Category Archives: Weekly Reports

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 06.11.20 – 13.11.20

The weather has been very challenging this week with a constant variation in the temperature, atmospheric pressure, and overall conditions – but then that is just our typical Autumn/ winter weather!

Isn’t this when fishing is at its most rewarding? When all the elements are fighting against you and you still manage to catch!

When the weather throws its worst at you, but you do not give in – and you leave with the almighty pride that you came with, you battled through and conquered! Sure, you are a little wet and cold, but you are a hardened angler and that did not faze you one-bit!!

FISH OF THE WEEK – Where many suspected doubles were caught only one was weighed. BRIAN McLUCKIE caught a stunning 10lb 1oz rainbow, caught using an apps bloodworm fished under a sight indicator.

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were eggs, wotsits and apps bloodworms.

Other successful flies were stalking bugs, shammies, white fritz, pin fry imitation, goldie, black dancer, green & white lure, yellow dancer, cormorants, black pennell, hot head damsel, black zonker, orange fritz, shimmies, orange dancer, sunburst Ally McCoist, pink lure, viva, daiwl bachs, pink chewing gum worm, pink nomad and a black rabbit.

• BRIAN McCLUCKIE – safely returned 4 rainbows, 1 at 8lb & 1 at 10lb 1oz. He was fishing an apps bloodworm and a green wotsit under a sight indicator, right in front of the weeds in the margins.
• STUART PEACH – safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using a green wotsit fished under a sight indicator.
• ANDY RICHMOND – safely returned 6 rainbows, caught using various eggs under a sight indicator.
• DREW MILLER – really enjoyed his first visit to Burnhouse, he safely returned 8 rainbows using a pink shammy fished under a sight indicator.
• FINDLAY BELL – safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using stalking bugs under a sight indicator.
• IAN ANDERSON – safely returned 1 rainbow of “a good size”, caught using a white fritz on an intermediate line.
• ALAN SMITH – safely returned 3 rainbows, caught using a small pin fry imitation on a floating line.
• JIMMY MARSHALL – safely returned an estimated double figure rainbow, caught using a goldie on a floating line. The goldie does not fail Jimmy!
• GEO BROWNLEE – weighed in 1 rainbow for 5lb, caught using a black dancer on a floating line. On a return visit he weighed in 1 rainbow for 3lb 7oz, caught using a fluorescent cheese egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• JACK ZEREBSKI – safely returned a beautiful tiger, caught using an apps bloodworm fished static under a sight indicator. He also lost “the biggest fish he’s ever seen!”
• BRAIN ZEREBSKI – safely returned a double figure rainbow, caught using a green & white lure on an intermediate line.
• JORDAN SNEDDON – safely returned 1 rainbow, caught using a yellow dancer on a floating line. On a return visit he safely returned 1 rainbow, caught using an apps bloodworm fished static under a sight indicator.
• WULLIE PLANK – weighed in 1 rainbow for 4lb and safely returned another rainbow weighing approximately 8-10lb, both caught using cormorants on a floating line.
• JIM ANDERSON – thoroughly enjoyed his day! He safely returned 5lb, 7lb & 8lb rainbows and “the fish he came for!” a 6lb tiger that gave him “the fight of his life!” The successful flies were a size 16 black pennell, a black zonker and a hot head damsel all on a floating line with a fast retrieve.
• KYLE BURNS – weighed in 1 rainbow for 6lb 7oz, caught using a fluorescent cheese egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• DEREK GRAHAM – safely returned 1 rainbow, caught using an orange fritz on a floating line.
• TONY STEEN – weighed in 1 rainbow for 3lb 10oz, he then went on to safely return 1 5lb tiger and 3 rainbows including 1 at 8lb. He caught these using an orange shimmy and an orange egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• IAN DON – safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using an orange wotsit fished static under a sight indicator.
• TOBY ROUGHTON – had a “brilliant day!” He safely returned 2 rainbows including 1 weighing 8lb and a 6lb tiger. He caught these using an orange dancer, pink lure, and an orange egg.
• JOHN DOWNIE – safely returned 1 rainbow, caught using an orange mini egg fished static under a sight indicator.
• JIM DOWNIE – safely returned 2 rainbows, including 1 weighing 6lb. The successful flies were a viva and a green daiwl bach on a floating line.
• KENNY DOWNIE – safely returned a stunning tiger estimated to be around 7lb-8lb, caught using a pink chewing gum worm fished under a sight indicator.
• EDDIE HUNT – caught his first ever tiger. Weighing 6lb and caught using a pink nomad on a floating line.
• REG DAVIDSON – weighed in 2 rainbows, for 7lb 4oz caught using a green daiwl bach on a floating line.
• STEPHEN LIMBERT – safely returned an estimated double figure fish, caught using an apps bloodworm fished static under a sight indicator.
• JONNO McDONALD – safely returned 3 rainbows, caught using an orange egg fished static under a sight indicator and a black dancer on a floating line.
• MAY ANDERSON – safely returned 4 rainbows, caught using a daiwl bachs and a black rabbit all on a floating line.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 REGULATIONS – PLEASE READ

Please adhere to the following:

• 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 07949 220 511 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 on the lodge.
• Refreshments 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 by staff 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 required. All ticket prices can be found on our website or upon request on telephone enquiries.
• Toilets will be thoroughly cleaned on an hourly basis, though we also ask that anglers use the antibacterial wipes and toilet brushes provided to clean up after their own use.
• Please adhere to the social distancing guidelines.
• 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.

The weather is set to be a little rough over the next few days but remember some of the best fishing comes in the worst of conditions!

Stay safe and tight lines for the week ahead!

Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – Weekly Report: 30.10.20 – 06.11.20                                                                   

The Autumnal weather could not have been more variant this week! From stunning flat calms where the fish could be seen feeding just below the surface and big bow waves causing excitement! To horizontal rain and gale force winds where only the brave and hardened ventured out!

The best days fishing came in the worst weather conditions, when not one angler blanked, and the most impressive fish of the week were caught! Sometimes it pays off to live on the wild side!

There is a large holding of fish in the shallower water at the bridge, perhaps due to the brownies spawning in the burn.  Buzzers, stalking bugs, and mini eggs bringing the most success in the shallows. In the deeper water whites and brights have been the key to success.

FISH OF THE WEEK – This week’s top spot goes to WILLIAM SMYLIE with his new P.B, a very impressive 13lb rainbow! His reward for braving the most horrific weather conditions! Well done, William.

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were shimmies, eggs, and stalking bugs. Other successful flies were bloodworms, wotsits, black lures, gold & black lure, olive worm, shimmy bugs, blobs, cormorants, Sunburst Ally McCoist, olive snatcher, fabs, orange lure, Alex Ferguson, pink squirmy worm, orange fritz, green & black lures, buzzers, green & black cruncher, yellow dancer, viva, silver humongous, black dancer, okay dokey and a pink lure.

• TOBY ROUGHTON safely returned 1 rainbow, around 6lb caught using a silver humongous on a floating line.
• JIM DOWNIE had a very enjoyable first visit to Burnhouse, he safely returned 6 rainbows, caught using a yellow dancer and a viva on a floating line with a long leader.
• KENNY DOWNIE was delighted with the fight he got from the tiger he caught using a black and green cruncher on a floating line.
• JOHN DOWNIE weighed in 2 fish for an impressive 12lb 9oz, caught using an orange mini egg on a floating line.
• KEVIN WILSON safely returned 3 rainbows of immaculate condition, caught using a pink egg under a sight indicator.
• ANDREW GIBB on his first visit to Burnhouse safely returned 9 rainbows including 2 over 9lb, he caught these using buzzers and an orange mini egg on a floating line. “What a lovely fishery, I will definitely be back!”
• JOHN McKAY safely returned 3 rainbows, caught using a bloodworm on a floating line.
• ARCHIE MCLAREN broke his run of bad luck which seen him lose all the fish he hooked into on his last 2 visits! He safely returned 1 rainbow, caught using a green & black lure on a floating line. He shouted over to us laughing “I finally got one in the net!”
• BRIAN McCLUCKIE safely returned 2 rainbows including 1 around 8lb, caught using a green wotsit on a floating line.
• STUART PEACH safely returned 1 blue and 4 rainbows including 1 at 11lb 5oz, all were caught using a green wotsit on a floating line.
• ROBERT RANKIN weighed in 1 fin perfect rainbow for 4lb 5oz, caught using an orange fritz on a floating line.
• WILLIAM SMYLIE weighed in 1 rainbow for 3lb 3oz caught, using an Alex Ferguson on a floating line, he also safely returned the fish of the week, his new P.B and he was ecstatic! A stunning 13lb rainbow caught using a pink squirmy worm.
• RONNIE TURNBULL braved the torrential rain and winds, he safely returned 3 rainbows, caught using a fab and an orange lure on a floating line.
• JIMMY MILLER safely returned an 8lb tiger, caught using an olive snatcher on a floating line. What a fish! Well done, Jimmy!
• GORDON McVICAR safely returned a beautiful 2lb wild brown, caught using a sunburst Ally McCoist on a floating line.
• JOE MURPHY deserves a medal! He casted directly into horizontal rain and gale force winds to get to the fish. He would not let the weather beat him and he was rewarded with 3 rainbows, caught using a cormorant and a millennium bug on a floating line. On his return visit in calmer weather he safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using a white stalking bug on a floating line.
• BRIAN EADIE safely returned 6 rainbows, caught using a white shimmy under a sight indicator.
• ALFIE STRACHAN safely returned 1 rainbow caught, using a white shimmy under a sight indicator.
• KEVIN MOATT weighed in 1 rainbow for 4lb 4oz caught, using a white shimmy on a floating line.
• CHARLES DEVINE safely returned 1 rainbow caught, using a pink egg drifted under a sight indicator.
• SCOTT ANDERSON “redeemed himself” after a run of bad luck he safely returned 5 rainbows, caught using a white stalking bug and an orange egg on a floating line.
• AARON KIRKWOOD safely returned 4 rainbows and 1 tiger caught, using an orange egg, orange blob and a pink lure. He also lost a larger tiger right at the net, to say he was disappointed would be an understatement.
• ROBERT GRANGER safely returned 3 rainbows and 1 tiger, caught using a green and yellow stalking bug, green and white shimmy and a pink egg fished under a sight indicator. The conversation between him and a fellow angler had May in “stitches” when he caught his tiger! Robert “what’s this fish it’s got stripes all over it! I think it’s a tiger!” Ally “watch it doesn’t bite!” Brilliant!
• STEVEN McGOWAN had another amazing day at Burnhouse he safely returned 12 rainbows caught using various shimmy bugs under a sight indicator. “Well worth a visit!” He wrote on a review. Thank you, Steven.
• JOHN BOYLE enjoyed his visit to Burnhouse, he safely returned 4 rainbows caught using a white shimmy under a sight indicator.
• GRAEME BELL started his day with the worst luck after arriving at the fishery with a flat tyre. He left with a smile on his face though, after just a few hours on the water he ended his day with 4 rainbows ranging between 6lb and 10lb caught using an olive worm and a yellow stalking bug on a floating line.
• DEREK GRAHAM safely returned a tiger and a beautiful brown trout, caught using a black lure and a gold and black lure both of his own design.
• TONY STEEN weighed in 2 rainbows for 7lb 3oz, caught using an orange wotsit on a floating line.
• ALLY McMAHON enjoyed his first visit to Burnhouse, he safely returned 5 rainbows all giving “a great fight!” All were caught using a blood worm of his own design. “This is a Lovely fishery; it has so much going for it! I will definitely be back!” Hope to see you soon Ally.
• ANDY BROWN safely returned 1 rainbow, caught using a black and green lure that he had tied up the night before.
• WULLIE CARR weighed in 1 rainbow for 3lb 9oz, caught using a black blood worm on a floating line.
• JONNO McDONALD safely returned 5 rainbows, caught using a black dancer, an orange egg, an okay dokey and a traffic light buzzer all on a floating line with a slow figure of 8 retrieve.

 IMPORTANT COVID-19 REGULATIONS – PLEASE READ

Please adhere to the following:

• 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 07949 220 511 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 on the lodge.
• Refreshments 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 by staff 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 required. All ticket prices can be found on our website or upon request on telephone enquiries.
• Toilets will be thoroughly cleaned on an hourly basis, though we also ask that anglers use the antibacterial wipes and toilet brushes provided to clean up after their own use.
• Please adhere to the social distancing guidelines.
• 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.

Despite the typical, Scottish, temperamental, autumnal weather it has been a great week here at Burnhouse. Remember the Autumn weather may be awful, but the fishing is not!

Thank you to all our anglers, we look forward to seeing you again!

Stay safe and tight lines for the week ahead!

A top up of tigers to our water, added to the excitement of the anglers – many catching their first ever tigers!

If you think our rainbows and blues fight hard just wait till you hook into our grade A tigers!

All the tigers and most of the rainbows caught this week, have shown the signs of bottom feeding, no doubt gorging on the abundance of daphnia and snails!

There have been less fish rising this week however they can be seen chasing the fry in the margins. Many of the takes and offers have been right at the side, so remember to hang your flies and work those margins on your next visit.

FISH OF THE WEEK – JERRY SIPENA caught not just 1 but 2 Burnhouse “beauties!” – a rainbow weighing 13lb 9oz and a stunning tiger weighing 10lb! Well done Jerry, that’s a day to remember!

FLIES OF THE WEEK – This week’s top 3 flies were – humongous lures, daiwl bachs and shimmies. Other successful flies were orange dancers, Kate McLaren, a goldie lure, green & black fritz, black dancer, Ally McCoist, green & black snatcher, pink cat, pin fry imitation, black rabbits, green & black lure, damsels, yellow wotsit, blue flash dancer, damsel nymph, pink egg, apps blood worm, cats whisker, yellow dancer, black nymph, buzzers, white bug, ace of spades, hot head sparkler, black leech, fab, clan chief, okay dokey and a gold head green Montana nymph.

• GORDON McVICAR has had a fantastic week at Burnhouse! His first visit seen him safely return 2 rainbows caught using an orange dancer on a floating line. It was his second visit however that was extra special with 2 firsts for Gordon! His first double figure fish, a stunning 10lb 2oz rainbow and his first ever tiger weighing 5lb 2oz! He caught these using a green and black lure and a black dancer on an intermediate line.
• DAVID SPINKS weighed in 1 rainbow for 4lb 13oz, caught using a Kate McLaren on a floating line.
• KEN NEILSON weighed in 2 rainbows for 9lb 3oz, caught using a Kate McLaren on a floating line.
• JIMMY MARSHALL weighed in 2 rainbows for 7lb 7oz, he then went on to safely returned a tiger and a rainbow, all caught using a goldie on a floating line.
• GEO BROWLY weighed in 2 rainbows for 7lb 8oz, and safely returned 3 tigers. The successful flies were a green and black fritz and a black dancer both on a floating line.
• AARON KIRKWOOD had an amazing day! He safely returned 10 rainbows and 2 tigers, caught using an Ally McCoist and a gold humongous.
• RONNIE TURNBULL safely returned 4 rainbows, caught using a black and green snatcher on a floating line. It is proving to be his go to fly for Burnhouse!
• JIMMY MILLER safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using a pink cat on a floating line.
• ALLAN SMITH safely returned 6 rainbows, including one in double figures and 1 tiger. He caught these using a pin fry imitation on a floating line.
• ANDY RICHMOND “I got exactly what I came for!” He said when he caught his first tiger weighing 9lb. He then went on to safely return 7 rainbows and another tiger. He caught these using various shimmies, a black rabbit, and a green and black lure.
• JERRY SIPENA had an outstanding day, first he landed a 13lb 9oz rainbow, caught using an orange daiwl bach and then he caught “the best fish he has caught since moving to Scotland!” – a 10lb tiger, caught using a gold head damsel on a floating line.
• GEOFF APPLETON safely returned 1 rainbow, caught retrieving a yellow wotsit on a floating line.
• LEWIS STEWART weighed in 2 rainbows for 8lb 7oz, he then went on to safely return 1 rainbow. He caught these using a hot head damsel and a blue flash dancer both on a floating line.
• RORY MITCHELL weighed in 2 rainbows for 9lb 1oz, he then went on to safely return 1 tiger and 2 rainbows. He caught these using a damsel nymph, pink egg, and an apps blood worm on a floating line.
• GRANT McPHERSON safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using a cormorant and a silver humongous, both on a floating line.
• ALLAN MEEK safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using a cormorant and a daiwl bach on a floating line.
• GREG HOWIE on just a very short visit to Burnhouse, weighed in 1 blue for 3lb 1oz caught using a cat’s whisker.
• JIM ANDERSON safely returned 4 rainbows including 1 weighing 7lb 11oz, caught using a cormorant, yellow dancer, black nymph, and a hot head damsel – all on a floating line with fast retrieve.
• MARGARET HORNAL weighed in 1 rainbow for 3lb, caught using a green shimmy. Her husband Jim joked “I’m getting sick of her beating me” – well done for the victory Margaret.
• BRIAN McGREGGOR weighed in 1 rainbow and 1 blue for 5lb 1oz, caught using a green shimmy.
• JOHN MULVEY safely returned 5 rainbows and 1 tiger, all caught using buzzers down in the shallows.
• ROBERT GRANGER beat his P.B for the second week running here at Burnhouse! He safely returned 5 rainbows, including “a beauty” at 11lb 2oz caught using a white bug under a sight indicator.
• BRIAN CRAIG safely returned 1 rainbow, caught using a silver humongous on a floating line.
• JORDAN CRAIG safely returned 1 rainbow, caught using an ace of spades on a floating line.
• TONY STEEN weighed in 2 rainbows for 8lb 4oz, he then went on to safely return a 9lb rainbow and 2 tigers. The successful flies for Tony were a hot head sparkler, black leech, and a hot head black rabbit.
• DEREK GRAHAM weighed in 2 rainbows for 8lb 3oz, caught using a silver humongous and a black and green lure on a floating line.
• ANDY McALPINE weighed in 2 rainbows for 7lb 6oz, caught using daiwl bachs on a floating line.
• GORDON FORBES “I’ve had such a brilliant day!” He safely returned 2 tigers and 13 rainbows, including 2 around 8lb. He caught these using buzzers, a fab and a black rabbit on a floating line with a slow figure of 8 retrieve.
• CALLUM CRAIG was very excited to catch his first ever tiger “what a fight they give!” He then made his day extra special by catching another! Both were caught using a gold humongous.
• ALLAN DOWNIE safely returned 5 rainbows, caught using a size 18 green Montana nymph with a gold head.
• DAVIE GARTSHORE safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using a clan chief and an orange shimmy on a floating line.
• JOHN MCCULLOCH safely returned 4 rainbows, caught using an okay dokey on a floating line.
• DAVE MCTAGGERT safely returned 2 rainbows, caught using buzzers on a floating line and slow figure of 8 retrieve.
• EUAN PERRY on his first fishing outing for a few years, stood in the torrential rain all day. His determination paid off with a beautiful rainbow caught using an orange lure on an intermediate line.
• JONNO MCDONALD safely returned 6 rainbows including 1 at 8lb, caught using a black dancer, orange shimmy, daiwl bachs and a cormorant.
• MAY ANDERSON safely returned 6 rainbows and 1 tiger weighing 7lb. Cormorants, daiwl bachs, an Ally McCoist and a gold humongous were the successful flies.

With the tightening COVID-19 restrictions please adhere to the following –

• Bring the correct money where possible so that change does not need to be given.
• Adhere to the social distancing guidelines.
• Use the sanitising station before paying for your ticket and wash hands regularly.
• Use the wipes and toilet brushes available in both toilets to clean up after use.
• Wear face masks whilst in the cabin, only 1 angler permitted at a time.
• Bring own nets.
• Continue to book in advance so that we can limit numbers.

It has been a brilliant week here at Burnhouse Lochan Fishery – here is hoping next week is just as successful!

Thank you to all our anglers this week, we look forward to seeing you again!

Tight lines for the week ahead!

Another mixed bag this week with cool mornings and the air temperature hitting the high teens in the afternoon. The water temperature has maintained a steady 16oC with the bright skies pushing the fish down to the bottom of the lochan during the day. Emergers Buzzers and dry flies were doing the job for most anglers this week. Archie Dobbie (Glasgow) returned 2 blues on a C/R ticket fishing on an Oky Doky. Eck Mulhotlick (Oakley) hooked 5 fish on a cruncher. Ian McLaren (Stirling) landed 1 for 3lb 6oz fishing with a hot head damsel. John Fleming (Sheildhill) landed and safely returned 6 rainbows fishing with Olive Sader and Red Cormorant. Derek Leaper (Hallglen) weighed in 2 blues for 7lb 4oz using a floating line and cruncher. Alex Morton (Blackburn) returned 2 rainbow fishing on an orange fab. Davey McGuinness used a foam daddy and managed to catch and returned 3 blues and 4 rainbows. Gary has been working hard all week, all the casting platforms are now free from summer weed so fish can be easily netted or released.
To place a booking call Gary on 07889603160 or Virginia on 07742755737

The week started with a horrible day with heavy rain and a cold easterly wind. Some Anglers faced the elements and managed to bag some good catches. Mike Noble (Blairingone) fished using floating line and size 14 sedgehog, he weighed in a cracking blue trout for 3lb 2oz. Ian McLaren (St Ninians) hooked into 2 rainbows fishing on C/R ticket, they were landed and then returned safely. Graham Boot (Polmont) weighed in 1 fish for 2lb 10oz using an intermediate line with a size 12 mini damsel. Mid-week the water temperature started to rise and was sitting at 16 degrees making the fish a bit more sluggish. Despite the hotter water, Anne Marie Hodgson (Banknock) landed and returned 2 rainbows using a floating line long leader with a size 12 pheasant tail nymph. As the weekend drew closer we had scorching hot weather which pushed the fish down, Alan McLaren (Stenhousemuir) weighed in two blues for 5lb 14oz fishing floating lines with a size 10 white & green fritz. Derek Leaper (Hallglen) also caught 1 fish at 2lb 8oz using the same method. The Rubber Ear Angling club fished Saturday evening. It was such a horrible night with thunder storms and torrential rain, felt sorry for the guys as they spent most of the night in the BBQ hut rather than on the water. Our visitor’s spirits were lifted after guzzling our Game Farm venison burgers with nice healthy salad in a roll. John McOnvile jnr weighed in 2 fish for 4lb 15oz. Ryan McOnvile had 2 fish for 2lb 14oz. Paul McOnvile had 1 fish for 2lb 8oz. All of the club’s fish were caught using buzzer’s. Davey McGuinnes fishing on C/R landed and retuned 8 fish on intermediate line using a size 10 apps bloodworm. To place a booking call Gary on 07889603160 or Virginia on 07742 755737