Fishery News
Beecraigs Fishery Monthly Report, Prospects and Records
October 2011
Anglers on Beecraigs had first class sport during November with many limit baskets weighed in. The weather has been very wet and the water temperatures have dropped considerably causing the fish to form tighter shoals and fed in the top 3-5feet of water. There were also some nice fish feeding on fry around the boat jetty and along the dam wall. As often happens around this time of year the infamous Booby in its many forms has taken a lot of fish. Other successful flies have been Dancer, Black & Green Fritz, Cats Whiskers and the Minkie. Fish caught during November have averaged a healthy 2lbs. 8ozs.
Records
Some examples of the catches have been:-
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Mike Westoby came in with 5 fry feeders for 14lbs. 12oz. with his best fish of 3lbs. 14oz. all taken from the north-east corner of the the dam on a Minkie.
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J.Thomson and A.Muirhead from Bathgate weighed-in 10 rainbows for 25lbs. 11ozs. all on the Booby.
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Alex Marshall from Armadale also fished the Booby to great effect with 5 for 13lbs. 12ozs.
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Father and son pairing Graham and Grieg Adamson from Falkirk had 10 for 26lbs. 10oz. all on a pink Booby.
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Bob Rintoul from Bathgate had best fish during the month with a 'bow of 6lbs. 8ozs.
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On the club front, the Border Bears Angling Club weighed in 27 fish for their 5 boats at 79lbs. 12ozs., best bag by D.Old with 5 for 14lbs. 9ozs. which included good one of 5lbs. 12ozs.
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Scottish fire & rescue had a good day's sport and came in with 33 fish for 78lbs. 14ozs. W.McDonagh had best fish on the day, a rainbow of 5lbs. 8ozs.
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Bank of Scotland East Angling Club enjoyed a late October outing on the loch and their 4 boats recorded 27 fish for 68lbs. 3ozs.
Fishery Records:
- brown trout at 8lbs. 15oz.
- rainbow at 28lbs. 1oz.
- Blue at 14lbs. 10oz.
The newly introduced catch & release ticket is proving to be very popular among many of our anglers as not everyone wants to take their catch home with them. Remember there is also the option of a 4hour session that can also be booked, juniors fish for free alongside a full-paying adult and concessions have been widened to include the war disabled. Various ticket options are now available, information available from Fishery or Visitor Centre.
Fishing application forms for 2012 are also now available from the Beecraigs Visitor Centre or the fishing lodge, so contact them so you can get your application in as soon as possible.
At present the weather is very mild and anglers are taking a lot of good quality blues and rainbows. Contact the Visitor Centre now to book your boat.
Gift vouchers available from the Visitor Centre - ideal for Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, thank you gifts, etc.
Fishery staff will gladly help with advice on patterns and the best areas to fish.