The weather has been grim recently, I think I can say that without fear of argument. So despite my other issues I have not been missing much more than the next angler in not being able to get out as much as I would like. Last night it was actually dry and very mild, actually a bit oppresive and dull- not really ideal fishing conditions. I tend to find when its thundery feeling the fishing goes off. There was also quite a stong wind, where I live it was from an indeterminate direction but I figured Pendreich might be hard work. There were some darker clouds over the hills so it may be a bit showery up there. I needed to get out though, and make a best of it so decided to nip round for a couple of hours at Swanswater.
Bad Omens
I knew I was in trouble as I pulled up in the car park with no one on the small ponds and not a single fish showing. I decided on a 2 hour permit on the main loch and tackled up. Speaking to a few anglers it was clear that it was not going to be easy. One chap had been there “all day” and had two fish to show for it plus a few small browns in the evening. It seemed everyone else was blanking (not that it was busy).
Nan’s Peg
I popped round the back of the island first to Nan’s Peg and had a chuck there but there was a fairly brisk headwind ( so the wind was North Easterly then?). First cast there was a jab at my fly but it never stuck and was probably a small wild Brownie. I was using a FAB on point to hang a Diawl Bach and a Black Cruncher below the surface. I decided more depth was needed so exchanged the point fly for a bead chain eyed Damsel.
A pull, a Perch
I hooked into something- it felt small and indeed it was, a Perch though as nice a coloured one as you will find, safely returned time for a move. Round at the mouth of the burn there were a few big fish sitting on the bottom facing the inlet. I tried dropping the heavy Damsel in front of them, and one moved but then moved off. I have a few “stalking bugs” in my lure box but did not have it with me so that idea was a bit wasted, so I moved to the wee footbridge over the burn and had a conventional cast down the burn towards the loch. First cast I had a take but it shook free very quickly, though it felt like a decent fish. Recovering my flies the Damsel was looking a bit the worse for wear with a bend in it. Whether this was the fish or some other obstuction earlier having done it I don’t know. I had a few more casts but was getting snagged a lot on the reeds to the side of me so decided to move on.
two and a half pound rainbow on a Diawl Bach
Over on the side of the island casting into the main basin the wind was stiffer but at least it was sort of left to right ish ( ever so slightly a head wind but not too much trouble).
No Hang
I had a “follow” early on, the fish turning away as I lifted off- I should’ve hung the fly maybe but I was late spotting it. Nothing else and another move to the channel on the island and a few different flies. I recalled a similar night last year when a Red ribbed Diawl Bach did the job fished deep. On went a red holo Diawl and first cast I was in! A nicely proportioned, full tailed Rainbow of about two and a half pounds. It fought like one of the Tigers with a head down attitude but it was soon netted. I was lucky to get it as there were a few wee twisted knots round the droppers on my leader so I sat and remade it before continuing. I swapped all my flies to something with a bit red in- buzzers and Diawls but never had any futher interest. I think though I was lucky to get the one fish as it seemed everyone else there blanked. Did enjoy my evening out though during a break in the weather.
