Fishery Reports & News
Date: 5 February 2012
While I was hopeful that Artloch would be ice free, it remains ice-bound (3 inches thick!), so no fishing is possible. I know that a number of anglers are surprised by this, but while we've had daytime air temperature above freezing, the temperature at night keeps falling to below freezing. This pattern has been repeated today, 5 Feb, when it was 6.5C during the day, but as I produce this report it's down to -1C. I cannot say when we will be ice free, but I keep hoping that if we get a couple of nights when the air temperature stays above freezing and some wind, then we might be clear by the coming weekend, but I'll not hold my breath. So, please contact us on either 07870 651 368, 01466 794415 (Day) or 01466 799410 (Evening & Weekend) before travelling to us this week.
Pity really, because some anglers had a good visit and while numbers were low, the fish were in fantastic condition, including brownie circa 3 to 3 1/2 lbs; it was safely returned.
For the lure angler, the Cats Whisker, Yellow Dancer or WSW, are my recommendations. You might yet see a fish cruising near the surface now the ice is gone, so a Diawl Bach, Black Pennell, Kate McLaren and Bibio the recommendation. Whether Buzzers will work is down to the gods; prior to the ice forming they were a bit hit and miss, but who knows now?.
I would still recommend use a floating line because while the water is cold, the air temperature is warm and I've seen the occasional hatch. If that fails, then and Intermediate, or an Intermediate Tip on your Floating Line.
Prior to the loch freezing fish were still to be seen cruising along the bank and I think they will continue to do so now, so before casting out in the main water, try along the banks first.
To be in with a chance of taking home a brand new Belmont fly rod, remember to pay your pound for a tagged fish.
Artloch Fishery will be closed on 1, 2 and 3 January 2012
Finally a Happy New Year.