With a deep breath, I decided Sunday I would try tackle Swanswater for the first time since its been dug out. Regular readers here will appreciate I don’t have the best record at the fishery, having blanked there on quite a few recent winter visits.
It was a cracking morning, the sun was shining and the fishery was remarkably quiet as I arrived, but what you could not see was the positively Baltic wind that was blowing into the east bank.
I decided I would start at the northeast corner in the teeth of the wind. I have to admit I did not last long here though. My fingertips were painful with the cold within 20 mins and I lasted another maybe 20 before I had to move. I had started on an intermediate line and short leader with an Apps bloodworm and Montana nymph but had nothing.
I decided to move to the south end where some sunlight was being seen above the trees. I tried the existing set up for a while before swapping my point fly for a Tequila FAB ( Foam Arsed Blob) to try keep my two droppers out the weed near the bank, a copper beaded Hares Ear Nymph and the bloodworm. I would probably normally use a Booby for this but Swanswater does not allow them.
I tried this for a short while then felt a knock as I got near the bank with the flies, I kept the retrieve steady and bang! a fish was hooked.
Look at the tail on this Tiger- like a shovel.
This fish kept heading for the bottom and I quickly realised it was to be my first ever Tiger Trout on the nymph. A big tailed fish of over 2lbs.
Quite an amazing fight- it kept heading for the bottom as you can see in this short video:
No more takes were forthcoming so time for another move. I had a wee chat with a fellow angler and we were discussing flies and setups. I told him that I don’t think I ever caught a fish on a blob and that I really don’t like them though I appreciate they are considered deadly for Rainbows.
After a short stop at the mouth of the Sauchie Burn, I went onto the Island. The second cast I had a tug and a Rainbow was on. This time on the FAB! Almost within two or three more casts and another fish was on, again to the FAB. A slightly bigger fish this time.
I decided as it was warmer in the sun, now was a good time to stop for lunch. While I let my cup pasta soften I decided to have one more cast same area a sharp tug and I missed it!
As I was close to bagging up and a few fish were moving I decided to experiment so tried buzzers under a dry, I persevered with this for about 20 mins and then decided on another move. Behind the island now after a short while, I changed again to lures, still nothing. No fish making their presence known to me- another move required.
Round to the roadside now and I felt a fish come to one of my flies deep down, it came again I struck and thought it was on but it went slack. Maybe it let go? I had one more tug between pulling in wads of weed. Its surprising how much weed is holding on this year- I suspect its due to the milder than usual winter. I decided to call it a day, it had been good. I think a lot of anglers had struggled today so was pleased with my day’s sport. 3 for 7lb 4oz and my first Tiger!
