rory!
• JONNO MCDONALD – Was having an extremely frustrating day, every fish he hooked into got off in one way or another, but he finally managed 1 to the net caught using a black rabbit on a floating line. On a return visit and in better weather conditions he safely returned 5 rainbows caught using a bibio double humpy and Donnay Mac charity buzzers on a floating line.
• JOHNNY PORTEOUS – “Needs stronger line!” After an epic battle with either a large tiger or large brown (very different fight to a blue or rainbow) his line snapped, he was “gutted” but will be coming back for another go “with stronger line!” He safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• GARY MCCLURG – Safely returned 3 rainbows in just half an hour including 1 weighing 8lb using an amber G&H sedge on a floating
• GRANT LINDSAY – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3.26lb caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• JIMMY JONES – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.08lb caught using a Kate McLaren, he also lost a double.
• PAT GRANT – “I’m definitely coming back here, great wee place!” He weighed in 3 rainbows for 14.26lb and safely returned 3 using a Griffith gnat, buzzers and a shipmans all on a floating line.
• BRIAN SKINNER – Had a brilliant day, he safely returned 9 rainbows and 1 7lb brown using white eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• ALAN HENDERSON – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 2.76lb caught using a sedge on a floating line.
• GORDON MCVICAR – After losing a few fish finally managed 1 to the net using an orange foam daddy on a floating line.
• TONY STEEN – Caught 1 rainbow on a white egg fished static under a sight indicator. For the rest of his session the fish were bubbling all around him, but he could not match the hatch.
• DEREK GRAHAM – Safely returned 2 rainbows including 1 weighing 7lb caught using a yellow owl on a floating line.
• DAVID DUNN – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a yellow damsel on a floating line.
• ALEX ROOK – Weighed in 4 rainbows for 17.22lb and safely returned 18 including rainbows weighing 9lb and 10.2lb, using buzzers fished static under a sight indicator, daiwl bachs and a floating fry on a floating line and damsels on an intermediate line. “Another brilliant day!”
• PAUL ROWE – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.08lb caught using a sunburst blob on an intermediate line. He also lost “a monster”.
• REG DAVIDSON – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• GEO WATSON – Safely returned 1 rainbow weighing 6lb caught using a gold head damsel on a floating line.
• ANDY MCALPINE – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 8.42lb caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• DAVID WELSH – Took home 2 rainbows, we do not have any records of the weight or flies used.
• JAMES MARSHALL – Took home 2 fish, we do not have any records of the weight, or the flies used.
• JOHN LAIRD – Safely returned 6 rainbows and 1 brown using a black gnat on a floating line. “The fish in here fight really well, I will be back soon!”
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 3 rainbows and 1 blue using stalking bugs fished static under a sight indicator and daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• MARTYN SHEARER – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using snatchers and CDCs on a floating line and a shimmy egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• MATTHEW WATSON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a pink fab and buzzers on a floating line.
• DREW MILLER – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using an Invictus on a floating line.

FISHERY RULES

• FLY FISHING ONLY.
• NO LITTERING. ALL RUBBISH, CIGARETTE ENDS AND USED LINES MUST GO IN THE BINS PROVIDED.
• BARBLESS HOOKS ONLY, NO DOUBLE OR TREBLE HOOKS.
• EVERY TICKET ENTITLES ANGLERS TO FISH ONLY 1 ROD AT A TIME.
• NO SET LINES.
• NO BOOBIES, DOUBLE HOOK SNAKES OR SPIN FLIES.
• A MAXIMUM OF 3 FLIES TO BE FISHED AT 1 TIME.
• NO LURES FISHED STATIC UNDER A SIGHT INDICATOR.
• NO SPLIT SHOTS OR WEIGHTS.
• GROUND BAITING, THE USE OF BAITS AND SCENTED DIPS ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
• ALL FISH OVER 8LB, TIGERS AND BROWNS MUST GO BACK, UNLESS IN POOR CONDITION. THE DECISION TO KILL THESE FISH MUST ONLY BE MADE BY THE BAILIFF.
• BAG LIMITS ARE ACHIEVED FROM THE FIRST FISH CAUGHT, NO SELECTIVE KILLING. FISH MUST BE KILLED IMMEDIATELY AND SHOULD NEVER BE KEPT ALIVE IN KEEP NETS UNTIL THE END OF THE SESSION.
• ALL RETURNS MUST BE RECORDED WITH THE BAILIFF BEFORE DEPATURE, EVEN IF IT’S A BLANK.
• ANGLERS MUST NOT AID OTHERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR BAG LIMITS.
• CATCH AND RELEASE ANGLERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO KILL FISH, KILL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE FISHING.
• WHEN FISHING CATCH AND RELEASE THE FISH MUST BE KEPT IN THE WATER AT ALL TIMES.
• IF ANGLERS FIND THEMSELVES ON A HOT SPOT, PLEASE MOVE ON AFTER 5 FISH.
• THE BAILIFF RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PERFORM BAG CHECKS.

ANYONE FOUND TO BE IN BREACH OF THESE RULES WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE, NO REFUND WILL BE ISSUED AND NO RETURN VISITS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

SAFE CATCH AND RELEASE PROCEDURE

• Only use single, barbless hooks. Strictly no multiple hook snakes, double or treble hooks. Not just for catch and release but for kill tickets too.
• Due to the size and strength of our fish we ask that ALL anglers use a minimum of 8lb line, this is to reduce the number of fish being lost and over played.
• Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible. Over playing a fish causes stress and exhaustion and decreases the chance of survival.
• Unhook the fish as quickly as possible, keep the fish in the water. Never bring the fish onto the banking or podiums as this removes the protective slime, increasing the chances of infections and diseases.
• If you have to handle the fish do so with wet hands, never with gloves on, this avoids removing the protective slime.
• If the hook is too deep to be removed, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
• Avoid squeezing the fish as this can cause damage to internal organs.
• Take time to recover the fish, be patient as this can take some time especially in warmer weather. Support it gently until the fish is strong enough to swim away from you.

If you are struggling to recover a fish please call the bailiff for assistance, the decision to kill any fish whilst on catch and release must only be made by the bailiff.

Tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery: Weekly Report: 14/05/21 – 21/05/21

WEEK OVERVIEW

The warmer weather was very welcome after weeks of unseasonal temperatures! The hatches have been spectacular, with so much insect life the anglers have been spoilt for choice! With hawthorns, black gnat, buzzers, daddies, midge, and sedges just to name a few of the magnificent trout snacks on the water.

Even though lures and the use of the bung have still been effective, anglers fishing dries, buzzers and naturals have had the better returns, even when the weather made its sudden return to the cooler temperatures.

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to ALEX ROOK  with a beautiful 13.4lb rainbow that had his reel screaming into the backing twice! Well done, Alex.

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS, DAMSELS and EGGS.

Other successful flies were –  okay dokies, shipmans, cormorants, CDCs, smokers, millennium bugs, fabs, klinkhammers, yellow owls, viva, black rabbit, yellow dancers, daiwl bachs, hawthorns, foam daddy, hoppers, cutthroat cat, black pennell, pink bunny leech, black apps, Adams, zonkers, Gerrards poodle, pheasant tailed nymphs, green & white lure, orange dancer, sedges, and spiders.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• BILLY HOEHLE – Had the best days fishing he has had to date! He safely returned 6 rainbows caught using pheasant tailed nymphs, buzzers and a black pennell, all on a floating line.
• REG DAVIDSON – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a green egg and an okay dokie fished static under a sight indicator.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a damsel on an intermediate line.
• ANTHONY MCALISTER – Safely returned 2 rainbows and 1 blue caught using a yellow dancer on a floating line.
• BRIAN MCALISTER – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using a yellow dancer on a floating line.
• DONALD FORBES – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using buzzers and fabs on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 14 rainbows including 1 double and 2 blues, also caught using buzzers and a fab on a floating line.
• ARCHIE SPENCE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a damsel on an intermediate line.
• SAMMY TOMINEY – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.32lb caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• GERRY FITZSIMMONS – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using an orange dancer and spiders on a floating line.
• JOHN ROSS – Safely returned 2 rainbows and 1 brown caught using daiwl bachs and a yellow dancer on a floating line.
• COLIN SPENCE – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using CDCs and cormorants on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 4 rainbows and 1 blue caught using buzzers and daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• ALFIE SPENCE – Safely returned 8 rainbows caught using damsels and black eggs on an intermediate line and a millennium bug and eggs fished static under a sight indicator. On a return visit he safely returned 6 rainbows and 1 blue caught using smokers on a floating line, millennium bugs and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• MARK EDEN – Made it onto the fishery report this week! He safely returned a beautiful brown caught using dries on a floating line.
• ROBERT RANKIN – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• IAN DON – Safely returned 6 rainbows caught using a floating fry and buzzers on a floating line.
• WULLIE CARR – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using an Adams and hoppers on a floating line.
• ALAN SMITH – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using various dries and buzzers on a floating line.
• GARY SNEDDON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a white & blue zonker on an intermediate line.
• TAM BROGAN – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 8lb and safely returned 1 caught using a Gerrards poodle on an intermediate line.
• DOUGIE CRAWFORD – Weighed in 3 rainbows for 11.44lb caught using various lures.
• JIMMY MORRISON – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3lb caught using a fab on a floating line.
• SCOTT MITCHELL – Safely returned 10 rainbows caught using mainly buzzers on a floating line.
• DAN BROWN – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a foam daddy and buzzers on a floating line.
• JOHN DONALDSON – Safely returned 13 rainbows and a few wild browns using buzzers and hoppers on a floating line.
• RUSSELL DIXSON – Safely returned 8 rainbows, 1 blue, 1 tiger and 2 browns caught using buzzers and various dries on a floating line.
• CALUM MOCHRIE – Safely returned 1 rainbow.
• ALEX ROOK – Weighed in 4 rainbows for 20.4lb and safely returned a further 21 caught using buzzers, damsels, and a cutthroat cat on various lines. On a return visit before the weather turned, he weighed in 3 fish for 11.3lb and safely returned another 2 including the fish of the week weighing 13.4lb caught using size 16 buzzers on a floating line.
• JIM ANDERSON – Safely returned 4 rainbows and 1 8lb brown caught using cormorants and a black pennell on a floating line.
• STEVIE LEE – Weighed in 4 rainbows for 12.7lb and safely returned an 8lb rainbow using a pink bunny leech, cormorants, and millennium bugs on various lines.
• DYLON PATERSON – Weighed in 4 rainbows for 13.96lb caught using eggs & millennium bugs fished static under a sight indicator and buzzers on a floating line.
• JIMMY MARSHALL – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 6.55lb caught using a red egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• GEORGE BROWNLEE – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 8.4lb caught using eggs fished static under a sight indicator. On a return visit he weighed in 2 rainbows for 8.8lb caught using eggs and buzzers fished static under a sight indicator.
• DAVID CAMERON – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using dries on a floating line.
• JIM LIVINGSTON – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a black rabbit on an intermediate line.
• JAMIE RENOLDS – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a yellow dancer and blobs on a floating line.
• ANTHONY MCALISTER – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a yellow & black dancer on a floating line.
• STUART BELL – Safely returned 8 rainbows caught using hawthorns on a floating line and millennium bugs fished static under a sight indicator.
• ROBERT PATON – Safely returned 10 rainbows caught using buzzers and a pink fab on a floating line.
• MICHAEL JOHNS – Safely returned 1 rainbow and an 8lb brown caught using a damsel on a floating line and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• GEORGE WATSON – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a gold head damsel on a floating line.
• JIMMY JONES – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3.53lb caught using a yellow dancer on a floating line.
• ANDY MCALPINE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• GORDON MCVICAR – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a klinkhammer and a yellow owl on a floating line.
• MARK MCGOVERN – Safely returned 1 brown caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• IAN TELFORD – Safely returned 8 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• M. WARD – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3.68lb caught using an orange buzzer on a floating line.
• D. CAMPBELL – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 6.1lb caught using a viva on a floating line.
• J. TWADDLE – Weighed in 3 rainbows for 11.11lb and safely returned 2 including 1 weighing approximately 8-10lb using damsels and an okay dokie on a floating line.
• D. GRAY – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 8.3lb caught using cormorants and a CDC on a floating line.
• A. ROBERTSON – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.8lb and safely returned 1 double rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• T. DUFF – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.9lb and safely returned a double using buzzers and a smoker on a floating line.
• GARY MCCLURG – Safely returned 2 rainbows after a double hook up on buzzers.
• WEE ROSE – Did what wee Rose does best; with her first cast she safely returned a beautiful brown caught using a blue flash dancer.
• MAY ANDERSON – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using buzzers and sedges on a floating line.

Everyone here at Burnhouse would like to wish Ian a full and speedy recovery, hopefully you will be back on your feet soon and back by the water.

We would also like to say a massive thank you to the Firefighters angling club, it was a pleasure to welcome you all back after a year of restrictions. We hope to see you all again soon.

FISHERY RULES

• FLY FISHING ONLY.
• NO LITTERING. ALL RUBBISH, CIGARETTE ENDS AND USED LINES MUST GO IN THE BINS PROVIDED.
• BARBLESS HOOKS ONLY, NO DOUBLE OR TREBLE HOOKS.
• EVERY TICKET ENTITLES ANGLERS TO FISH ONLY 1 ROD AT A TIME.
• NO SET LINES.
• NO BOOBIES, DOUBLE HOOK SNAKES OR SPIN FLIES.
• A MAXIMUM OF 3 FLIES TO BE FISHED AT 1 TIME.
• NO LURES FISHED STATIC UNDER A SIGHT INDICATOR.
• NO SPLIT SHOTS OR WEIGHTS.
• GROUND BAITING, THE USE OF BAITS AND SCENTED DIPS ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
• ALL FISH OVER 8LB, TIGERS AND BROWNS MUST GO BACK, UNLESS IN POOR CONDITION. THE DECISION TO KILL THESE FISH MUST ONLY BE MADE BY THE BAILIFF.
• BAG LIMITS ARE ACHIEVED FROM THE FIRST FISH CAUGHT, NO SELECTIVE KILLING. FISH MUST BE KILLED IMMEDIATELY AND SHOULD NEVER BE KEPT ALIVE IN KEEP NETS UNTIL THE END OF THE SESSION.
• ALL RETURNS MUST BE RECORDED WITH THE BAILIFF BEFORE DEPATURE, EVEN IF IT’S A BLANK.
• ANGLERS MUST NOT AID OTHERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR BAG LIMITS.
• CATCH AND RELEASE ANGLERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO KILL FISH, KILL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE FISHING.
• WHEN FISHING CATCH AND RELEASE THE FISH MUST BE KEPT IN THE WATER AT ALL TIMES.
• IF ANGLERS FIND THEMSELVES ON A HOT SPOT, PLEASE MOVE ON AFTER 5 FISH.
• THE BAILIFF RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PERFORM BAG CHECKS.

ANYONE FOUND TO BE IN BREACH OF THESE RULES WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE, NO REFUND WILL BE ISSUED AND NO RETURN VISITS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 07/05/21 – 14/05/21

WEEK OVERVIEW

The deer are adding to the character and beauty of the Lochan. Their curiosity bringing them closer to the anglers, much to their amusement! With one inquisitive young female in particular taking a keen interest in watching the anglers fish and has even performed a few bag checks! It is not just the deer taking an interest in fishing bags, one baby rabbit took shelter from the cold wind in a bag that had been sitting next to the gorse bush! Nature at its best.

The wind has still been predominantly blowing from the east which means the cooler temperatures still remain. Even with less hatches due to the cooler weather the top of water sport has still been impressive, with dries and buzzers leading the way to success.

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to RONNIE TURNBULL with a beautiful 12lb rainbow! Well done, Ronnie.

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS, HOPPERS and EGGS.

Other successful flies were –  yellow dancers, sedgehogs, black pennell, shammies, damsels, March brown, daddies, shipmans, yellow owl, suspended hares ear, fabs, shimmy worms, olive apps, bibio, black spider, Griffiths gnat, double humpy, black rabbit, cormorants, incredible cat, daiwl bachs, wotsits, snatchers, suspended buzzers, sparklers,  millennium bugs, green & black fritz, smokers, CDCs, muddlers, and a floating fry.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• ALEX ROOK – “Another brilliant day, honestly can’t believe how great it is here now!” He weighed in 4 fish for 18.26lb and safely returned 7 rainbows, 1 6lb tiger and 1 blue using buzzers on a floating line and various eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• BILLY HOEHLE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a black pennell on a floating line. For the rest of the day, he practiced his long distance catch and release lol.
• JAY MILLER – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• BILLY MILLER – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a black pennell on a floating line.
• GEO WATSON – Safely returned 1 rainbow.
• JIM WATSON – Safely returned 1 rainbow.
• ALAN SMITH – Safely returned 7 rainbows caught using hoppers, sedges, suspended buzzers, and buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a sedgehog and buzzers also on a floating line.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• LEWIS KIDD – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line and a peach egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• JOSH MOODY – Safely returned 17 rainbows caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line, buzzers on a floating line and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• LEWIS MORTON – Safely returned 5 rainbows including 1 double caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line, buzzers on a floating line and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• RICHARD GIFFEN – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.03lb caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• SAMMY TOMINEY – Caught the biggest fish he has ever caught on the fly! A stunning 7.65lb rainbow caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• TONY STEEN – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using an olive apps on an intermediate line and a mojito shimmy worm fished static under a sight indicator. On a return visit he safely returned 3 rainbows including 1 weighing 8lb and 1 blue using a sparkler on a floating line.
• DECLAN WINTERS – Safely returned 9 rainbows none were below 6lb and 1 was a double, using buzzers, hoppers, and an olive fab on a floating line and damsels on an intermediate line.
• DEREK GRAHAM – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a suspended hares ear on a floating line. On a return visit he weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.43lb and safely returned 1 caught using sedgehogs on a floating line.
• GREG RUSSELL – “has found his new favourite fishery” He safely returned 9 rainbows including ones weighing 9lb, 8lb, 7lb and a few at 6lb, using an orange shipmans, yellow owl and olive buzzer on a floating line. He could not wait to get back and on return visits he safely returned 6 rainbows caught using an orange fab and shipmans on a floating line. “I don’t think there’s any wee fish in there!”
• JAMIE MCLAREN – Safely returned 2 rainbows both over 4lb caught using a foam daddy and an orange shipmans on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a hot head damsel on a floating line.
• REYNER KENNEDY – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a blue flash damsel on an intermediate line and a march brown on a floating line.
• ANDY RICHMOND – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using shammies and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• AARON KIRKWOOD – Safely returned a wild brown caught using an incredible cat on an intermediate line.
• BRIAN SKINNER – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using cormorants on a floating line.
• EDDIE HIGGINS – Safely returned 2 rainbows including 1 weighing 9.2lb that stripped him right into his backing, he was using a claret damsel and a black rabbit on an intermediate line.
• LEWIS KIDD – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a mojito egg fished static under a sight indicator and a double humpy on a floating line.
• PETER WEAVER – Safely returned 7 rainbows caught using a yellow egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• TAM WILSON – Safely returned a brown estimated to be around 7-8lb caught using a yellow egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• WULLY CARR – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.25lb and safely returned 1 using hoppers and a Griffiths gnat on a floating line.
• KEVIN ROSS – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line and a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• STEVE MCQUEEN – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a biscuit egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• GEOFF APPLETON – “I really enjoyed that, proper fishing!” He safely returned 6 rainbows caught using a bibio and a black spider on a floating line.
• DONALD FORBES – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 3 rainbows including 1 double figure also using buzzers on a floating line.
• WAYNE GUY – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 6.5lb caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• SCOTT MCKILLOP – “ Brilliant place, I’ve been on the hunt for a good regular fishery, now I’ve found it!” He safely returned 6 rainbows including 1 weighing approximately 8-9lb caught using daiwl bachs on a floating line and a green wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• RONNIE TURNBULL – Safely returned 4 rainbows including the fish of the week weighing 12lb using a green snatcher and a millennium bug on a floating line.
• JIMMY MILLER – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a black & green fritz on a floating line.
• ANDY MCALPINE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• JAMES CRAIG – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• ROSS COCHRANE – “Caught fish on everything he put on” He safely returned 12 rainbows all of a good size, 1 weighing 10.5lb using a floating fry, buzzers and daiwl bachs on a floating line and an olive apps on an intermediate line.
• GORDON MCVICAR – Looked like he was going to blank after losing every fish he hooked into, however just as it started to turn dark, he finally got 1 to the net! A stunning 9.5lb rainbow that made the wait well worth it, using an orange daddy on a floating line.
• LOUIS GEMMELL – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a floating fry on a floating line.
• RICHARD TAYLOR – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using an orange fab, daiwl bachs, an olive buzzer and a sedgehog on a floating line.
• MAY ANDERSON – safely returned 43 rainbows caught using a sedgehog and buzzers on a floating line.
• WEE ROSE – Safely returned 1 blue caught using a mojito egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• DEREK RUSSELL – First time visitor to Burnhouse thoroughly enjoyed his first visit despite the cold east wind. He safely returned 8 rainbows caught using a red apps and CDCs on a floating line.
• ROBERT ANDERSON – Also enjoyed his first visit, safely returning 7 rainbows caught using a daddy and olive apps on a floating line.
• STEPHEN FERNS – “This is a cracking fishery!” He safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a smoker and buzzers on a floating line.
• FINDLAY HEATLIE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a muddler and a smoker on a floating line.
• GRAEME HEATLIE – Safely returned 2 rainbows including 1 weighing approximately 8-10lb caught using a smoker and buzzers on a floating line.

FISHERY RULES

• FLY FISHING ONLY.
• NO LITTERING. ALL RUBBISH, CIGARETTE ENDS AND USED LINES MUST GO IN THE BINS PROVIDED.
• BARBLESS HOOKS ONLY, NO DOUBLE OR TREBLE HOOKS.
• EVERY TICKET ENTITLES ANGLERS TO FISH ONLY 1 ROD AT A TIME.
• NO SET LINES.
• NO BOOBIES, DOUBLE HOOK SNAKES OR SPIN FLIES.
• A MAXIMUM OF 3 FLIES TO BE FISHED AT 1 TIME.
• NO LURES FISHED STATIC UNDER A SIGHT INDICATOR.
• NO SPLIT SHOTS OR WEIGHTS.
• GROUND BAITING, THE USE OF BAITS AND SCENTED DIPS ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
• ALL FISH OVER 8LB, TIGERS AND BROWNS MUST GO BACK, UNLESS IN POOR CONDITION. THE DECISION TO KILL THESE FISH MUST ONLY BE MADE BY THE BAILIFF.
• BAG LIMITS ARE ACHIEVED FROM THE FIRST FISH CAUGHT, NO SELECTIVE KILLING. FISH MUST BE KILLED IMMEDIATELY AND SHOULD NEVER BE KEPT ALIVE IN KEEP NETS UNTIL THE END OF THE SESSION.
• ALL RETURNS MUST BE RECORDED WITH THE BAILIFF BEFORE DEPARTURE, EVEN IF IT’S A BLANK.
• ANGLERS MUST NOT AID OTHERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR BAG LIMITS.
• CATCH AND RELEASE ANGLERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO KILL FISH, KILL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE FISHING.
• WHEN FISHING CATCH AND RELEASE THE FISH MUST BE KEPT IN THE WATER AT ALL TIMES.
• IF ANGLERS FIND THEMSELVES ON A HOT SPOT, PLEASE MOVE ON AFTER 5 FISH.
• THE BAILIFF RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PERFORM BAG CHECKS.

ANYONE FOUND TO BE IN BREACH OF THESE RULES WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE, NO REFUND WILL BE ISSUED AND NO RETURN VISITS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 30/04/21 – 07/05/21

WEEK OVERVIEW

The weather has been so unpredictable this week the weather forecasters  can’t even get it right! Who would believe that we are in May and we are still seeing snow! The constant change in the weather, temperature and air pressure meant a complete mixed bag of results with no hour the same as the next!

There is a stir amongst anglers with the return of the deer! This year we have the juveniles at the fishery, they are young, curious, playful, and adventurous. What a great sight it is to watch them graze the banking and explore their new surroundings. However cute they are though we ask that anglers do not try to clap or feed them.

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to JONATHAN MCDONALD with a stunning 10.5lb Tiger. This was not the biggest fish of the week, but it was the biggest weighed fish and as the first double figure tiger to make it to the net for months, we say a massive well done!

Remember to get those big fish weighed so you do not miss out on the top spot!

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS , DAMSELS and FABS,

Okey dokey, daiwl bachs, black pennell, eggs, yellow dancers, squirmy worms, olive nymph, klinkhammers, blobs, black dancer, floating fry, bunny leech, wotsits, shammies, cormorants, apps, yellow owl, adams, cats whiskers, pink lures, black rabbits, black & green tadpole, covid, shipmans, pheasant tailed nymphs, bibio hopper, sedges, double humpy, single yellow humpy, and a pink lure.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• SCOTT MORTON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a pink fab, okay dokey and buzzers on a floating line.
• LARRY FINDLEY – Enjoyed his first day fishing since before lockdown! He weighed in 2 beautiful rainbows for 7.5lb caught using daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• BILLY HOEHLE – “This fish just won’t come in!” After quite some time the fish finally showed itself, a stunning 6.5lb tiger! He was delighted! A black pennell on a floating line scored him his first ever tiger.
• JOHN KERR – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• JOHN KERR JNR – “I love it here!” He safely returned 3 rainbows including his new P.B weighing 8.5lb, all were caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• KEVIN ROONIE – Safely returned 2 rainbows, 1 blue and a beautiful wild brown using damsels on an intermediate line, okay dokey and buzzers on a floating line.
• ROBERT PATON – Safely returned 6 rainbows caught using a pink fab and buzzers on a floating line.
• CHRIS DRAKE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• LEON MASON – Weighed in 2 fish for 10.19lb and safely returned 8 rainbows and 1 5lb brown using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line, later in the evening changing to a floating line.
• SAMMY TOMINEY – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a yellow dancer on a floating line.
• BRIAN SKINNER – Safely returned a 6-7lb tiger caught using a green squirmy worm fished static under a sight indicator.
• NEIL MCINTOSH – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an olive nymph on a floating line. While his friend Michael practiced his long distance catch and release lol.
• ALAN SMITH – Safely returned 9 rainbows caught using an olive hopper, olive klinkhammer and buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 5 rainbows caught using various dry flies.
• PETER WEAVER – “ Was my first visit to Burnhouse… had an epic day! 16 cracking, hard fighting fish from 3lb – 8lb landed! I’m definitely going back, if you haven’t been before get yourselves along, you won’t regret it!” Thank you for the excellent write up Peter!
• TAM WILSON – Safely returned 15 rainbows and dropped a good tiger, he was using various eggs, blobs and fabs on a floating line.
• CHRIS HARRIS – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a black dancer on an intermediate line.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 8 rainbows caught using a klinkhammer and f fly on a floating line and a damsel on an intermediate line.
• JAMES CRAIG – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a hot head damsel and buzzers on an intermediate line.
• LEWIS KIDD – Safely returned 2 rainbows including 1 weighing 9.5lb using damsels and a bunny leach on a floating line.
• COLIN MARSHALL – “First day back at Burnhouse Lochan since lockdown, I finished 4 hours c&r with 5 cracking trout, 2 into double figures and what a fight! My arm is aching! Big thanks to Maisy for a brilliant fishery!” You are more than welcome Colin, thank you for that write up.
• GEOFF APPLETON – Safely returned 3 rainbows using a hot head damsel on a floating line and a yellow wotsit on a di3.
• GREGG MARSHALSEY – “Burnhouse is by far the best fishery around!” He safely returned 2 rainbows 1 weighing 9lb caught using a floating fry on a floating line and a damsel on an intermediate line. He also lost count of the amount of offers and fish dropped.
• DREW MILLER – “ Had a smashing day at Burnhouse” He safely returned 11 rainbows and blues, using bugs, eggs and shammies fished 6ft under a sight indicator.
• ANDY RICHMOND – “ Crazy days fishing, place was bubbling when we started!” He safely returned 18 rainbows including 1 double, 1 blue and 1 stunning wild brown. He changed his lines and tactics to meet the variable weather. On floating and midge tip lines he caught using size 14 buzzers, cormorants, fabs and a blob. Under a sight indicator shammies and a peach egg. “Had loads of chases using a tequila blob ripped back at 100mph!”
• DECLAN WINTERS – Safely returned 6 rainbows caught using an olive cormorant, olive fab and a purple apps all on a floating line.
• JOHNNY PORTEOUS – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a dry fly on a floating line.
• GLEN SCOBBIE – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using a yellow apps and yellow dancer on a floating line.
• KIERAN JOHNSTON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a yellow owl and a yellow dancer on a floating line.
• COLIN ANDERSON – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a red apps and a gold damsel on an intermediate line.
• JIM WATSON – Weighed in 4 rainbows for 11.69lb and safely returned 2 caught using a yellow dancer and dries on a floating line.
• WULLIE CARR – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using an Adams and buzzers on a floating line.
• ROSS ANDREW – Safely returned 3 caught using a cats whisker on a floating line.
• AARON KIRKWOOD – Safely returned 8 rainbows and 1 6-7lb tiger caught using a golden damsel and a blob on a midge tip line and a pink lure he calls a stinky pinky on fast glass. He is a very jammy man! He caught his tiger without even trying, whilst changing his dropper flies the tiger took his golden damsel as it dangled in the water in front of the podium. That is why I always nag at people to bring their flies right in and hang them, the fish are often right at your feet!
• DAVID DUNN – Caught his new P.B weighing 7.8lb caught using a lure on an intermediate line.
• JOHNATHAN MCDONALD – Safely returned a 10.5lb tiger and 5 rainbows caught using yellow owls, black rabbit, double humpy, and buzzers all on a floating line.
• ALAN HOGG – (ALAN FLY GUY) From the Fly-Fishing Guy UK Stillwater & Rivers Facebook page safely returned 2 rainbows and 1 wild brown using a black rabbit and a daiwl bach.
• NEIL LESTER – Safely returned a beautiful brown weighing approximately 5lb caught using a black & green tadpole on an intermediate line.
• JOHN GEMILL – Safely returned 1 rainbow and 1 brown estimated to be around 7lb using a peach egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• JOHN GILCHRIST – The original creator of the covid flies, safely returned 6 rainbows and 1 brown caught using a covid and a tequila fab on a floating line.
• JIMMY JONES – Waited all day for a bite, but the wait was well worth it when he landed “a fish of a lifetime!” A rainbow weighing 12-14lb! Using a yellow dancer on a floating line, he initially thought he had caught a snag, until that snag made his reel scream! Well done, Jimmy!
• ANDY MCALPINE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a damsel on an intermediate line.
• SANDY KIRKWOOD – “I’ve had such a great day!” He safely returned 3 rainbows all of a good size using a damsel nymph on a floating line.
• DONALD FORBES – “Another brilliant day!” He safely returned 11 rainbows and 1 blue caught using a green & black fab and size 12 buzzers on a floating line.
• STEVE CONAHAN – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a yellow owl on a floating line.
• SCOTT MCKILLOP – Did not know Burnhouse existed, but he is “glad he has found it now!” He safely returned 2 rainbows the biggest weighing 9.5lb and the smallest 5lb, using a floating fry on a floating line and a lime green wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• GREG RUSSELL – Also enjoyed his first visit to Burnhouse, he safely returned 2 rainbows weighing 5lb and 7lb caught using a fario bung fly and a shipmans on floating line.
• IAN DON – Safely returned 1 blue caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• ALLAN DOWNIE – Safely returned 1 blue caught using pheasant tailed nymphs on a floating line.
• MAY ANDERSON – Safely returned 12 rainbows, 1 blue and 1 tiger caught using a black pennell, buzzers, bibio hopper, a yellow humpy, pulsefire damsel and a black rabbit all on a floating line.
• RICHARD TAYLOR – Safely returned 18 rainbows and blues caught using a double humpy, sedges, shipmans, olive klinkhammer and buzzers all on a floating line.

SAFE CATCH AND RELEASE PROCEDURE

• Only use single, barbless hooks. Strictly no multiple hook snakes, double or treble hooks. Not just for catch and release but for kill tickets too.
• Due to the size and strength of our fish we ask that ALL anglers use a minimum of 8lb line, this is to reduce the number of fish being lost and over played.
• Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible. Over playing a fish causes stress and exhaustion and decreases the chance of survival.
• Unhook the fish as quickly as possible, keep the fish in the water. Never bring the fish onto the banking or podiums as this removes the protective slime, increasing the chances of infections and diseases.
• If you have to handle the fish do so with wet hands, never with gloves on, this avoids removing the protective slime.
• If the hook is too deep to be removed, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
• Avoid squeezing the fish as this can cause damage to internal organs.
• Take time to recover the fish, be patient as this can take some time especially in warmer weather. Support it gently until the fish is strong enough to swim away from you.
• If you are struggling to recover a fish, please call the bailiff for assistance, the decision to kill any fish whilst on catch and release must only be made by the bailiff.

Tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 23.04.21 – 30.04.21

WEEK OVERVIEW

The sun has been glorious this week but the prevailing wind from the east has kept us all wrapped up warm with its chill.

The fish have still been sitting deep during the day when the sun has been at its strongest, however the second there is cloud cover the water comes alive! Evenings are still providing the best returns, especially on dries and buzzers.

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to AARON KIRKWOOD with his new P.B a 12.5lb rainbow. Well done, Aaron!

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS, DAMSELS and YELLOW DANCERS.

Other successful flies were –  Orange lures, Ally McCoist, cormorants, fabs, black pennell, eggs, olive dancer, millennium bugs, shimmy worms, rabbits, double humpy, wotsits, foam daddy, pheasant tailed nymphs, hares ears, zonkers, nomads, daiwl bachs, blobs, gold dancer, black & green lure, apps, green & white lure, smoker, hoppers, shipmans, yellow owls, olive fluff cat and sedges.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• BENN KELLY – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an orange lure on an intermediate line.
• GORDON BARR – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using an Ally McCoist and a cormorant on an intermediate line.
• DONALD FORBES – Safely returned 10 rainbows including 1 weighing 11lb caught using a black and green fab and buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 1 rainbow.
• JORDAN COLLINS – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an Ally McCoist on a floating line.
• BILLY HOEHLE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a black pennell on a floating line.
• BRIAN SKINNER – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a black & green fab on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a mojito shimmy worm fished static under a sight indicator.
• AARON KIRKWOOD – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 8 rainbows including is new P.B weighing 12.5lb caught using damsels and an olive fluff cat on a slow intermediate with a fast figure of 8 retrieve.
• KEVIN MUIR – Safely retuned 2 rainbows and 1 tiger caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line and a coral egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• DAVID MCROBERT – Safely returned 11 rainbows including 1 weighing 10lb caught using damsels and an olive dancer on an intermediate line.
• GLEN MCNEIL – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using millennium bugs fished static under a sight indicator.
• RORY STEWART – What an exceptional young angler! On a day with bright sunshine and flat calms where a lot of the adults were struggling, young Rory safely returned 13 rainbows including 1 weighing 8.5lb. All the adults were asking him for tips! A yellow dancer and buzzers on an intermediate line was his answer! Well done, Rory. Keep up the good work and you will go far in this sport!
• ROBERT GRANGER – Safely returned a 6lb rainbow caught using a shimmy worm fished static under a sight indicator.
• JAMES JARVIS – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• THOMAS KENNEDY – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a cutthroat damsel and a black rabbit on an intermediate line.
• JIM VANN – Safely returned an 8lb rainbow caught using a blue flash damsel on an intermediate line. On a return visit he safely returned 1 caught using dries on a floating line.
• EDDIE HIGGINS – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a green shimmy worm fished static under a sight indicator.
• LEWIS KIDD – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a double humpy on a floating line. On return visits he safely returned 5 rainbows caught using a double humpy and buzzers on a floating line and a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• BRIAN LEITH – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a green wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• RICHARD TAYLOR – Safely returned 9 rainbows caught using buzzers and a double humpy on a floating line. On return visits he safely returned 8 rainbows caught using buzzers, a double humpy and a black shipmans on a floating line.
• JOHN HUNTER – Safely returned 1 rainbow weighing approximately 7-8lb caught using a black & green cormorant on a floating line.
• WULLY GEARY – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a lime green buzzer on a floating line.
• WULLY GEARY – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• DERICK SAVAGE – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 9.13lb and safely returned 1, using a foam daddy on an intermediate line, gold rib hares ear and PTN on a midge tip.
• GEOFF APPLETON – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a black & yellow zonker on an intermediate line.
• ROBERT HUNTER – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 10.38lb caught using a green nomad and a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• ROSS DUNN – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.4lb and safely returned 2 using daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• SCOTT MCCARROLL – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a lime green blob on an intermediate line.
• JIM ANDERSON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• BRENDON MCREADY – Thinks he has found his new regular fishery. He weighed in 2 rainbows for 10.73lb caught using a yellow dancer and a cormorant on an intermediate line. He was also left heartbroken by a double.
• IAN RODGER – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 13.05lb and safely returned 1 using buzzers and a ptn on an intermediate line.
• LEON MASON – Safely returned 3 rainbows including 1 weighing 8lb, all were caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• BRIAN MCCLUCKIE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a yellow dancer and a pink zonker on an intermediate line.
• BERNARD ROBERTSON – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a gold dancer on an intermediate line.
• KEVIN HAUGHTON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a daiwl bach on a floating line.
• WILLIAM HAUGHTON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a black & green lure on an intermediate line.
• STUART BELL – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a yellow apps and a pink apps on an intermediate line.
• IAN TELFORD – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a John Irvine lure (green & white lure) on an intermediate line.
• ALEX ROOK – Weighed in 4 rainbows for 12.54lb and safely returned 14 rainbows and blues caught using buzzers and daiwl bachs on a floating line, damsels on an intermediate and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• STUART MCINTYRE – Loved his first visit to Burnhouse! He weighed in 4 rainbows for 12.5lb and safely returned 9 rainbows and 1 tiger caught using buzzers and nymphs on a sink tip line.
• RONNIE TURNBULL – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a hot head damsel on an intermediate line.
• JIMMY MILLER – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a hot head damsel on an intermediate line.
• ANDY MCALPINE – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 8.47lb caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• ALFIE SPENCE – Safely returned 14 rainbows and blues caught using damsels on an intermediate line, a smoker and buzzers on a floating line and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• ANDY DAVEY – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• ROBIN LAMBERT – From the Scottish Flyfisher magazine and Facebook page enjoyed his first visit to Burnhouse. He weighed in 1 rainbow for 4lb 3oz and safely returned 5 including 1 weighing approximately 10lb caught using daiwl bachs and a yellow owl on a floating line.
• GORDON MARSHALL – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an olive and purple blob on an intermediate line.
• MAY ANDERSON – Safely returned 19 rainbows and 4 wild browns caught using buzzers, a double humpy, bibio hopper and a g&h sedge on a floating line.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 6 rainbows and 1 brown caught using buzzers on a floating line, an olive apps and damsels on an intermediate line and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• DARREN MCPHERSON – Safely returned 14 rainbows, 1 brown weighing approximately 6-7lb and 2 wild browns using an olive apps and polar bear on an intermediate line and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• JOHN LOWE – Safely returned 3 caught using a damsel on an intermediate line.
• ALAN SMITH – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using hoppers and buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 2 rainbows using a deer hair hopper.

SAFE CATCH AND RELEASE PROCEDURE

• Only use single, barbless hooks. Strictly no multiple hook snakes, double or treble hooks. Not just for catch and release but for kill tickets too.
• Due to the size and strength of our fish we ask that ALL anglers use a minimum of 8lb line, this is to reduce the number of fish being lost and over played.
• Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible. Over playing a fish causes stress and exhaustion and decreases the chance of survival.
• Unhook the fish as quickly as possible, keep the fish in the water. Never bring the fish onto the banking or podiums as this removes the protective slime, increasing the chances of infections and diseases.
• If you have to handle the fish do so with wet hands, never with gloves on, this avoids removing the protective slime.
• If the hook is too deep to be removed, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
• Avoid squeezing the fish as this can cause damage to internal organs.
• Take time to recover the fish, be patient as this can take some time especially in warmer weather. Support it gently until the fish is strong enough to swim away from you.

If you are struggling to recover a fish, please call the bailiff for assistance, the decision to kill any fish whilst on catch and release must only be made by the bailiff.

Tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 16.04.21 – 23.04.21                              

What a scorcher it has been this week! Lovely for sunbathing, but not a great for fishing unless the anglers tactics were right.

In the scorching sunshine, the fish will retreat to the depths meaning better returns when fishing intermediate, fast sinking lines or weighted flies. They will also seek shelter from the sun in shaded areas such as the very platforms you stand on or in the weed beds, so hang those flies and use those weed beds to your advantage!

When the sun starts to fade and the water temperature drops the evening rises can be spectacular but can prove difficult when the water is flat calm, the trick is to neatly present your flies and keep your casting to a minimal, nothing will spook the fish more than your line thrashing the water.

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to DAVID LAVAN with a 12.2lb bow. Well done, David!

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS, EGGS, and DAMSELS.

Other successful flies were –  Okay dokey, bloodworm, cats whiskers, ghost, cutthroat rabbit, daiwl bachs, millennium bugs, fabs, yellow dancers, PTN, invicta, greenwells spider, orange & black dancer, orange fritz, orange & white lure, yellow owl, black dancer, clink hammers, eggstacy worms, hares ears, cormorants, shammies, black poodle, polar  bear, orange daddy, hoppers, apps, pin fry imitation, claret bumble, emergers, pink mini lure, shipmans, beetles, cutthroat cat, shimmy worm, Griffiths gnat, sedge, sparkler and a black rabbit.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• SCOTT MORTON – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3.24lb caught using a tailed okay dokey fished static under a sight indicator. On return visits he safely returned 7 rainbows and 1 blue caught using buzzers on a floating line and a blue flash damsel on an intermediate line.
• BILLY HOELLE – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a bloodworm and a cats whisker on a floating line.
• JAY MILLER – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a ghost, cutthroat rabbit and a cats whisker on an intermediate line.
• ANDY DAVIE – Safely returned a 6lb rainbow caught using a green daiwl bach on a floating line.
• GLEN MCNEIL – Safely returned 9 rainbows caught using millennium bugs and buzzers on a floating line.
• BRIAN SKINNER – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• ROBERT PATON – Safely returned 15 rainbows including a few at around 9lb caught using a pink fab and buzzers on a floating line and a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• ROBERT WELSH – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• STEVIE VANCE – Was delighted that the restrictions eased, allowing him to return to his favourite fishery! He safely returned 2 rainbows caught using pheasant tailed nymphs on a floating line.
• MICHAEL MCKENNA – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a pheasant tailed nymph on a floating line.
• DEREK SAVAGE – Safely returned 1 rainbow.
• LEWIS KIDD – Safely returned 6 rainbows caught using an invicta, buzzers and a greenwells spider all on a floating line. On return visits he safely returned 9 rainbows and 1 tiger using buzzers, damsels, cormorants and an orange daddy on a floating line, white eggs and pink eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• JOHN ROSS – Safely returned 3 rainbows including ones weighing 7.5lb & 5lb using buzzers on a floating line and an orange and black dancer on an intermediate line.
• GERRY FITSIMINS – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using an orange fritz and an orange & white lure on an intermediate line.
• DAVID LAVAN – Safely returned 7 rainbows including 1 weighing 12.2lb using a yellow owl, daiwl bachs and buzzers on a floating line and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• GORDON COLLEY – Safely returned 1 rainbow and 1 blue caught using a black dancer on an intermediate line and buzzers on a floating line.
• RAB COCHRANE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using various eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• RICHARD TAYLOR – Safely returned 1 rainbow and 2 browns caught using a claret clink hammer on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 2 including 1 weighing 9lb caught using a shipmans and a black hopper on a floating line.
• REYNOR KENNEDY – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a green eggstacy worm fished static under a sight indicator.
• GREGOR KENNEDY – Show his son how it’s done! He safely returned 3 rainbows and 2 blues caught using a hot head blue flash damsel on an intermediate line and hares ears on a floating line.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 6 rainbows caught using an orange & black dancer, neon damsel and a 55 cormorant on an intermediate line.
• ANDY RICHMOND – Made the challenging conditions of flat calms and strong sunshine look easy. He safely returned 10 rainbows and lost many more. When asked what he was using, he said anything 5ft down.
• TAM BROGGAN – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 2.67lb caught using a black poodle on an intermediate line.
• CHRIS HARRIS – Safely returned 1 rainbow.
• JOHNATHAN PAUL – “Came all the way from fife and I didn’t mention him in the last report”, because it is this report, you are in lol. He safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a polar bear on an intermediate line and lost a blue.
• AARON KIRKWOOD – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using a rhubarb & custard cat on an intermediate line and a claret hopper on a floating line.
• KIERAN ROBERTSON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a blue flash damsel on an intermediate line.
• MARK MCGOVEN – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a red apps and a pin fry imitation.
• MARK WILLIS – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 10.3lb and safely returned 3 caught using a cats whisker and damsels on an intermediate line.
• JOHN MCCORMACK – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 5.71lb caught using a yellow dancer and a claret bumble on a floating line.
• ALAN SMITH – Safely returned 8 rainbows and 1 brown caught using yellow owls, bibio emerger and cormorants on a floating line, damsels, and a pink mini lure on an intermediate line. On a return visit he safely returned 9 rainbows and 1 blue caught using hoppers and a shipmans on a floating line.
• JIM ANDERSON – Safely returned 1 brown and 7 rainbows including ones weighing 9.5lb and 7lb using shipmans, beetles, buzzers and daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• ALEX ROOK – Safely returned 1 blue, 1 tiger and 11 rainbows caught using damsels on an intermediate line. On a return visit he weighed in 4 rainbows for 15.68lb and safely returned 21 rainbows and blues using daiwl bachs, buzzers and damsels on various lines and eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• JOHN LOWE – Weighed in 2 fish for 10.16lb caught using a cutthroat cat on an intermediate line.
• HUGH ANDREWS – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a yellow shammy fished static under a sight indicator.
• ROBERT GRANGER – The blank was on for Rab but on his last cast he safely returned a 9.5lb rainbow! Well worth the wait!
• GORDON MCVICAR – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• JIM VANN – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4lb caught using a sedge on a floating line.
• MARTIN MAYWELL – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.41lb caught using a damsel on an intermediate line.
• GORDON NORVIL – Safely returned a rainbow weighing approximately 7-8lb caught using a daiwl bach on a floating line.
• REG DUNBAR – Safely returned a 4lb rainbow caught using a black dancer on an intermediate line.
• DECLAN WINTERS – Safely returned 7 rainbows including 1 weighing approximately 9.5lb caught using buzzers and hoppers on a floating line and various eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• DEREK GRAHAM – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a clink hammer on a floating line.
• TONY STEEN – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using a sparkler on a floating line and a mojito shimmy worm fished static under a sight indicator.
• JOHN CALLISON & DARREN BARCIK – From Newton Farm fishery wanted a lads day out with a change of scenery. After a great day full of banter in the scorching sun, John caught 3 using a black rabbit on an intermediate line and 1 on a black CDC on floating line. Darren caught 3 on a black CDC, 1 on a fab and 1 on a black rabbit. Darren also hooked into one of the Burnhouse “heartbreakers” but the tiger lived up to its reputation and didn’t make it to the net! Think that makes Darren the winner!

With the weather starting to heat up, here is a quick reminder of how to safely return fish whilst on a catch and release ticket.

SAFE CATCH AND RELEASE PROCEDURE

• Only use single, barbless hooks. Strictly no multiple hook snakes, double or treble hooks. Not just for catch and release but for kill tickets too.
• Due to the size and strength of our fish we ask that ALL anglers use a minimum of 8lb line, this is to reduce the number of fish being lost and over played.
• Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible. Over playing a fish causes stress and exhaustion and decreases the chance of survival.
• Unhook the fish as quickly as possible, keep the fish in the water. Never bring the fish onto the banking or podiums as this removes the protective slime, increasing the chances of infections and diseases.
• If you have to handle the fish do so with wet hands, never with gloves on, this avoids removing the protective slime.
• If the hook is too deep to be removed, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
• Avoid squeezing the fish as this can cause damage to internal organs.
• Take time to recover the fish, be patient as this can take some time especially in warmer weather. Support it gently until the fish is strong enough to swim away from you.
• If you are struggling to recover a fish please call the bailiff for assistance, the decision to kill any fish whilst on catch and release must only be made by the bailiff.

Tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 09.04.21 – 16.04.21                              

This week we seen the return of the stunning spring weather! The butterflies have returned, the osprey has become a regular visitor, the air is once again filled with the beautiful sound of birds singing, the gorse bush is in full bloom creating a picturesque backdrop to what was already a relaxing environment.

There is an abundance of sticklebacks, tadpoles, spiders,  damsels, buzzers, and sedges amongst lots of other insect life which has created some magnificent sport especially on the evening sessions.

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to DONALD FORBES with a 14lb bow, just one of the many impressive fish he caught. Well done, Donald!

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS, EGGS, DAMSELS and DANCERS.

Other successful flies were –  Hares ears, nymphs, shimmy eggs, daiwl bachs, cormorants, viva Zulu, apps, pink fab, wotsits, shimmy worms, Ally McCoist, blood worms, polar bear, white lures, pink lures, humungous, green peter, Griffiths gnat, bibio CDC, cats whiskers, zonkers, beetles, CDCs, okay dokey, Alex Ferguson, wycomes, pheasant tailed nymph, butcher, greenwells spider, yellow owl, pink rabbit, black pennell and a shipmans buzzer.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• BRIAN SKINNER – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a hares ear on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 9 rainbows and 1 blue caught using a gold head hares ear on a floating line and pink and white eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• ROBERT PATON – Safely returned 2 rainbows and 1 tiger using buzzers and nymphs on a floating line.
• STEVEN MCWILLIAMS – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3.48lb and safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• JOHN FLEMMING – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on an intermediate line. On a return visit he safely returned 2 rainbows caught using daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• TONT STEEN – Had a brilliant week! On his first visit he safely returned 2 blues and 11 rainbows including 1 double and 1 around 8lb, hares ears and buzzers on a floating line, a mojito shimmy worm and a mojito egg fished static under a sight indicator worked the trick for him. On a return visit he safely returned 10 rainbows including 2 at 8lb using the same H
• LEWIS KIDD – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers and hares ears on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a blue and a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• ALLAN MEEK – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using buzzers, cormorants and daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• DAVID LAVAN – “Great session again! Really top-class fishing, the fish are so powerful… can’t wait to get back soon!” He safely returned 14 rainbows the biggest weighing 10lb 2oz with plenty around the 5-6lb mark. Buzzers on a floating line and a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator proving successful for him.
• IAN DON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 3 rainbows again using buzzers on a floating line.
• RICHARD TAYLOR – Safely returned 10 rainbows and 1 brown caught using hot head damsels, a viva zulu, olive apps and buzzers on a 10ft sink tip line. On a return visit he safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a shipmans and buzzers on a floating line.
• DONALD FORBES – Had a “brilliant day” He safely returned 2 blues and 8 rainbows including some very impressive ones weighing 14lb, 11lb and 2 at 8-9lb using a pink fab and buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 4 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• BRIAN LEITH – Safely returned 7 rainbows and 2 blues caught using a white wotsit and cheese shimmy worm fished static under a sight indicator and a rainbow dancer on an intermediate line.
• STUART PEACH – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• ARTHUR PEACH – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• DAVID LAKE – Weighed in 1 blue and 2 rainbows for 10.91lb.
• COLIN BAIRD – Safely returned 3 rainbows using buzzers on a floating line and a cheese egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• DOUGIE CRAWFORD – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.41lb caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a UV Ally McCoist on an intermediate line.
• DECLAN WINTERS – Safely returned 2 blues and 2 rainbows caught using an orange dancer on an intermediate line, olive apps and a cormorant on a floating line.
• GORDON FERGUSON – Safely returned a 5lb blue caught using a cormorant on a floating line.
• STEWART MORTIMOR – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.41lb and safely returned 1 tiger using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line and buzzers on a floating line.
• JOHN MORTIMOR – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 2.70lb caught using an Ally McCoist on a floating line.
• COLIN KIDD – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a polar bear on an intermediate line.
• JOE MURPHY – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using daiwl bachs on a floating line, cormorants, and a mini yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• GREG MARSHALSEY –Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a yellow dancer, white lure, and pink lure all on an intermediate line.
• JAMES MILLER – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a humongous on a floating line.
• ALAN SMITH – Safely returned 9 rainbows caught using a Griffith gnat, bibio cdc, buzzers and a green Peter all on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 6 rainbows caught using the same flies.
• JOHNATHAN MCDONALD – Safely returned 9 rainbows, 1 brown and 5 blues caught using an orange cats whisker, buzzers, yellow owl, pink rabbit, greenwells spider and a black pennell all on a floating line.
• ALEX ROOK – “What a fishery this has become!” He weighed in 4 rainbows for 17.33lb and went on to safely return a further 16, using damsels, and various cats whiskers varying his lines and depth to suit the level of sunlight.
• MARK WALLACE – Weighed in 4 rainbows for 17.73lb and went on to safely return a further 7 caught using various eggs fished static under a sight indicator, damsels, and cats whiskers on a mixture of floating and intermediate lines.
• KEVIN CRAIG – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a black and green zonker on an intermediate line.
• BARRY JAMIESON – Safely returned a stunning 8lb rainbow caught using a white wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• SCOTT MORTON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a white wotsit fished static under a sight indicator, buzzers on a floating line and a yellow dancer on an intermediate line. It was a great day for him as he is new to fly fishing and beat his friend who is an experienced angler, well done Scott! Bragging rights earned! On a return visit he safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a pink wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• AARON BARRETT – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• IAN TELFORD – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a white & green wotsit fished static under a sight indicator. On a return visit he safely returned 5 rainbows and 1 blue caught using a hot head damsel on an intermediate line and buzzers on a floating line.
• STUART BELL – Safely returned 2 blues and 10 rainbows caught using buzzers and cdcs on a floating line, apps on an intermediate and various eggs fished static under a sight indicator. We will not say how many Colin caught.
• ALAN DOYAL – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an okay dokey fished static under a sight indicator.
• DOUGIE RUTHERFORD – Weighed in 3 rainbows for 13.11lb caught using an Alex Ferguson and a yellow & white cats whisker both on an intermediate line.
• ABBIE RUTHERFORD – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a white & yellow cats whisker on an intermediate line. She was so excited to catch her first fish on a fly rod that she was straight on the phone to tell her mum. It is great to see a young female taking an interest in the sport. Keep it up kid, you will be beating your dad in no time!
• ALEC KYLE – Weighed in 3 rainbows for 12.39lb caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• JOHN BURNSIDE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a wycomes on a floating line.
• GEORGE LYNCH – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a Griffiths gnat on a floating line.
• IAN ABERCROMBIE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a cats whisker on an intermediate line.
• DEREK GRAHAM – After a run of bad luck that has seen him lose every fish hooked into for the last couple of weeks, finally made it to the catch report. He safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a mojito shimmy worm fished static under a sight indicator.
• HUGH ANDREWS – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a black beetle on a floating line.
• ROBERT GRANGER – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a yellow beetle on a floating line and a green, white & orange bug fished static under a sight indicator.
• ALLAN DOWNIE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a pheasant tailed nymph on a floating line.
• DAVID DUNN – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a gold head butcher on a floating line.
• MAY ANDERSON – Safely returned 20 rainbows and 1 blue caught using a hot head damsel, Flays pulsefire damsel, a double humpy, and buzzers all on a floating line.

With the ease in travel restrictions we look forward to welcoming back anglers from all areas and some of our valued and regular customers that were unable to travel here during the restrictions.  We must remember though, that even though we have this freedom to travel again, we are still not safe from COVID so we must not let our guards down! Continue to maintain good hand hygiene, stick to social distancing and wear face masks where necessary.

Tight lines for the week ahead

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 02/04/21 – 09/04/21       

Well, all four seasons were still with us this week! Anglers were soaking up the sun one minute and sheltering from the wind and snow the next! The constant change in weather, wind direction and temperatures meant a constant change in depths, flies, and techniques. No hour was the same as the next but great returns were still achievable, and some magnificent fish were landed!

The introduction of large, stocked browns proved a massive hit amongst anglers, those lucky enough to land one made my day with their big smiles and happy jigs!

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to JOSH MOODY with a 12lb blue. Well done, Josh!

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS, EGGS and DAMSELS.

Other successful flies were –  Shimmy eggs, humongous, apps, black poodle, orange lures, daiwl bachs, nymphs, Kate McLaren, double humpy, sedges, blue flash dancer, blae & black, hares ears, dazzler, mini cats whiskers, millennium bugs, wotsits, white lures, grunters, yellow owl, zonkers, cdcs, spiders, okay dokey, yellow dancer, rabbits, pink lures, Griffiths gnat, nomads, cormorants, blood worms, Ally McCoist and a claret hopper.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• LEWIS GEMMAL – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a cheese egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• ROSS COCHRANE – Safely returned 8 rainbows including a beauty at 10.5lb and 1 tiger using a white shimmy egg fished static under a sight indicator and a humongous and apps fished on an intermediate line. On a return visit he safely returned 1 brown and 6 rainbows caught using a white egg and a white shimmy egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• RAB COCHRANE – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using various eggs fished static under a sight indicator.
• GARY SNEDDON – Finally made it to the catch report! He safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a white shimmy egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• TAM BROGAN – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 10.34lb caught using a black poodle and an orange rabbit on an intermediate line.
• JAMES CRAIG – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• DAVID DUNN – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a daiwl bach and an orange lure on a floating line.
• RICHARD TAYLOR – Safely returned 13 rainbows, 1 blue and 1 7lb brown caught using buzzers, Kate McLaren, and a damsel on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 2 rainbows, 1 brown, 1 blue and 1 tiger and he was ecstatic to catch all 4 species of trout that we stock here at Burnhouse! “I can’t get enough of this place, LOVE IT!” Buzzers and a white nomad on a floating line were the flies that scored him the quadruple species.
• EDDIE HIGGINS – Safely returned 4 rainbows including 1 in double figures using a sedge and daiwl bachs on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned another 4 rainbows including another double figure rainbow using an organza back daiwl bach on a floating line. With returns like that it is not hard to understand why he has “an addiction” to Burnhouse.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a blue flash dancer on an intermediate line.
• REYNER KENNEDY – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a green shimmy egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• IAN BROWN – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3.3lb caught using a black & blae on a floating line.
• MITCHELL GUILD – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a spearmint egg fished static under a sight indicator and a blue flash damsel on an intermediate line.
• KEANAN MCDONALD – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a blue flash damsel on a floating line.
• JACK MORRISON – Safely returned 3 rainbows and 1 brown caught using a damsel on a floating line.
• TONY STEEN – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a hares ear on a floating line.
• CHRIS HARRIS – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a dazzler on a floating line.
• JOE MURPHY – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a damsel on an intermediate line.
• GORDON FERGUSON – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a mini cat on an intermediate line.
• GEOFF APPLETON – Safely returned 10 rainbows caught using a yellow wotsit on a di3 line with a fast retrieve.
• GREG MARSHALSEY – Safely returned a 5.5lb brown caught using a white lure on an intermediate line.
• ALAN SMITH – Safely returned 8 rainbows and 1 tiger caught using buzzers, a grunter, and a yellow owl on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 4 rainbows and an 8.5lb brown caught using buzzers and a Griffith gnat on a floating line.
• CHARLES DEVINE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using zonkers on an intermediate line. On a return visit he weighed in 2 rainbows for 9.83lb caught using a hot head damsel on a floating line.
• KEITH RICHARDSON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a cdc buzzer on a floating line.
• GLEN MCNEIL – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a black spider on a floating line and an okay dokey fished static under a sight indicator.
• WULLIE SMILLIE – Weighed in 2 fish for 8.58lb caught using a blue flash damsel and a yellow dancer on a floating line.
• LEWIS KIDD – Safely returned 5 rainbows and 1 blue caught using a pink rabbit and a white rabbit on an intermediate line. On a return visit he safely returned 5 rainbows and a tiger weighing 8.5lb using buzzers on a floating line and a green egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• BRIAN LEITH – Safely returned a stunning 9.5lb brown caught using a pink lure on an intermediate line. He was “chuffed to bits!” On a return visit he safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a cheese egg and a white wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• COLIN BAIRD – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a spearmint egg fished static under a sight indictor.
• JUSTIN PRENICE – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3lb caught using a blue flash damsel on a floating line.
• HUGH MOORE – Weighed in 1 rainbow and 1 blue caught using a white wotsit on an intermediate line and a black nymph on a floating line.
• IAN PRENTICE – Safely returned a 9.5lb rainbow caught using a pink shimmy egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• ANDREW MILLER – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a bug fished static under a sight indicator.
• KEVIN WALKINSHAW – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using cormorants and a bloodworm on a floating line.
• COLIN GIBSON – “I’ve had a great day!” He weighed in 3 rainbows for 11.35lb and safely returned 1 brown, 1 tiger and 1 rainbow caught using cormorants and a bloodworm on a floating line.
• BRIAN FORSYTH – Safely returned 1 rainbow, 1 blue and 1 rainbow caught using an Ally McCoist and a hares ear on a floating line.
• ALEX ROOK – “I really like it here; this is going to be one of my new regulars!” He weighed in 4 rainbows for 16.71lb and safely returned 1 blue and 7 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line and a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• ROSS ARCHIEBALD – Safely returned 4 rainbows including ones weighing 8lb and 9lb caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• ANDY MCROBERTS – Safely returned 3 rainbows including 1 weighing 5lb caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• SCOTT MCROBERTS – Started his day saying, “I don’t know why I’m taking a net I probably won’t need one!” He ended his day a happy man weighing in 3 rainbows for 12.88lb caught using a mini cats whisker on a floating line.
• JOSH MOODY – Safely returned 9 rainbows and 5 blues including 1 weighing 12lb caught using cormorants on a floating line and a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• LEWIS MORTON – Safely returned 1 tiger, 2 blues and 5 rainbows caught using buzzers and a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• ALFIE SPENCE – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator and a claret hopper on a floating line on a return visit he safely returned 2 rainbows caught using millennium bugs fished static under a sight indicator.
• DECLAN WINTERS – Safely returned 12 rainbows caught using a yellow wotsit on a di3 line and buzzers on a floating line.
• IAN DON – Safely returned 6 rainbows caught using a humpy on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 3 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• ALLAN DOWNIE – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using buzzers, a Kate McLaren, and a double humpy on a floating line.
• JIMMY JONES – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.3lb caught using a Kate McLaren variant on a floating line. He came very close to losing his fish though when the osprey who was unsuccessful in his fishing trip spotted it, thankfully he flew off without Jimmy’s dinner.
• JOHN WILSON – Safely returned an 8.2lb rainbow caught using a white zonker on an intermediate line.
• KEIRAN ROBERTSON – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.22lb caught using a hot head damsel on a floating line.
• JOHNATHAN MCDONALD – Safely returned 19 rainbows and a 6lb brown caught using buzzers, a double humpy and black rabbit on a floating line.

Safe Catch & Release Procedure

• Only use single, barbless hooks. Strictly no multiple hook snakes, double or treble hooks. Not just for catch and release but for kill tickets too.
• Due to the size and strength of our fish we ask that ALL anglers use a minimum of 8lb line, this is to reduce the number of fish being lost and over played.
• Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible. Over playing a fish causes stress and exhaustion and decreases the chance of survival.
• Unhook the fish as quickly as possible, keep the fish in the water. Never bring the fish onto the banking or podiums as this removes the protective slime, increasing the chances of infections and diseases.
• If you have to handle the fish do so with wet hands, never with gloves on, this avoids removing the protective slime.
• If the hook is too deep to be removed, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
• Avoid squeezing the fish as this can cause damage to internal organs.
• Take time to recover the fish, be patient as this can take some time especially in warmer weather. Support it gently until the fish is strong enough to swim away from you.
• If you are struggling to recover a fish please call the bailiff for assistance, the decision to kill any fish whilst on catch and release must only be made by the bailiff.

Important COVID-19 Regulations – please read:

Please adhere to the following:

• Please adhere to the current travel restrictions.
• We will be operating a strict booking in only policy. This allows us to limit the number of anglers arriving, using our facilities and fishing our water. It also enables a better track and trace. Please phone 07949220511 to book your space.
• If you feel unwell or show any symptoms of COVID-19 please cancel your booking, stay at home and isolate.
• We will be issuing tickets from the window of the lodge.
• Refreshment are still available via the window, gloves and masks will be worn by staff and strict hygiene standards implemented during the handling.
• ALL anglers MUST use the hand sanitising station before approaching the window. The station will be cleaned after every use. Disposable gloves are also available for anyone who wishes that extra bit of protection.
• We ask that our anglers bring the exact money to avoid change being given. All ticket prices can be found on our website or upon request on telephone enquiries.
• Toilets will be cleaned on a regular basis, though we ask that anglers use the antibacterial wipes and toilet brushes available to clean up after their own use.
• Please adhere to all social distancing guidelines in place.

We would hate for anything to be traced back to our beloved sport, so let us work together to keep it as safe as possible for all participants.

Stay safe & tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 26.03.21 – 02.04.21      

I am a very fond believer that tough conditions make us better anglers. If fishing were always easy, we would not learn, it is through perseverance that our knowledge grows and we build some of our best skills, essential skills! This week certainly gave us all that opportunity when Scotland at its best gave us four seasons in one week!

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to IAN DON with an 11.4lb bow! Well done, Ian!

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were BUZZERS, EGGS AND NYMPHS.

Other successful flies were – double humpy, wotsits, squirmy worms, goldie lure, fab, daiwl bachs, snatchers, dancers, hares ears, bunny leeches, the covid fly, zonkers, apps, Alex Ferguson, Kate McLaren, blobs, hoppers, Ally McCoist, okey dokey, klink hammers, orange nomad, black rabbit, sedges, Griffiths gnat, shipmans, tequila tadpole, orange dancer,  black rabbit, and a shimmy worm.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• ROBERT RANKIN – Safely returned 2 good sized rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• STEVEN HALL  –Safely returned 7 rainbows, 2 tigers and a wild brown caught using hot head pheasant tailed nymphs and buzzers all on a floating line.
• CHRIS DRAKE –Safely returned 2 rainbows including his new P.B weighing 10lb, both were caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• JOHN KERR –Safely returned 1 rainbow and 1 brown caught using hot head pheasant tailed nymphs on a floating line.
• DECLAN WINTERS –Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• BRIAN LEITH –Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a goldie lure on an intermediate line and a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator. He was that impressed by the fight and quality of the fish that he returned the next day, he safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a covid fly on a floating line.
• ALFIE SPENCE –Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line. He returned a few days later and safely returned 5 rainbows and 1 brown caught using a klink hammer and buzzers on a floating line and a spearmint egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• EUAN PERRY –Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a yellow fab and a red daiwl bach both on a floating line.
• COLIN SPENCE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a black snatcher on a floating line.
• ROSS MORRISON –Has been dying to catch a tiger for months, watching time after time as his friends caught them but, he finally did it! He safely returned an 8lb tiger caught using a uv yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• REYNER KENNEDY –Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a hares ear on a floating line.
• ALAN HUNTER –Safely returned 1 tiger and 4 rainbows caught using a black bunny leech and a green & white lure on an intermediate line and a green & white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• LEWIS KIDD –Had a “cracking day” he safely returned 1 blue, 1 tiger and 3 rainbows including 1 weighing 8.5lb. A pink zonker, uv yellow dancer, redd apps and an Alex Ferguson all on an intermediate line were the successful flies for him.
• ALLAN DOWNIE – Safely returned 2 impressive rainbows, 1 weighing 8.5lb and the other 10.2lb! A double humpy and a Kate McLaren both on a floating line were the flies that made him a very happy man.
• RICHARD TAYLOR –Safely returned 6 rainbows caught using nymphs, a yellow blob and a white zonker all on a floating line.
• RYAN BURNS –Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• BLAIR ADAMSON –Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• JIMMY MARSHALL –Safely returned a brown caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• HUGH MOORE –Safely returned a stunning 9lb rainbow caught using a tequila egg on a floating line.
• WILLIAM TURNER –Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.4lb caught using a tequila egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• WULLIE CARR –Safely returned 4 rainbows including 1 double and 1 weighing 9lb, he also lost and missed several more using an elk hair sedge and hoppers on a floating line.
• IAN DON –Safely returned a very impressive rainbow weighing 11.4lb caught using a double humpy on a floating line.
• ANDY FLANIGAN – Safely returned 1 rainbow weighing 7.5lb caught using an Ally McCoist on an intermediate line. He also lost several and had plenty offers all on the Ally.
• NEIL FLANIGAN –Safely returned 1 rainbow weighing 9.5lb caught using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line.
• BRIAN SKINNER –Safely returned 1 rainbow and 1 blue caught using a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator. One a return visit he also safely returned 1 rainbow and 1 blue using a pink and a white egg.
• JONNO McDONALD –Safely returned 22 rainbows and 2 wild browns caught using a double humpy, Griffiths gnat, buzzers, black rabbit, orange dancer, greenwells spider and a black & green spider all on a floating line.
• BRIAN McGREGOR –Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3lb and safely returned 2 others using an okey dokey, olive buzzer and a damsel nymph all on a floating line.
• EDDIE HIGGINS – Fishing in the freezing cold strong winds and rain left with a massive smile on his face after catching a fin perfect double figure rainbow on a tequila tadpole. “Honestly, this place is just amazing! Can’t beat it!”
• ALAN SMITH – Safely returned 4 rainbows caught using nymphs on a floating line.
• IAN TELFORD –Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a black & orange wotsit and a red & white wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• JUSTIN PRENTISE –Weighed in 1 rainbow for 3.2lb caught using an Ally McCoist on an intermediate line.
• ROBERT PATON –Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line and a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• TONY STEEN – “I really enjoyed that, the fish are in brilliant condition, they all fight like crazy, there’s more than plenty in there and the wee wild browns are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen!” He safely returned 5 rainbows and 2 wild browns using pheasant tailed nymphs on a floating line and later when the cold wind picked up a spearmint egg and a spearmint shimmy worm fished static under a sight indicator.
• COLIN BIGGAR – Safely returned 2 rainbows caught using a sedge on a floating line.
• MAY ANDERSON –Safely returned 18 rainbows and 4 wild browns caught using buzzers, a black shipmans buzzer, Griffiths gnat, Kate McLaren, yellow owl, and a double humpy all on a floating line.

Safe Catch & Release Procedure

• Only use single, barbless hooks. Strictly no multiple hook snakes, double or treble hooks. Not just for catch and release but for kill tickets too.
• Due to the size and strength of our fish we ask that ALL anglers use a minimum of 8lb line, this is to reduce the number of fish being lost and over played.
• Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible. Over playing a fish causes stress and exhaustion and decreases the chance of survival.
• Unhook the fish as quickly as possible, keep the fish in the water. Never bring the fish onto the banking or podiums as this removes the protective slime, increasing the chances of infections and diseases.
• If you have to handle the fish do so with wet hands, never with gloves on, this avoids removing the protective slime.
• If the hook is too deep to be removed, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
• Avoid squeezing the fish as this can cause damage to internal organs.
• Take time to recover the fish, be patient as this can take some time especially in warmer weather. Support it gently until the fish is strong enough to swim away from you.
• If you are struggling to recover a fish please call the bailiff for assistance, the decision to kill any fish whilst on catch and release must only be made by the bailiff.

Important COVID-19 Regulations – please read:

Please adhere to the following:

• Please adhere to the current travel restrictions.
• We will be operating a strict booking in only policy. This allows us to limit the number of anglers arriving, using our facilities and fishing our water. It also enables a better track and trace. Please phone 07949220511 to book your space.
• If you feel unwell or show any symptoms of COVID-19 please cancel your booking, stay at home and isolate.
• We will be issuing tickets from the window of the lodge.
• Refreshment are still available via the window, gloves and masks will be worn by staff and strict hygiene standards implemented during the handling.
• ALL anglers MUST use the hand sanitising station before approaching the window. The station will be cleaned after every use. Disposable gloves are also available for anyone who wishes that extra bit of protection.
• We ask that our anglers bring the exact money to avoid change being given. All ticket prices can be found on our website or upon request on telephone enquiries.
• Toilets will be cleaned on a regular basis, though we ask that anglers use the antibacterial wipes and toilet brushes available to clean up after their own use.
• Please adhere to all social distancing guidelines in place.

We would hate for anything to be traced back to our beloved sport, so let us work together to keep it as safe as possible for all participants.

Stay safe & tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 19.03.21 – 26.03.21                            

The warm weather was short lived but wasn’t it lovely! Those sunny days could be a bit of a challenge, but once anglers found the right flies at the right depth, we seen some good returns. The evenings, however, were where the most fun was had, the warmer weather created a lot of hatches and the top of water sport was exceptional! Most of the doubles were also landed in the evenings.

The beginning of the week seen the return of the cooler temperatures, rain, and winds difficult to cast in, pushing anglers perseverance to their limits. The temperature is set to rise again next week  and will definitely be welcomed!

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to DECLAN WINTERS with a fin perfect rainbow weighing 12.5lb! This was just one of the many impressive fish he caught during his evening session. Well done, Declan!

FLIES OF THE WEEK– This week’s top  flies were BUZZERS, DOUBLE HUMPY, EGGS AND DAIWL BACHS.

Other successful flies were –  Hares ears, double humpies, apps, pheasant tail nymphs, viva variant, bunny leeches, okay dokey, squirmy worms, orange rabbit, cormorants, stalking bugs, yellow owl, Kate McLaren, blood worms, nymphs, Griffiths gnat, shimmy egg, wotsit, black pennell and a yellow dancer.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK

• ALAN McMAHON – Safely returned 2 rainbows using a yellow dancer on an intermediate line. The fish were nipping at the tail of his dancer all day. “I will definitely be back!”
• ALAN CUNNINGHAM – Thoroughly enjoyed his day at Burnhouse in the glorious sunshine. He safely returned 2 rainbows and 1 blue caught using a hares ear and a double humpy on a floating line.
• BILLY HOEHLE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• REG DAVIDSON – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using buzzers on a floating line and a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• JOE WHITE – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.89lb caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• ANDY McALPINE – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 9.22lb caught using buzzers on a floating line.
• ROSS DUNN – Enjoyed his first visit to Burnhouse. He weighed in 2 rainbows for 7.8lb, he then went on to safely return 1 beautiful tiger and 1 rainbow. Pheasant tail nymphs and an olive apps on a floating line proving successful for him.
• BRIAN SKINNER – Safely returned 3 rainbows all of a good size caught using a pink egg fished static under a sight indicator and a viva variant on a floating line.
• CHIC SKINNER – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.14lb caught using an orange bunny leech on an intermediate line.
• DICKIE KERR – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 11.11lb, he then went on to safely return 1 tiger and a wild brown. Buzzers, daiwl bachs and a bunny leech were the successful flies for him.
• ROSS MORRISON – Safely returned a beautiful 9lb fin perfect rainbow caught using an okay dokey fished static under a sight indicator.
• RAYNOR KENNEDY – Safely returned 1 rainbow and 1 wild brown caught using a gold head hares ear on a floating line.
• ALAN McQUEEN – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 8.4lb caught using a green & white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• TAM BROGAN – Weighed in 2 rainbows for 12.5lb and safely returned a tiger. He used mixed tactics including a red squirmy worm fished static under a sight indicator , a blue daiwl bach on a floating line and an orange rabbit on an intermediate line.
• JOE MURPHY – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using buzzers and daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• GORDON FERGUSON – Safely returned 3 rainbows including 2 at 10lb using cormorant on a floating line.
• GLEN McNEIL – Safely returned 5 rainbows caught using stalking bugs fished static under a sight indicator. On a return visit he safely returned 6 rainbows and 1 wild brown caught using an okay dokey fished static under a sight indicator and buzzers on a floating line.
• DELAN WINTERS – Had a phenomenal evening session with 25 fish to the net including rainbows weighing 12.5lb, 10.5lb, a few at 9lb and a few at 8lb. All of his fish were over 5lb and put up an incredible fight, his arm was hurting for days! He used mixed tactics in variable sunshine and winds including buzzers, daiwl bachs and pheasant tail nymphs on a floating line, an olive apps on an intermediate line, an okay dokey and a white egg fished static under a sight indicator. I hope your arm has recovered!
• RICHARD TAYLOR – Popped up for a few hours in the evening, he safely returned 4 rainbows including a “beauty” at 10lb. All fish were caught using nymphs on a floating line.
• WULLIE CARR – Safely returned 3 rainbows caught using daiwl bachs and a Griffiths gnat on a floating line.
• BLAIR ADAMSON – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using an orange egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• RYAN BURNS – Was very impressed by the size and fight of the 3 rainbows he caught on his evening session, caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• ALAN SMITH – Was glad he decided to pop up for a few hours in the evening. He ended his night with 1 tiger and 9 rainbows including a stunning double! Buzzers and nymphs on a floating line proving successful for him.
• ALLAN DOWNIE – Safely returned 2 rainbows fishing buzzers on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 7 rainbows including 1 weighing 10.2lb using a black pennell and a double humpy on a floating line.
• IAN DON – Safely returned 6 rainbows including 1 weighing 11.5lb caught using buzzers and a double humpy on a floating line.
• BRIAN McGREGOR – Safely returned 1 rainbow around 5lb caught using a lime green shimmy egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• IAN TELFOR – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a green wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• R BURNS – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a yellow squirmy fished static under a sight indicator.
• JONNO MCDONALD – Safely returned 15 rainbows caught using a double humpy, buzzers, a black pennell and a green & black nomad all on a floating line.
• KEVIN CRAIG – Safely returned 1 rainbow around 5lb caught using a cormorant on a floating line.
• EDDIE HIGGINS – Safely returned 6 rainbows caught using a white egg fished static under a sight indicator and a yellow owl on a floating line. “ The pies and coffee are cracking, and the fish are some of the best I’ve ever seen, what a fight! I will definitely be back!” True to his word he returned a few days later, he landed a stunning rainbow around 10lb and safely returned 1 other. His yellow owl again proving successful.
• DAVID LAVAN – “ I’ve fished every fishery in the area, I can’t believe I’ve not been here yet!” He had a brilliant first visit safely returning 18 fish including rainbows of 10.5lb and 3 at 8lb! He used mixed tactics including buzzers on a floating line and a white egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• HUGH MOORE – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.18lb caught using a black nymph on a floating line.
• DERICK SAVAGE – Weighed in 1 rainbow for 4.48lb caught using an olive apps on a floating line. He was delighted with his overall experience on what was a stunning day.
• JIM LIVINGSTONE – Safely returned 1 rainbow caught using a Kate McLaren on a floating line.
• KEITH RICHARDSON – Safely returned 1 rainbow and 1 tiger caught using a blood worm and an okay dokey fished static under a sight indicator.
• MAY ANDERSON – Safely returned 16 rainbows caught using a Kate McLaren and buzzers on a floating line.

With catch and release becoming more popular and more new anglers coming into the sport we thought we would give you a few pointers on how to safely return a fish to our or any water. Even if you are an experienced angler please have a read, every day is a school day when I comes to fishing.

Safe Catch & Release Procedure

• Only use single, barbless hooks. Strictly no multiple hook snakes, double or treble hooks. Not just for catch and release but for kill tickets too.
• Due to the size and strength of our fish we ask that ALL anglers use a minimum of 8lb line, this is to reduce the number of fish being lost and over played.
• Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible. Over playing a fish causes stress and exhaustion and decreases the chance of survival.
• Unhook the fish as quickly as possible, keep the fish in the water. Never bring the fish onto the banking or podiums as this removes the protective slime, increasing the chances of infections and diseases.
• If you have to handle the fish do so with wet hands, never with gloves on, this avoids removing the protective slime.
• If the hook is too deep to be removed, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
• Avoid squeezing the fish as this can cause damage to internal organs.
• Take time to recover the fish, be patient as this can take some time especially in warmer weather. Support it gently until the fish is strong enough to swim away from you.
• If you are struggling to recover a fish please call the bailiff for assistance, the decision to kill any fish whilst on catch and release must only be made by the bailiff.

Important COVID-19 Regulations – please read:

Please adhere to the following:

• Please adhere to the current travel restrictions.
• We will be operating a strict booking in only policy. This allows us to limit the number of anglers arriving, using our facilities and fishing our water. It also enables a better track and trace. Please phone 07949220511 to book your space.
• If you feel unwell or show any symptoms of COVID-19 please cancel your booking, stay at home and isolate.
• We will be issuing tickets from the window of the lodge.
• Refreshment are still available via the window, gloves and masks will be worn by staff and strict hygiene standards implemented during the handling.
• ALL anglers MUST use the hand sanitising station before approaching the window. The station will be cleaned after every use. Disposable gloves are also available for anyone who wishes that extra bit of protection.
• We ask that our anglers bring the exact money to avoid change being given. All ticket prices can be found on our website or upon request on telephone enquiries.
• Toilets will be cleaned on a regular basis, though we ask that anglers use the antibacterial wipes and toilet brushes available to clean up after their own use.
• Please adhere to all social distancing guidelines in place.

We would hate for anything to be traced back to our beloved sport, so let us work together to keep it as safe as possible for all participants.

Stay safe & tight lines for the week ahead!