Fishery News
Beecraigs Fishery Monthly Report, Prospects and Records
March 2008
Angling on Beecraigs Loch during March was very much dictated by the weather. The first part of the month saw anglers having to contend with high winds, rain and very cold water temperatures - hardly the best weather for fly-fishing. Around the middle of the month the weather took a change for the better and both air and water temperatures started to climb. This had an immediate effect on anglers catches. During the first half of March, anglers had to present their offerings deep down and use a very slow retrieve. The fish also had formed into tight shoals in the cold water and it was a case of 20minutes in one place and then move to locate the fish. Best flies at this time were lures such as The Dancer, Humungus, Nomads, Black & Green based patterns and, once again the infamous Booby, love it or hate it! Around this time some impressive catches were recorded. As water temperatures rose the fish moved to mid-water and became much more active. Trout in the 5-8lb range then showed in many angler's baskets.Best Fish
- Local Bathgate regular Bob Rintoul and his partner Alex McDonald weighed in 10 Rainbows for 26lbs 8oz, all taken on the Black & Green based lures.
- Messer's McDonagh and Scott fishing with Scottish Fire & Rescue Angling Club had an excellent day on the loch and returned to the jetty with 10 trout for 23lbs 8oz on a Booby and Hothead Dancer.
- Clubs also fared very well during March. Black Bull Angling Club from Dalkeith caught 53 fish for 142lbs 5oz for their 8 boats. Club member K. Moore had the best fish of the day, a fine triploid Rainbow of 8lbs 3oz.
- Scottish Fire & Rescue Angling Club from Airdrie brought to the scales 32fish for 75lbs 14oz. Best basket recorded was Mr. McDonagh's 10 fish for 23lbs 8oz on a Hothead Dancer.
- Falkirk Angling Club also fared well with 31 trout for 81lbs 15ozs.
Fish of the Month
Fish of the month goes to Mr. Ian McVey of Philipstoun for a lovely Rainbow of 8lbs 8oz taken on a Damsel Nymph. Ian wins for himself a Scierra fly rod to the value of £100, courtesy of our sponsors for March, The Beecraigs Restaurant.
Fishery Records:
- brown trout at 8lbs. 5ozs.
- Rainbow at 27lbs. 8ozs.
- 12 Fish Limit at 108lbs. 14ozs.
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