the scottish flyfisher issue 2 may 2015
DESCRIPTION
The Scottish Flyfisher magazine all about fly fishing in ScotlandTRANSCRIPT
It’s Mayfly Mayhem Time
Welcome to the May edition of the Scottish Flyfisher, the magazine for all
aspects of fly fishing within Scotland whether it is river, loch or a local fly fishery. If you wish to advertise within the magazine please email [email protected] for an advertising rates quote Parent website: www.flyfishingdirectory.co.uk Sister website: www.flyfisher-magazine.com If you would like to contribute a free story or a fishing report along with Photographs; please email those to [email protected] Please include a bio about yourself so that it can be added to your article. Editor: Robin “The Cormorant” Lambert: Email: [email protected]
Fishing the Great River Tweed: Page 5 It’s Mayfly Mayhem Time: Page 6 Winter Grayling Fishing: Page 8 Review Time: Page 9 A Changing River: Page 10 Recipe Time: Page 11 Fishing Reports: Page 12 The Art of Fly Tying: Page 14 Trout Fishing in Orkney: Page 18 The Art of Casting: Page 20 Advice from The Essential Fly: Page 23 Get Knotted - Fly Fishing Knots: Page 25 Understanding the Trout’s Feeding Behaviour: Page 27
Editors Blog
At last that’s the Mayfly season upon us. This is the time of year that I love and for many fly fishermen/woman, fishing the Mayfly is a wonderful experience, not only because you have a better chance of catching fish but because the imitation Mayfly is big - to imitate the real insect which can be up to 25mm long - so it is easy to see on the water's surface and you don't have to strain your eyes like you do with some of the smaller flies. Few people other than trout fishers are familiar with mayflies. On a global basis, the mayfly is well known as being closely associated with trout, especially the brown trout, and forms an important staple food item to the fish in freshwater streams and lakes.
Fishing Mayfly Patterns Use a floating fly line with a tapered leader, if you are using the mayfly patterns then it is highly likely that trout will be going mad, however there are some techniques; firstly match the hatch for size and colour, next presentation is the key even though trout are preoccupied with the mayfly. You must make sure there is no drag on the mayfly pattern as it drifts down the river, it must appear natural so perform an upstream mend if the fly drags abnormally. Make sure what the trout are taking, the nymph, adult or spinner, frequently people miss what the trout are actually feeding on so close observation of the trout feeding is critical.
© The Scottish Flyfisher Magazine
Fishing the Great River Tweed
The River Tweed, or Tweed Water, (Scottish Gaelic: Abhainn Thuaidh, Scots: Watter o Tweid) is a river 97 miles (156 km) long that flows east across the Border region in Scotland and northern England. Tweed (cloth) derives its name from its association with the River Tweed. The Tweed is one of the great salmon rivers of Britain and the only river in England where an Environment Agency rod licence is not required for angling. The name of the river comes from the Gaelic word for north, "thuaidh" which was later Anglicized into Tweed. The river's valley floor is a drumlin field and the relic of a paleo-ice stream that flowed through the area during the last glaciation. Major towns through which the Tweed flows include Innerleithen, Peebles, Galashiels, Melrose, Kelso, Coldstream and Berwick-upon-Tweed, where it flows into the North Sea. The River Tweed and salmon fishing in Scotland are synonymous, and it’s no wonder people come from all over the
world to fish here. After three record breaking years, the Tweed is the top river in Europe, ranking among the very top salmon rivers in the world, but that’s not all – for trout fishing in Scotland the River Tweed is equally hard to beat. The Tweed's fame as a salmon river has meant that it has often been ignored for its other types of fishing. If you are interested in trout fishing in Scotland the River Tweed offers both excellent Brown Trout and Grayling fishing and provides a good year round sport with some good sized fish (2lb+) being caught regularly. The Tweed from a few miles above Peebles down to Selkirk is known as Upper Tweed, set in some of the best scenery in the country, the Upper Tweed offers some excellent Salmon fishing at very reasonable rates (£40-£100) compared to the prime beats lower down river which can be booked up year after year. If you are considering an angling holiday in Scotland then the best of Upper Tweed's salmon fishing season is essentially the months of September, October and November. This section of the river is very water dependant and if early autumn enjoys heavy rainfall, September will encourage some summer salmon and sea trout into Upper Tweed. October will see good numbers of fish begin to appear through the beats with October and November the best months for this section of the river. To fish Upper Tweed during this month, offers the salmon angler an opportunity to fish pools that are quite simply alive with fish of all sizes. A Peeblesshire Trout Fishing Association permit allows fishing on approximately 23 miles of the River Tweed and approximately 5 miles of the Lyne Water. For more information; visit their website at http://www.peeblesshiretroutfishing.co.uk/index.html The trout season extends from 1st of April until the 30th of September. Fishing is by fly only throughout the season. Anglers under 18 years of age may fish free of charge but only if they possess a valid free permit available from the outlets detailed in this website. The river Tweed has some excellent hatches of fly throughout the season and as such, dry fly has traditionally been the preferred method of the local anglers. Hatch times vary depending on the river conditions but generally, these occur during the day in the early part of the season between April and June and in the evening during the warmer months of July and August Please note that the Peeblesshire Trout Fishing Association operates a strict catch and release policy for wild trout under 22" in length, and anglers are requested to use barbless hooks.
Fishing Tickets are available from the following outlets:
Peebles
The Castle Warehouse, 7 - 13 Old Town, Peebles 01721 724267
Tourist Information Office, High Street, Peebles 01721 723159
The Tontine Hotel, High Street, Peebles 01721 720892
Cardrona Hotel, Cardrona, Peebles 01896 833600
Cardrona Village Store, Cardrona, Peebles 01896 833486
Innerleithen Tweedside Caravan Park, Montgomery Street 01896 831271
The Village Store 01896 830314
St Ronan's Hotel, High Street, Innerleithen 01896 831487
Walkerburn
Walkerburn Post Office 01896 870 205
Broughton
Scott Vehicle Repairs, Carlisle Road 01899 830240
Penicuik
Fishers, 10 John Street, Penicuik 01968 672877
Prices: Combined Trout and Grayling Fishing Tickets/Permits: Permit Type Locals Visitor Season £30.00 £30.00 Day £8.00 £8.00
Discounts for Age 65 & Over 18 & Under
Half Price No Charge
Please note the new combined season ticket for trout and grayling allows fishing for grayling only from 1st January until 31st March. From 1st April until 30th September anglers may fish for both trout and grayling.
It’s Mayfly Mayhem Time By The Cormorant
Mayflies are aquatic insects that complete almost their entire life cycle under water.
They require clean cool water from which they obtain dissolved oxygen through feathery external gills that can be found on the sides of their bodies. Healthy quantities of aquatic plants are necessary for their food and shelter.
The wonderful thing about mayflies is that trout love to feed on them.
It is not essential to have a comprehensive knowledge of the different species to catch trout, but it is useful to have some knowledge of their habits, especially when a hatch is experienced or to be expected
The takes are also spectacularly exciting as the trout rise and feed off the surface with an exploding splash.
At times the water can resemble a bubbling melting pot and the whole river/lake seems to come alive. Also the Mayfly conveniently start to hatch when the weather has started to warm up, the sun starts to shine and we have longer brighter days to enjoy the sport.
It is not such a great time for the Mayfly, having spent the last two years on the river or lake bed, snuggled down in gravel, sand or silt, it now struggles to the surface and if it's not eaten by a fish it will be dead within 24 hours anyway.
The family name for Mayfly is ephemeroptera (from the
Latin ephemera which refers to its short life cycle and the ptera which is Greek for `things with wings').
There are three species within the UK: ephemera danica which is the most common type of Mayfly we get, ephemera vulgata which is also known as the Dark Mackerel because of the patterning on its wings, and ephemera lineata which is more than likely now extinct.
Mayflies or shadflies are insects belonging to the order Ephemeroptera (from the Greek εφημερος, ephemeros = "short-lived" (literally "lasting a day" "daily" or "day-long"), πτερον, pteron = "wing", referring to the brief lifespan of adults). They have been placed into an ancient group of insects termed the Palaeoptera, which also contains dragonflies and damselflies.
They are aquatic insects whose immature stage (called "naiad" or, colloquially, "nymph") usually lasts one year in fresh water. The adults are short-lived, from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the species. About 2,500 species are known worldwide, including about 630 species in North America. The naiads live primarily in streams under rocks, decaying vegetation, or in the sediment. Few species live in lakes, but they are among the most prolific. For example, the emergence of one species of Hexagenia was recorded on Doppler weather radar along the shores of Lake Erie.
Most species feed on algae or diatoms, but a few species are predatory. The naiad stage may last from several months to several years, with a number of moults along the way. Most mayfly naiads are distinctive in having seven pairs of gills on the dorsum of the abdomen. In addition, most possess three long cerci or tails at the end of their bodies. Some species, notably in the genus Epeorus, have only two tails. In the last aquatic stage, dark wing pads are visible. Developmentally, these insects are considered hemimetabolous. A more casual and familiar term is "incomplete metamorphosis". Mayflies are unique among insects in that they moult one more time after acquiring functional wings (this is also known as the alate stage); this last-but-one winged instar usually lives a very short time, often a matter of hours, and is known as a subimago or to fly fishermen as a dun. Mayflies in this stage are a favourite food of many fish, and many fishing flies are modelled to resemble them. The lifespan of an adult mayfly is very short and varies depending on the species. The primary function of the adult is reproduction; the mouthparts are vestigial, and the digestive system is filled with air. The wings are membranous, with extensive venation, and are held upright like those of a butterfly. The hind wings are much smaller than the forewings, and may be vestigial or absent. The second segment of the thorax, which bears the forewings, is enlarged, holding the main flight muscles. Adults have short, flexible antennae, large compound eyes and three ocelli. In most species, the males' eyes are large and the front legs unusually long, for use in locating and grasping females during mid-air mating. In some species, all legs aside from the males' front legs are useless. Uniquely among insects, mayflies possess paired genitalia, with the male having two penises and the female two gonopores. The abdomen is roughly cylindrical, with 10 segments and two long cerci at the tip.
Because of the short lifespan of the highly visible, winged adult form, the mayfly is called 'one-day' or 'one-day fly'.
Often, all the mayflies in a population mature at once (a hatch), and for a day or two in the spring or fall, mayflies will be everywhere, dancing around each other in large groups, or resting on every available surface. The hatch of the giant mayfly Palingenia longicaua in mid-June on the Maros (Mureș) River and the Tisza River in Serbia and Hungary, known as "Tisza blooming", is a tourist attraction. In regions of New Guinea and Africa, mayflies are eaten when they emerge en masse.
The famous British chalk streams are probably best known for Mayfly hatches, these charming ephemerids are just as likely to thrive in less fertile rivers too. Loughs and lakes too provide an ideal habitat for the beloved Mayfly and if these are chalk or limestone based then so much the better.
Preferring silty areas, mayfly nymphs often reside in burrows. Measuring more than an inch in length on maturity, nymphs attain quite a size. Prior to hatching, like other up winged nymphs their wing buds darker considerably. With a long, sinuous body, three tails and feathery gills lining their abdomens these elegant nymphs are very distinctive. As ever, coloration depends on location though overall nymphs wear a creamy-yellow coat. If there’s still any doubt, dark brown markings on the upper abdomen are a dead giveaway and are most conspicuous on the three abdominal segments nearest the tail. So if you get the chance and have some cracking imitates of a Mayfly in your fly box get out there and give it a go. Best times for a good hatch are from 11am onwards with a heightening activity usually between 3-4pm. Don’t forget to incorporate some spent spinners in your arsenal as well. Once the fish are tuned in and are aware of the Mayflies you will experience some fantastic sport. Fly-fishing from a drifting boat is a great way to present the mayflies to a large number of trout. A boat provides great mobility. Many trout will see your flies if the boat is handled correctly and bag limit catches are possible and not uncommon. Fly-fishing from the shore or better still, wading or even float tubing, can also be rewarding and quite relaxing if you are fit and mobile, and good presentations can even the score a little. It depends also on factors such as your personal taste, your budget on where you can fish and the conditions of the day. HATCHES These are the four main groups to be found on the chalk streams during May: Mayfly There are three species (danica, vulgata and lineata) but treat them as one. All are so large you cannot mistake them for anything else! Nymph Walkers Mayfly Nymph size 12 Dun Thomas‟s Mayfly 8-10 French Partridge 10-12 Grey Wulff 8-10 Spinner Spent Mayfly 10 Iron Blue Good for May, September and October. Likes to hatch on cold, wet, blustery days. Iron Blue 16 Lunn‟s Particular 16 Pheasant Tail Nymph 16 Hawthorn & Black Gnat Two closely related terrestrial species. Hawthorn at the start of the month, Black Gnats good for the whole month and summer. Hawthorn 12-14 Black Gnat 16-18
Winter Grayling Fishing Like most of the larger channels within the Tweed catchment, the water within the Peeblesshire TFA permit holds a healthy Grayling population and although numbers naturally vary from year to year based on conditions for survival, there's always Grayling there to be fished for. Grayling within the Tweed system appear to prefer the larger, wider channels and as the river gets narrower upstream the numbers of Grayling get smaller and more spread out. However, in these areas the average size of the Grayling is slightly bigger and although there's a chance of a specimen Grayling anywhere within the Tweed where Grayling are found, there's a greater chance in these smaller waters. As the Peeblesshire TFA has well over 20 miles of fishable water this begs the question – do I fish the lower reaches of the Association water and try to catch as many as I can, or do I fish the upper reaches around/above Peebles and try to catch "a monster" Grayling?
The current Scottish record Grayling, which actually came from the Upper Tweed, is just over 3lb. Grayling up to 3½lb are caught each year and there's even some local whispers of 4lb'ers. Unfortunately the criteria needed to register a new record Grayling is difficult to meet on the riverbank as Grayling are classed as coarse fish for records. As a rough guide, a Grayling of around 50cm fork length has a 50/50 chance of being a 3lb'er, while one of around 55cm will be pushing 4lb. Fishing for Grayling, especially in winter, is dependent on one major factor – keeping your flies hard on the bottom of the river for as long as possible. Grayling are bottom feeders and although they will occasionally rise for flies at the surface, at least 95% of their feeding is on the bottom of the river. Techniques such as Czech and French Nymphing have been designed specifically for fishing flies on the bottom and both are perfect for Grayling. Search for either on Youtube, or a similar website, and you'll find examples of both. Nymph patterns are generally best for Grayling, although they really need to be weighted and a size 12 should be considered quite a big fly, by Grayling standards. Most anglers return the Grayling they catch and although there's nothing wrong with taking the odd fish for the pot, tagging work on the River Tweed has shown that there can be multiple recaptures of individual Grayling in places where there's any reasonable angling pressure. Releasing Grayling can therefore improve the catches of the fishery and increase the average size of the fish caught as a single Grayling can potentially contribute to the catches of several anglers. Although Grayling are fairly sturdy, due care should be taken whilst releasing them:- the fish should spend as little time out of the water as possible (ideally they should be un-hooked in the water although that's not always possible) and care should be taken not to handle with dry hands and to avoid any type of squeezing, particularly of the soft belly, as this can result in internal damage and a slow and painful death for the released fish. Please note that winter grayling fishing is only permitted on certain stretches of the river so anglers are requested to consult the beat map prior to commencing fishing.
The Tweed Trout and Grayling Initiative
The Tweed Trout & Grayling Initiative (TTGI) was set up to create self-sustaining management of the wild trout and Grayling fisheries within the Tweed River system.
The Peeblesshire Trout Fishing Association makes a regular financial contribution towards the work of the TTGI which involves the employment of a full-time fisheries biologist and training of volunteers to gather information about the river. In the long term, it is hoped that this project will provide the Association with the tools needed to manage their own stretch of the river.
For those who are interested to read more about the work of the TTGI and how this applies to the Peeblesshire waters, links to a selection of articles in Pdf. format are included below. If you do not already have it, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download these files.
2. Photographic Monitoring Report
4. River Fly Life Report
5. Trout Traps Report
Review Time
This month’s review is on the Sharpes Teardrop Seatrout/Grilse Net 24x16in All reviews are impartial and honest reviews undertaken by the editor. If you want an honest and frank review of your fly fishing tackle please email me at [email protected] and I will be happy to review your products.
This superb Teardrop style Gye Net from Sharpes
combines the reliability and performance of a classic
style gye net, with the more compact portability of more
modern profile nets.
The net has an overall length of 66in, closing down to
41in.
It comes with a KL4 knotless bag with ¾in mesh and a
webbing peel sling with Velcro quick release.
The Sharpes Teardrop is made from all the outstanding,
top drawer materials that the Sharpes brand is famous
for and proud of, manufactured in the UK.
I found this net a pleasure to use when out river fishing
for sea trout or when fishing the local trout fishery and
when fishing from a boat on some of Scotland’s great
lochs.
At only £60.00 from Sharpes of Aberdeen it won’t break
the bank and due to its sturdy make it should last you for
quite a while.
A Changing River
By Kenny Gault, Tweed Foundation
Our rivers are changing. Sometimes
this seems obvious, sometimes it
doesn’t. SEPA (www.SEPA.org.uk)
has recently published the results of
some of their long term monitoring
data and our rivers are becoming
warmer, mainly during winter
although the last two winters buck
this trend. They are also becoming
wetter and drier (we get more rain
but it falls in short heavy periods with
longer dry spells in-between),while
many Scottish rivers are also
becoming cleaner. These trends
undoubtedly affect our river
ecosystems and for comparison,
considerable changes in river fly life
have been recorded where historic
data is available, with some species
declining and others increasing.
More prolonged periods of low flows
reduce the wetted area available for
producing aquatic life (this is
probably felt more on the East coast
than on the West), while periods of
extreme high flows are potentially
damaging (this is probably felt more
on the West coast than on the East). In addition there are other changes we have to take into account.
For example, river based predators have generally increased in number /numbers of Otters, Herons, Cormorants and Goosanders have all increased
over the past 50 - 60 years.
So what does this mean for our river trout fishing? Well trout, like many other river species, are fairly resilient (mostly as a result of their ability to
produce large numbers of offspring). And like most other species with a relatively short life span they will quickly change and adapt their populations
and behavior to a changing environment. So undoubtedly our wild tout will have changed over the last 50 - 60 years.
This change may be subtle or may be quite considerable – it’s difficult to say as fish behaviors are difficult to record. Some anglers report that Tweed
trout appear less numerous, but as a result are bigger and there is some evidence to support this (or possibly vice versa – they’re less numerous
because of some trout surviving longer or growing faster). Other anglers report fish being unwilling to take flies or be caught using methods employed
in the past; as such the fish require different flies and approaches to ensure success – possibly as a result of changing fly life? There are also reports
of fish being less willing to come to the surface and being generally more wary and selective in their feeding – could this be as a result of frequent
disturbance from in - stream predators?
It’s even possible that fishing itself has affected trout. On a river like the Tweed, has over 150 years of removing the trout most likely to take a fly
meant that the ones that are difficult to catch get to reproduce and pass on their genes?
Angling catch records collected on the Tweed show that Dry Fly fishing can still have its day with the catches generally best in evenings from May
onwards, particularly in the last hour of falling light. With the exception of the very early season, surface fishing methods generally (but not always)
produce low trout catches during the day. Instead, it would appear that weighted nymph patterns fished close to the riverbed and allowed to drift
downstream “naturally” generally provide most success. Modern techniques like “Czech Nymphing” and “French Nymphing” all fish well on their day –
although time of year obviously makes a difference as well.
One thing that is almost certain is that our rivers are going to continue to change, as will our trout populations, and, regardless of how trout numbers
in the future compare to numbers now, it may require completely different methods again to achieve success when angling for trout.
RAINBOW TROUT DIJON
6 rainbow trout fillets, skinless Salt & pepper 1/4 c. butter, melted 1 c. sliced almonds SAUCE: 1/2 c. sliced green onions plus 3 tbsp. for garnish 2 tbsp. butter 1/4 c. dry white wine 3 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 c. sour cream Season the trout with salt and pepper. Dip each in melted butter, place on a buttered baking pan. Crush sliced almonds to make small flakes. Sprinkle over trout fillets and press in. Bake at 325 degrees until the trout flakes with a fork (about 10 to 15 minutes). While the trout bakes, make the sauce. Saute the green onions in butter in a small saucepan until they are translucent. Add wine and Dijon mustard and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Stir in sour cream and heat through but do not boil. Pour sauce over fillets. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve. Serves 6.
MAUNA LOA TROUT
2 (8 oz.) rainbow trout 2 oz. King crab meat 2 oz. raw scallops 4 lg. bok choy leaves 2 egg yolks 1 orange 2 oz. butter, melted Salt to taste Pepper to taste Filet the two trout and skin. Puree the scallops and crab for the stuffing. Place an ounce of stuffing on each of 4 fillets and then roll up the filet and place in a bok choy leaf. Roll and tuck. Place in a steamer and cook for 10 minutes. For Orange Hollandaise Sauce: Strain the juice from 1 orange into a small bowl add the yolks and whip over low heat until thick. Remove from heat and whip in the butter a little at a time. Add white pepper and salt to taste. Nap the dinner plate with the sauce and place two pieces of trout on the plate. Garnish with strips of orange rind from the left over orange.
TROUT CAKES
4 to 5 med. size fresh trout 1/4 c. diced onion 1/2 c. salad dressing 2 eggs 1 tbsp. parsley flakes
1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. Seafood seasoning
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. Season salt 1 c. bread crumbs
2 c. Italian bread crumbs
Pan fry trout for 6 minutes each side or until flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat, cool. Remove skin and de-bone. Add remaining
ingredients except Italian bread crumbs. Mix well. Shape into 3 inch round patties. Roll in Italian bread crumbs. Fish cakes can be baked in
350 degree oven for 25 minutes or pan fried until golden brown. Fish cakes can be frozen (unbaked or fried) for 6 months. Makes 12 fish
cakes
Scottish Fishing Reports
http://www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk
For boat booking please call the fishery at 01877 385664. To book by email use [email protected]
Excellent buzzer fishing continues at the Lake (weather allowing). Washing line tactics with sink tip or floater are the tactics. Wee black boobies can be good imitations of the larger buzzers. The first boat has just arrived in today (Calum and Russel Clarke from Torrance) with a catch report of 4 killed for 10lbs 4oz and 15 returned. Son Calum caught 13 fish and was fishing a pseudo cat booby and a yellow owl buzzer. He said anywhere, where there was calm water (only place today was the Butts) the fish were on the buzzers. Andy Anderson (Edinburgh) spooned two fish and the picture on the right shows the result (stop biting your nails Andy). Notable catches: Marklow and son 22, Alan Murray 13, Rainbow Warriors 6 boats 24 fish for 54lbs plus 78 returned, Monifieth 5 boats 19 fsih 55lbs, Balbeggie 8 boats 48 fish 113lbs 15 returned, Stirling Castle 6 boats 18 fish for 44lbs plus 33rtd, Gillespie (Frank and Grant) 20 rtd, Robertson BOE 42, Watson/Osler Carnoustie 48, A.Rough Alloa 19, J.Kerr Beith 24, Anderson/Bett 30, Lochinch 6 boats 29 fish 82lbs plus 20rtd, Ramage and Galloway 25rtd (incl a brown and bow of 6 and 7lbs respectively). Manager Quint Glen is shrugging off a broken shoulder blade - his second significant injury in 12mths, whilst Bailiff Douglas Fraser felt a right sharp pointy thing and was hopping mad when he found his welly and boot stuck to a plank with an upturned nail (the other boot had a steel shank). Big thanks to all the well-wishers and to Alastair Mair, John Buchanan, Peter Auchterlonie and James Cameron for stepping in and keeping the plates spinning.
This rare shot of a flattened rainbow was taken by angler Kevin Lynch.
More information on the website (www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk)
http://www.swanswater-fishery.co.uk/index.html
It was another excellent week’s fishing at Swanswater with plenty superb Browns, Tigers, Blues, Greens and Rainbow being caught. With the water temperature hovering around 9oC all week, the fish were generally well spread out round the ponds. In the early Water temp around 9 the fish were generally pretty well spread out. In the first half of the week they were in the top 3 feet of the water, but the cold east wind and bright sunshine later in the week put them down to 3-5 feet although this did not stop people catching on dries at the weekend. Generally the fishing was a bit harder at the end of the week due to the cold wind and bright sun but those going looking for fish were doing better than those staying in one spot as the fish were moving from area to area. At various times the island, dam, overflow, and the area behind the islands were all fishing well. A wide variety of flies were taking fish with all the usual favourite patterns working. Fishery opening hours are currently 8.00am to 8.30pm
Linlithgow Loch
http://fafa-linlithgowloch.org.uk
The fine sunny weather of the Easter weekend was perfect for the bairns rolling their eggs and it was very pleasant for anglers sitting in boats, but it made the art of catching fish a wee bit more difficult. However most anglers did very well.
First however I need to advise a typo from last week’s report – it should have read –
Falkirk Municipal AC, with 7 Boats, had 50 fish for 150 lbs – apologies to all concerned.
On Easter Saturday Thack AC with 6 boats had 39 fish for 108lbs; Last Cast AC with 4 boats had a good day with 38 for 113lbs; and loch experts, Hedgehogs AC with 4 boats managed 40 for 119lbs
On Sunday, Aberdour AC with 7 boats had 57 for 143lbs; Ferry Fly Fishers with 5 boats caught 26 for 76lbs on the same day. Jimmy Russell and his son from Longcroft had a fine 12 fish limit for 42lbs including a beautiful overwintered Rainbow for 8lb 5oz and Craig Cowan and partner from Dechmont kept a limit of 12 for 36lbs The bright weather continued during the week and the anglers had to work hard for a fish. Mr Donaldson had a nice limit of 6 for 17lbs, as had Andy Vaughan from Bo’ness who also had 6 for 17lbs; Trevor Gibson and partner form Edinburgh had 6 for 18lbs and Shane Kelly and partner had a solid 12 for 32lbs On Thursday OAPs Mr Fairgrieve and partner kept their limit of 6 fish for 20lbs and returned a Brown of around 4lbs; Mr McGlone and partner had a very good limit of 12 for 38lbs including a sparkling Rainbow of 7lb 12oz and Mr Fitzsimmons had 5 for 15lbs. Mr Montgomery and partner kept no fish and returned 22. Friday was once more very bright and sunny but it did not stop most anglers from doing very well. North Berwick AC, with four boats kept no fish but returned 20. Among the anglers who had limit bags were Mr McLay and partner with 12 for 32 lbs; Nigel Muckle had his 6 limit for 15lbs – all on buzzers; Robin Smith and Ian Dobbie had a super day with 24 fish returned including a 5lb Brown; Mr Kerr had 6 fish for 15lbs on a Black Nymph and Mr Beaumont from Linlithgow had 6 fish for 17lbs all on a Black and Red Buzzer. Olive Buzzers and Daiwl Bachs are still the best flies fished on floating lines. We had only two anglers fishing the bank – both of whom – despite warnings – did not submit catch returns. We respectfully remind all anglers that Catch Returns MUST be made – even in the event of a nil catch. This is part of the Rules – clearly stated on the fishing permit and failure to comply with the rules may result in refusal of a future permit. In the case of Bank anglers we are happy to accept this information by telephone to the lodge or by email via our web site – www.fafa-linlithgowloch.org.uk For further information – please contact the lodge on 01506 671 753
The Art of Fly Tying
Salmon & Trout Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Specialists Sponsors of Fly of the Month http://www.theessentialfly.com [email protected]
Tel: 01757 333003 212 796 0874 +44 1757 333003
Tying flies is the art of using fly tying materials like natural furs and feathers and turning them into fishing flies using specialist tying tools and vices. We have everything required with stunning ranges from major manufacturers like Semperfli and Veniard - stunning tools kits, the best in scissors and bobbin holders for the fly tyer for sale world-wide.
Deadly Flies from Sandy Dickson for Lakes & Rivers - Tie or Buy! Full tying guide below!
Why the Assassin?
Sandy Dickson is the designer of this stunning emerger, Sandy has a belief in a 5 minute tie, if it takes more than 5 minutes to tie then it becomes too expensive to lose! When he first introduced us to this Assassin fly we loved its simplicity, it really looked like an Emerger, it was not until its first use in late 2013 at Roxholme Fly fishery that Andy became convinced just how deadly this fly is. Arriving with Sandy at Roxholme he had let me have some of his Assassins in advance, Trout were already swiring around the lake taking buzzers below the took some line off the reel and threw it into the water about 10 to 14 feet ahead
of me and started to take line off the reel. That is when I realised I had a run immediately I lifted the rod and struggled. Both Assassins had been hit, after a struggle of what felt like 10 minutes both fish came to the net with Andy MacDonald (the owner) netting the fish. Cheekily Andy threw the smallest fish, a mere 6lb into the water and said Bait! The other fish weighed in at 16lb 10oz. Sandy was livid, his own design flies immediately hitting a double bag of fish on the first cast, I think it was meant to happen to him not me! Andy Kitchener; the Essential Fly
Fishing the Assassin
The Assassin works stunningly as part of a team of flies with Blank Buster Buzzers or on their own. These sit with their foam just below their surface film or if you gink the thorax they will sit high in the surface film. Sandy tried these in teams of 3 as emergers were hatching and they were ripped into by the Rainbows. Sitting just subsurface they are the fly to use when you see the bow waves of fish hitting emergers. A hybrid fly these are suggestive flies, designed using vibrant Straggle String in fluoro orange, yellow, green and black with black and white foam backs. What is it? Originally planned as an emerger yet designed to be more convenient using foam than cdc emergers.However the Assassin was developed and refined further. Fished down the margins while fish have been feeding on fry and tadpoles, fished when there are beetles and snails in the water again this fly proved effective. What we love about the Assassin was that unlike traditional CDC Emergers these really last, without the need for drying the cdc. We simply shake the fly with a false cast and get straight back into the action, improving our number of catches when fish are rising. The Assassin is a highly effective fly, try it on top and / or middle droppers with Buzzers, float or perform a slow lift and drop you will find these deadly, that is why Sandy called it the Assassin!
Sandy's Assassins The Perfect Emerger
The Assassins are available as individual flies or as a complete collection which represent fantastic value and are highly convenient.
The Assassin Tying Step by Step Guide
For all tyers out there, here are the materials required and a step by step guide on how to tie this super Assassin fly.
Hook: Grub hooks sizes 12 to 16
Buy Sandys Assassin Emergers
Thread: We use Uni 8/0 Black, Uni 8/0 White or Black 6/0 Fly Tying Thread or White 6/0 Fly Tying Thread
Rib: None
Bead: None
Legs: None
Thorax:
Semperfli Straggle String Micro Chenilles
Fluoro Red - Straggle String Micro Chenille Fluoro Red
Fluoro Pink - Straggle String Micro Chenille SF8300 (Pink)
Fluoro Yellow - Straggle String Micro Chenille SF7250FL Fluoro Green Rhyacophilla
Thorax Cover: None
Wing: None
Wing Post: None
Wing Case: Black 2mm Fly Tyers Closed Cell Foam or White 2mm Fly Tyers Closed Cell Foam
Collar: None
Hackle: None
Tail: 2 Semperfli Inferno Biots
Body: Peacock Herl or Picric Dyed Peacock Herl
1. Start by winding on the thread in tight turns to the back of the hook and then in open turns return to for ribs over the rear half of the fly, tie in a 3mm wide strip of 2mm thickness foam. Tie the foam down to the eye and return the thread to the rear of the foam
2. Tie in the Straggle String, wrap the Straggle String forward and back to the starting point.
3. Tease the Straggle String with a dubbing teaser
4. Take the foam backward over the Straggle String and Whip Finish.
5. Trim the foam to length of the hook and tease out strands of Straggle String with the dubbing teaser
6. Your fly is now finished and deadly!
Specialist Leaders - The Rifle Sight
Umpqua's Amazing Red Hot Tapered Leader
We love the Umpqua leaders as do an increasing number of our customers! We use them for Czech nymphing as depth gauges and as sight indicators when dry fly fishing in that awful changeable light towards dusk. With a 3 colour tapered leader, the red mid-section is amazing and incredibly useful.
Only £4.50 from theessentialfly
Classifieds To advertise please email [email protected]
http://www.lake-hotel.com
Located within The Trossachs National Park yet easily accessible, being an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh and twenty minutes from both Loch Lomond and the ancient City of Stirling. The Lake of Menteith is a unique and special place, Scotland’s only natural Lake and an environmental oasis. On the banks is the delightful hamlet of Port of Menteith, so named as for centuries boats have made their way between the Lakeside and the Priory on the Isle of Inchmahome carrying Mary Queen of Scots, esteemed Priory visitors, munitions and in more recent year’s generations of visiting families. In the Port and on the banks you will find The Lake of Menteith Hotel, once the manse for the church and now a fine and popular hotel in the style of a New England Waterfront Inn. No matter the weather nature plays out ever changing and exciting scenes: fishermen attempt to outwit wily trout, Osprey dive from great heights onto unsuspecting fish, Herons patrol the lakeside and in the late evening you can hear the splashing of the otters playing in the shallows and geese returning to roost. In such a wonderful setting this hotel is very much of the place as well as in it, unobtrusive, complimentary and unassuming. The food is honest, tasty and plentiful. Sourced as locally as possible and served without fuss and pretention.
Fun Fishing Scotland www.funfishingscotland.co.uk/disabled_fishing.htm
We love fishing! - our aim is to encourage people with disabilities to fish. This includes those who used to fish and those who want to try it for the first time. Whether you're experienced or someone who has never cast a fly, we'll help you satisfy your fly fishing needs. We teach you all the basics of fly and bait fishing. All the necessary fly fishing gear is provided (unless you prefer to use your own) fishing permits, boats if needed. Our guides and instructors are exceptional; they are very experienced, patient, have a passion for fishing, and an appreciation for the area and the people they guide.
Inverawe Fisheries www.inverawe-fisheries.co.uk/
Welcome to Inverawe Fisheries which is part of Inverawe Smokehouses, purveyers of fine smoked salmon, smoked trout and other high quality foods established in 1974. The lochs are stocked daily with prime hardfighting fish to give a good days sport for everyone. While the mile and a half of the River Awe provides some excellent if not challenging Salmon and Sea Trout fishing. The Angling School is ideal for the beginner or those who want to freshen up on their technique. We have some really fun competitions at the bottom of the page which are open to everyone who comes fishing.
Morton Fishings www.mortonfishings.co.uk/index.html
Morton Reservoir provides 22 acres of the best stocked fly fishing sport around. Twelve boats and over three-quarters of a mile of bank space provides exciting angling opportunity for all. Although the reservoir has depths of 40ft in places it is renowned for its surface activity, especially in the summer evenings. Platforms are now in place to further extend the bank fishing potential. Damsels, corixa, buzzers, and of course sedges, abound in this environment - as well as stickle backs and terrestrials such as heather/hawthorn fly and daddies. Sometimes a green beetle is blown from the sheltering trees and the trout go mad for them too! Whatever your tactics you will enjoy the challenge this reservoir offers
Classifieds To advertise please email [email protected]
Trout Fishing in Orkney, Scotland The trout lochs on the mainland of Orkney, lochs such as Harray, Swannay, Boardhouse, Hundland and Stenness are renowned worldwide for the quality of their wild brown trout. The good news for the visiting angler is that all are managed most efficiently by the Orkney Trout Fishing Association for the benefit of both local and visiting fishermen, who can fish the lochs and make use of association facilities for the cost of an association subscription, currently set at a very affordable £20. The OTFA is a non-profit making voluntary body dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of game fishing throughout the Orkney Islands. At a time when natural habitats are under continual threat and pressure, the continuation of the OTFA's work is of paramount importance to both local and visiting angler to ensure that the rich heritage of Orkney trout fishing has a future as bright as it's past. Harray Loch Fishing - The work of the Association in the furtherance of this aim includes: The operation of a hatchery which using local stock provides for many of Orkney's less productive maters. The provision of riparian sites with access and boat launching facilities on the main trout fishing lochs. Most of these sites also provide shelter, piers, car parking and toilet amenities. Maintaining a watching brief over all the trout fishing lochs in the county, supporting all efforts that benefit our sport and opposing all measures which are a direct threat to the trout fishing.
For visitors and beginners the hardest part of starting out is to know when, how, why and where. Faced with the immensity of Harray or the hundred miles of sea trout shoreline, the inexperienced angler can be forgiven for feeling more than daunted. From the Bank: The best bank fishing is generally at the beginning of the season from March until the end of June. From July onwards, the bulk of fish can be expected to be offshore and mainly out of range of even the deepest wading angler. The exception to this rule would be Stenness. The principal mistake that anglers visiting the Orkney’s is that they do not cover enough ground. Rainbow trout are fast moving, and if you stay in the same spot long enough every fish in the pond will swim by you. Not so wild brown trout - to catch more than one you will generally need to keep on the move. Locals employ a "step & cast" approach, never dropping the flies in the same piece of water twice. In the early months - March & early April - feeding fish will be found in very shallow water (6" - 18" deep) and it is often counterproductive to step in the water. As the water and the day’s warm-up the fish will spread out over the shallows, staying within casting distance of knee-deep water until late June.
The best big Orkney wading lochs are Harray (on the left), Stenness with Hundland and Swannay bringing up a poor joint third. Harray has large areas of shallows where wading anglers can ply their trade - Joesy's bay, Bankhead Bay, Merkister Bay, Nistaben, Ballarat, Kirk Bay are reckoned to be the best locations to fish. Stenness is a loch where the fish are bound to the shoreline. Theoretically, Stenness should be the easiest wading venue, but the fish can be harder to catch due to them being a nervous bunch and scatter at the least bit of disturbance of the water. Hundland can supply good wading, but do take care - some of the loch's deepest holes are within feet of the shoreline. The extreme northern & southern ends are best. Swannay can also be tricky as the rocks which make up its bed can be remarkably slippery - a good place for tungsten-studded waders. Fish the Dale Shore on the northern shoreline for best results. As regards tackle, floating lines in the shallow waters should suffice, and wet flies or nymphs will do the trick. Have a few dries and emergers tucked away for that evening when the midge (non-biting) are hatching or the cow dung flies are coming down on the water Boat Hire on Orkney Lochs
Recently there have been a number of enquiries regarding boat hire on the Orkney Lochs. Over the past few seasons the number of local land owners making boat hire available has decreased probably due to the rising costs involved in offering this service. Local OTFA members in general do not hire out their own boats, engines and equipment but a few local anglers offer a ghillie service with boats and motors on all the lochs but again do not advertise and rely on word of mouth. The aforementioned if by far your safest option and should guarantee excellent boats, motors and fishing – but it does come at a price.
The following are at present hiring boats on the lochs: Harray Loch: Merkister Hotel, telephone: 01856 771366 Boardhouse: Barony Hotel, telephone 01856 721327 or Mr W Hay, telephone 01856 841722 Hundland: Mr R.Hourston, telephone: 01856 721275 Jim Sinclair, telephone 01856 771257 Swannay: Mr R Breck, telephone: 01856 721281 The Isle of Sanday: Brendan Butler, Kiln Barn Telephone: 07597771712 Membership
Membership of the OTFA is the most active way for the individual angler to support this essential work of conservation and preservation of the trout fishing in Orkney. For a nominal sum of money, local and visiting anglers may use all the facilities of the Association and also ensure the future of some of the best wild trout fishing available. Following the 2015 AGM the annual subscriptions for this season remain as per 2014 Subscription Rates 2015 OTFA Badges Quality Cloth and Metal Badges @ £3.00 each is available from local outlets and can be ordered with your online membership form Full Members £30.00 Visiting Angler £20.00 Concessionary (local anglers only) OAP £15.00 Disabled £15.00 Juniors (school attendee) £5.00
Click here for Membership Details
The Art of Casting
The ability to be able to cast well is fundamental to the success and enjoyment of fly fishing. It would seem that many anglers particularly those new to the sport want to be able to cast a full line every cast. And some will use enormous amounts of wasted effort and energy to try to achieve this. A good understanding of the basic principles will help you to cast better and with less effort. It is worth pointing out that more effort does not translate into better or longer casts. Trying to put more effort into a cast does not produce more distance. The two T’s are the main key to successful casting - Technique and Timing.
To be able to cast a fly you have to put a bend into your rod by smooth and gradual acceleration of the rod so that it pulls against the weight of the fly line. This action flexes, or loads, the rod. This applies to both the back cast and the forward cast. Increasing the acceleration and then stopping allows the rod tip to straighten which sends the fly line, as it unrolls, either backwards, or forwards to the target. There is no essential difference between a back cast and a forward cast. (This can be demonstrated by turning round and making your "back" cast the forward or presentation cast. This is a technique that works very well if, for example, you are fishing a tree-lined river bank where there is no or little room for a traditional back cast.) You must remove all slack from you fly line before you can load a rod. To load a rod properly requires tension between the top ring and the line so that the weight of the line makes the rod bend as you start the back cast. If you move the tip of your rod and not the line as well, then you are wasting energy. So start your back cast with the tip of your rod close to the water, eliminate any slack and then, when the line is moving, you can start your back cast. Using part of a back cast to take slack out of the line is inefficient.
The only way to load your rod is through a continuous movement of your casting arm, starting slowly and building speed before coming to an abrupt stop. This speed increase and abrupt stop is critical. A fast and short speed up and stop movement will result in high line speed and a tight loop. Conversely, a lack of acceleration or an abrupt stop will cause the rod to lose part of the load and the line will end up in a heap on the water. Care must be taken when casting to lift only the right amount of line of the water: enough to load the rod but not so much that you risk over-loading it. This point is more important with both weight forward lines and sinking lines.
When fishing sinking lines - and particularly fast sinking or deeply-sunk lines - it may be necessary to role cast the line to the surface before lifting-off and making a back cast The False Cast: - The false cast can be used for two different operations in fly fishing. First it is used to help in changing directions between
casts. It also helps us to set and determine the desistance of the cast to a given point. The false cast is repeated three or four times to help us move to the right or left, not letting it lay on the water until our final cast. The false cast is also a great way to help to dry out a water logged dry fly. 1 - Lift the fly line off the water as in any normal cast. 2 - Let the back cast unroll behind you until you feel a slight pull backwards on the rod. Your line should make a small loop. 3 - Bring your fly rod forward but do not let the line settle on the water. Wait until the line is out in front forming a small loop. Repeat all movement until you are ready to make your final cast. The Overhand Cast: - The overhand cast is used to pick your fly line up off the water and reposition your fly on a different target. This cast
will be used many times over to get you into the spot where you might encounter a fish. 1 - Face your target and point your rod tip at the target. Lower your rod tip to let all the slack out of your line. 2 - Raise your rod tip and begin to accelerate your lift slowly but steadily to get your fly line off the water. 3 - Apply some speed to your backstroke. This will load your fly rod with energy to propel your line into the back cast. 4 - Stop the rod quickly to form a tight loop as it passes overhead. The shorter the stroke and a good straight plane will make a smaller loop. 5 - Stop as the back cast unrolls behind you. You will start to feel the slightest pull. This will start to be the signal to begin your forward
acceleration.
6 - A short forward speed stroke and aim your cast at the target. Stop. Let your line settle on the water. To make your next cast repeat.
To practice you’re casting skills it is best to find a field near to you so that you can hone your skills and get a better feel for your rod and line
and how the rod loads during the casting process. Or book some professional coaching to assist you in the art of casting and to iron out any
faults that you may have picked up along the way.
The Retrieve: - The fly fisherman has a broad range of retrieves at his disposal to simulate the natural motions of the aquatic life within the
trout’s food chain. Insects possess a variety of means of locomotion. Some move slowly while others are much faster. Likewise, aquatic insects display a wide
variance in their motions. A fish is fooled when a fly both looks and acts lifelike. The importance of using both the correct retrieve and fly/lure
matching colour, size, shape, and silhouette of the insect will be deadly. Most of the time in lake fishing the goal is to present the fly just above the bottom. This is achieved by taking into account the line’s sink rate,
suspension depth, and allotted sinking time. Adjust these factors to place the fly precisely at the optimal depth.
The retrieve is accomplished by a combination of rod and line hand movements. The basic hand position prepares you to both properly
retrieve the fly and to set the hook during the retrieve. The basic rod hand position when rod movement is not part of the retrieve is as
follows: The rod hand grasps the cork grip in the normal casting position with the thumb extended on top of the cork and the index finger
directly below it. The index finger controls the line by acting as a guide and a brake that can pinch off the line against the cork.
By applying slight finger pressure, a line drag can be instantly applied and adjusted. The line finger plays a role in both fighting a fish and
making the retrieve. With practice this line finger can become proficient as an instant judge of drag tension.
A retrieves basic rod position is to point the rod downwards toward the line and the fly.
By varying the speed and style of retrieve you can change the action or movement of your fly/flies as well as change and adjust the depth at
which they fish. If you are fishing in an area where you can see that fish are feeding and your fly is being ignored, a change of retrieve speed
or style could well make a difference. Stillwater and reservoir anglers in particular - it can happen on rivers as well - must always be alert for
the fish that has followed a fly or team of flies right to the end of the cast and retrieve sequence. Trout will often grab a static or semi-static fly
just as you are about to lift off to cast again.
The basic retrieves are the strip and figure of eight: -
Strip Retrieve: - The line is grasped between the thumb and first finger of the line hand and stripped in a down and backward motion. Next,
release the grasp on the line and return the line hand back to its original position. The length and speed of this strip can be varied; by using a
slow long strip can sometimes produce a take during hot spells where the fish are lethargic due to the temperatures of the water. The faster
strip retrieves or pulling the lure fast through the water columns can produce some savage takes when the fish are actively feeding.
The rod hand’s line finger acts as a line guide and as a brake for a sudden stop in the retrieve or in firmly striking a fish. This retrieve is most
commonly used to imitate a wide variety of prey.
Fast retrieves: - In contrast to the strictly imitative static or slow retrieve is the fast continuous retrieve, sometimes known as the roly poly.
Fast retrieves are appropriate if fishing fish or fry imitations or perhaps a caddis. Also a fast retrieve can inject life into fish on a dour day. To
achieve a fast and continuous retrieve you need to tuck the butt of your rod under your arm, so that both hands are free to retrieve the line in
fast steady and continuous pulls, one after the other.
Figure of eight Retrieve: - One of the best-known retrieves is the figure of eight. This retrieve is ideal when you want a slow, steady and
continuous retrieve. Line is retrieved through a combination of pulling with your thumb and forefinger and rotating your line hand. Start by
holding the line with the thumb and forefinger of your line hand, close to your rod handle. Rotate your wrist backwards, towards you body,
and then put your little finger over the line and rotate your wrist in the opposite direction. Now, holding the line in the palm of your hand,
having released your thumb and forefinger, take hold of the line again and repeat both rotations. The line that has been retrieved will start to
form a figure of eight in your hand.
The Sink Draw Retrieve: - The sink-and- draw retrieve is accomplished by allowing the fly to sink to the desired depth and then by retrieving
upwards toward the surface. Hatching insects naturally migrate toward the surface so this sink-and-draw retrieve simulates this action.
Take into account the bottom’s contour by casting from the shallows toward the depths, or this retrieve can be used by casting parallel to the
bottom’s general contours. The speed of the retrieve is matched to suspend the fly within a foot of the bottom. The retrieve is accelerated to
raise the fly to the surface, and stopped or slowed to sink back down again. Both the line’s sink rate and the retrieve rates are the factors that
suspend the fly at the desired depths.
When the sink-and- draw retrieve is used with a floating line and an increased retrieve rate, the fly will rise toward the surface. Emerging
insects move in this same manner. When using a floating line and a long leader, the fly is allowed to sink to the bottom. As the retrieve starts,
the fly rises from the bottom and becomes readily visible to the fish. Its pathway to the surface simulates an emerging insect.
The fly needs to be optimally weighted; that is, heavy enough to sink it and the long leader to the bottom but still light enough to move
upwards toward the surface when retrieved. A fly tied on a heavy wet fly hook with sparse webby hackles and a fur dubbing will usually
suffice. Sometimes a few turns of fine lead wire may be needed to weight the fly enough for it to sink. Fluorocarbon leaders are denser and
easier to sink than monofilament ones. The emerging motion of the midge or caddis pupa is well mimicked by the sink-and-draw retrieve.
The rise-and-fall retrieve differs from the lift- off-and-settle in that the rise-and-fall “s” motion is of less magnitude. It is best used to imitate
insects that tire and settle back down to rest. A damselfly’s vigorous abdominal motions are energy consuming and tiring. These nymphs
need frequent rest stops and during these pauses the nymphs sink. Also, scud’s and water boatmen’s motions are well mimicked by this rise-
and-fall retrieve.
A slightly weighted fly paired with either a floating or a short sinking tip line is used depending upon water depth. A floating line is used for
the shallower waters while sinking lines are used for deeper waters. Simply allow the fly to sink and retrieve it toward the surface with a slow
strip retrieve. Next, stop the retrieve and allow it to sink back again.
Perhaps the countdown retrieve is the most valuable still water technique. This retrieve purposefully presents your fly at the desired depth for
the longest time. Fishing just above submerged weed beds is perhaps the most effective still water technique.
Good reliable advice for you from your fishing pals at The Essential Fly!
Tapered & Droppered Leader Tutorial! Which is best for you? What does 3X, 4X etc mean?
Preparation Is Everything! The better you understand this very important piece of our fishing tackle, the better your chance of success! Tapered Leaders The ideal leader for a dry fly
A tapered leader is the most efficient for transferring energy from the flyline and continuing the magic curl of a cast enabling the fly to drop gently to the water presenting in a true life like manner. Tapered leaders come in different lengths from different manufacturers, if you need longer add a stronger butt section to your leader, for example if fishing for really spooky large fish we will frequently add a 3 or even 6 foor extension of monofilament to the butt so that the fly line is well away from the fly. As an extreme example 15 foot extensions were once added to tapered leaders making 27 foot leaders for Golden Mahseer in India with 10lb tippets....they were really spooky fish when they saw the flyline! These leaders are fantastic value CLICK HERE to learn more Droppered Leaders The ideal leader for nymphs and lures on rivers & lakes
Droppered leaders have pre-tied droppers and are ready to fish on any waters. You just have to add your flies! Key is the decision over breaking strain. On rivers where fish are often small using a 3 or 5 weight fly rod with a very light leader maybe 7x just 1.8lb breaking strain is more than sufficient. With a soft or medium action fly rod the rod absorbs the shock of the take and the leader should not break. Go on a lake and get a big trout hit on a 7 weight fast action rod and you have a problem. Fast action rods cast a long way but have very little "give" and can snap leaders! Make sure you get the right size - don't use one that is too thin. All the information you need is on the back of the Droppered leader packet and later in this article. Which Type Of Tippet Material Do I Use? Essential Fly Tapered Leaders & Droppered Leaders
Essential Fly leaders are made from FD300 nylon in a blend of PA6 and PA66 polymers which are strong, abrasion resistant but with the right level of stiffness for turnover of the tippet. Stroft ABR
Stroft ABR - Abrasion resistant. Great for rivers for nymphs & dry flies. Slightly blue grey colour and stiffer than Stroft GTM which makes larger flies easier to handle. Probably used by more guides and professionals than any other tippet material available.
Stroft GTM
We believe Stroft GTM to be one of the strongest tippet materials on the market in terms of its strength to diameter ratio. The Stroft GTM is slightly more supple than the ABR which helps a dry fly move more naturally on the surface and reduces micro drag. A monofilament nylon. Copolymers
Copolymers are thinner than standard nylons but you need to use Uni KNots (Grinner nots) and use a tucked half blood knot to tie lengths together.
What does all this 4X, 5X mean?
Different strengths, different diameters and different
breaking strains
The X system is a hangover from Victorian/Edwardian fishing days and refers to the number of times a piece of gut is pulled through a hole in a metal grid to make it thinner. Unfortunately the strengths of different manufacturer’s lines are all different. On the left are the strengths and sizes for the Essential Fly Tapered and Droppered Leaders. As a guide anything less than 0.12mm is virtually invisible to trout on rivers. If using a soft or medium action rod then low breaking strains are fine to use. If you are on a reservoir or lake using a 7 weight fast action rod then step up your breaking strain. If your tippet material breaks, especially around the knots then go up to the next size of line!
Find a Scottish Fishery – Quick Links
Alandale Tarn Fishery Gavieside, West Calder, West Lothian. Scotland. EH55 8PT. Tel:01506 873073 [email protected]
Bangour Trout Fishery Bangour Reservoir Near Dechmont West Lothian EH52 6GU Tel:01506 811 335 Mobile: 07711384308 [email protected]
Bowden Springs Carribber Reservoir Linlithgow West Lothian EH49 6QE Tel: 01506 847269 /07824 332368 [email protected]
Burnhouse Fishery Burnhouse Farm Bonnybridge, FK4 2HH Tel: Gary: 07889 603160 / 07742 755737 [email protected]
Burns Trout Fishery Tarbolton Loch, KA5 5LY Tel: 07527405715
Carron Valley Fishery Fishing Lodge, Carron Valley, nr Denny, Stirlingshire FK6 5JL Tel: 01324 823698 [email protected]
Frandy Fishery Glendevon, Dollar, FK14 7JZ Tel: 01259 781352 [email protected]
Golden Loch Berryhill Farm, Newburgh, Cupar, Fife KY14 6HZ Tel: 01337 840355
Inver awe Fishery Inverawe Fisheries & Country Park, Taynuilt, Argyll PA35 1HU Tel: 01866 822 808 (Easter – December) or 01866 822 777 (January – Easter) [email protected]
Forbes of Kingennie Forbes of Kingennie Kingennie Broughty Ferry Dundee DD5 3RD Tel: 01382 350777 [email protected]
Lake of Menteith Lake of Menteith Fisheries, Port of Menteith, FK8 3RA. Bookings Tel: 01877 385664 [email protected]
Ledyatt Loch Ledyatt Loch Trout Fishery Ledyatt Loch Coupar Angus Road Lundie By Dundee DD2 5PD Tel: 07530 592724 or 07891 896848 [email protected]
Loch Fad Fishery Loch Fad Isle of Bute PA20 9PA Tel : 01700 504871 Mob: 07712 534511 [email protected]
Lochmill Fishery Antermony Road, Glasgow, G66 8AD, Glasgow City 0141 776 1903 or 07803 171402 [email protected]
Lochore Meadows Lochore Meadows Country Park Crosshill, Lochgelly Fife KY5 8BA Tel: 01592 860086
Markle Fisheries Markle Fisheries, Markle, East Linton, East Lothian. EH40 3EB Tel: 01620 861213 [email protected]
Morton Fishery Morton Road Mid Calder Livingston EH53 0JT Tel: 01506 883295 Mbl: 07592 577652
New Haylie Fishery The Haylie Brae, Dalry Road, Largs KA30 8JA Tel: 01475 676 005
Newmill Trout Fishery Newmill Fishing Ltd. Cleghorn Lanark South Lanarkshire ML11 7SL Tel: 01555870730
Orchill Loch Trout Fishery South Lodge, Orchill, Braco, Dunblane, FK15 9LF Tel: 01764 682287
Rothiemurchus Estate Rothiemurchus By Aviemore Inverness-shire PH22 1QH Tel: 01479 812345
Stoneyfield Loch Fishery Stoneyfield House Newmore Invergordon IV18 0PG Tel: 01349 852632
Swanswater Fishery Sauchieburn, Stirling FK7 9QB Tel : 01786 814805 [email protected]
Whinney Loch Fishery Whinney Farm, West Loch Road, Coldingham, Berwickshire, TD14 5QE Tel: 01890 771838 [email protected]
Woodburn Fishery Antemony Road Milton of Campsie Glasgow G66 8AB Tel: 01360 313086 or Mbl: 078 8875 8709
Scotland's Biggest & Best Free Angling Event Delivers Again
The marquees are down, lure tanks have been drained and things are steadily getting back to normal but the buzz still lingers after another
hugely successful March 2015 Open Weekend at Glasgow Angling Centre.
Over the past couple of years, the Open Weekend has grown significantly, both in terms of foot-fall and the number of displays and
organisations who attend, and once again our loyal customers flocked in their droves to participate in what is arguably the biggest and best
free fishing event in the UK! With outstanding deals on big brand tackle, a great line up of the biggest names in fishing, loads of great
activities, product launches and a great atmosphere all-round, the appetite for this event continues to grow each year!
Therefore, we'd like to thank all the staff, suppliers, charities and organisations who came along and contributed to yet another hugely
successful Open Weekend that continues to live up the title of "The Biggest and Best Free Fishing Event in UK." If you attended the event,
we appreciate you coming along and supporting us and look forward to serving you in the coming weeks and months ahead. If you missed
out don't worry because we do it all again (on an even bigger scale) in September 2015. Tight Lines!
Simms Clearance
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Get Knotted - Fly Fishing Knots
In fly fishing, as in all fishing, the knot the fisherman uses is crucial to success, as many of us have learned to our cost. It is important to get our fishing knots right, in securing our backing line to the reel; in connecting our backing line to the fly line; in joining our fly line to our leader; and in tying on our fly. A number of the most reliable fly fishing knots are illustrated below. These are the fishing knots used in salmon, trout and sea trout fly fishing. These knots are simple, strong and reliable and include some of the most popular fly fishing knots in use today, such as the Perfection Loop and the Water Knot. For those who like to attach their leader to the fly line by a loop-to-loop connection, It is important not only to select the right knot for a particular job but to tie it properly. Poorly tied knots will mean a lost fish or two and can cause some frustration which could also spoil a goods days fishing. Here are a few basic steps to follow when tying all knots for fly fishing. Before you tighten a knot, lubricate it with saliva or by dipping it in the water. This will help the knot slide and seat properly. Lubrication also decreases excessive heat which dramatically weakens monofilament. Heat is generated by the friction created when knots are drawn up tight. Tighten knots with a steady, continuous pull. Make sure the knot is tight and secure. After it is tied, pull on the line and leader to make sure it holds. It is better to test it now than to lose a fish. Use nippers to trim the material as close as possible without nicking or damaging the knot. On the next couple of pages you will find some of the major knots you will require during your fly fishing.
Backing to Fly Reel
Used to attach the backing to your fly reel.
Fly line backing is a term used in fly fishing that refers to a thin but very strong section of line that is secured directly to the arbor of a fly reel and to the back end of a fly line to provide an insurance policy of sorts on the fly angler's otherwise limited tackle when hooking, playing, and landing particularly fast or strong game fish species.
Step 1:
Pass tag end of backing around spool hub two times
and bring it out again between the same set of reel
pillars. Tie an overhand knot in end of line and tighten.
Step 2:
Tie a second overhand knot around the standing part of
line
Step 4:
Pull on standing line until the overhand knots tightens
against reel hub.
Step 3:
Draw second overhand knot tight.
Loop - Loop
The loop to loop connection is for connecting your leader material to the fly line.
PERFECTION LOOP
A reliable leader loop which lies in line with the leader. The loose end can be trimmed very close to the knot. Not as difficult as it seems at
first sight. Use the thumb and forefinger of the left hand to grip the knot while manipulating the loop with the right hand. To tie the perfection knot follow
the instructions below:
THE WATER KNOT
The water knot is stronger and more reliable and easier to tie than the blood knot. Although the typical advice is for three turns, you can use only two turns and the resulting knot seems quite reliable. Note that the length used for the dropper should be the one pointing away from the reel. Usually the length of the dropper is on average 10”, however some people prefer one between 6” and 8” due to the possibility of tangles.
Step 1 Step 2
Step 3 Finished Loop
1 With the "reel end" to your right, cut the leader at the
point where the dropper is required and overlap the
ends by about 10 inches, depending on the length of
dropper.
2 Form an overhand loop with the doubled nylon and
grip firmly at point "A" with the right thumb and
forefinger.
3 With the left hand, pull the dropper length along with
the whole lower section of the leader through the loop
at least twice.
4 Moisten, draw tight and trim the end which points
towards the reel.
Understanding the Trout’s Feeding Behaviour
The Trout’s Menu:
When considering trout fishing it is
important to understand what they eat
and when in order to choose the
appropriate fly.
Aquatic Insects are insects that live in the
water. They have a lifecycle that includes
an aquatic nymph stage and then they
grow into a winged adult. The adults, who
only live for a few hours or days, then
return to the water to mate and lay their
eggs.
They include mayflies, stone flies, caddis
flies, damsel flies, and dragon flies.
Terrestrial Insects are insects that live on the land and become fish food by falling in the water or are gobbled up form low lying growth.
They include ants, beetles, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, crickets, wasps and bees, spiders, and worms.
Crustaceans are an important part of the trout food chain. They generally crawl along the bottom of the water. Freshwater crustaceans
include scuds, sow bugs, and crayfish.
Various aquatic bugs are only available or in season at certain times. Fly fishers should try to imitate bugs during their prime periods. This
isn't essential since almost any fly can catch a fish at almost any time. However, the truly excellent fly fishing occurs when the trout are
taking a certain bug and the fly in use represents that bug. Knowing when to expect those bugs and using a fly to match can significantly
improve your odds for some really great fishing.
The behavioural patterns of trout vary significantly between the species, the size and the circumstances in which they are found.
The trout’s habits also change at different times of the day, and again this is dependent on the weather conditions.
Feeding habits and behaviours also change between faster and slower waters of the rivers, and within the lochs and lakes.
Below are only a few of the major aquatic bugs that you will find throughout the fly fishing season, it is not the full catalogue of the larva,
nymphs and flies found in fly fishing. To list the full spectrum of them all, it would take another full book of information. To learn more about
the life cycle and lifespan of the aquatic insects, why not buy one of the great entomology or fly tying books from either the internet or from
your local tackle shop.
Caddis flies, (or called Caddis, Caddis fly, Sedge) Caddis flies go through the egg, larva, pupa
and adult stages.
The first Caddis hatches of the year will vary with elevation but normally start hatching about the
last week of May. The numbers and frequency increase until about the last week of June or first
week in July and then steadily decrease for the remainder of the season.
Chironomids, (or called Blood Worm, Midge, Gnat) the eggs hatch into larva and form mud
tubes from bottom material and mucous. A few species have free swimming larva such as the
Bloodworm.
Various species of Chironomids hatch whenever there is water free of ice. Seasonal peaks
occur from the third week in May to the second week in June and then steadily decline into the
fall months.
Damselflies, (or called Damselfly, Damsel)
The adult has four wings that fold over the back. The male of the most common variety is blue
while the female is more of a slate colour. For the nymph, a fairly large and bulbous head sits on
a tubular shaped body. The eyes of the damsel are fairly pronounced but not as large or pronounced as the eyes of a dragonfly nymph.
Mayflies, (or called Mayflies, Mays, Upwings, Duns, Spinners, Dippers, Fish Flies) 'Hatches' from nymph to sub-imago can begin in the last
half of April.
Dragonflies,
The main hatches of the dragonfly from nymph
into adult peaks about mid July with lesser
hatches both before and after that time.
Not to be mistaken for its cousin the damselfly,
the adult dragonfly cannot fold its wings along
its back. Dragonflies are usually much bigger
and thicker bodied than damselflies. Both are
very predacious in both the nymph and adult
stage. Nymphs will feed on almost any creature
in the lake including very small fish
If fishing is slow, and you see some rises in the
shallows, and you have seen some Mayflies,
and you are willing to catch the smaller fish, try
a dry Mayfly pattern in the shallows. It will often
provide some excitement on what could
otherwise be a slow day. On occasion, even
that larger fish may be taking the dry May.
I have found that instead of studying dozens,
even hundreds or more, of insects and the flies
designed to imitate them, I've found that in
nearly all circumstances, you need only a few
fly patterns, each designed to do a specific job
in the varying circumstances found on the
stretch of water you're fishing.
Trout Flies are used to induce fish to take by the use of recognised food patterns rather than by intended imitation. For this method then,
local knowledge becomes relevant in the way the fish are feeding and what is currently on their menu, in this way you can match your
imitation fly to the current fly hatch.
Flies can be tied to take advantage of, various aspects of trout behaviour. This opens up possibilities for us to incorporate the use of
innovative strategies, tactics and trout fly construction and to give ourselves a far greater edge than previously thought possible.
Normally it takes years of studying these fish, trial and error with different fly patterns, different fishing techniques, different innovative
designs and methods with the right focus to get to a place where you understand these creatures adequately for the outstanding results we
normally only see the Pro's achieving.
4 Essential Tips:-
Remembering just four essential steps will improve fly fishing for beginners and experts alike.
Generations of anglers have learned that catching brown, blue, tiger, or rainbow trout, and even sea trout relies upon:
The Fly – Choosing the right fly is one thing. Presenting it to the prey in an appealing fashion is often more important, its no use just chucking
your line out in a heap on the water. The art of casting is to present your fly as delicately as possible on the water so the trout is not
frightened and will take your offer willingly.
The Cast – Power and distance often dominate the keen beginner, in a desire to emulate advanced fly-casting experts. Technique, Timing
and Tactics will often improve your chances of catching fish and help enjoy fly-fishing.
The Retrieve – The challenge of mimicking an insect from a distance of twenty yards using only a nine-foot fishing rod, fluorocarbon and
modern fly line is a difficult one. Learning the diverse characteristics of each fishing fly is essential to adapt to the conditions and hoodwink
even the most stubborn rainbow trout.
The Fish – Be your prey. By understanding the behaviour, characteristics, habit and attitude of the rainbow trout you can catch more fish.
Different species of trout exhibit contrasting responses to the influence of the environment around them.
