As May unfolds the trout fishing in Argyll comes fully alive. Although temperatures have remained on the low side due to persistent Easterly/ Northeasterly winds , increased insect activity and hungry native trout have started to come together. The last week in May and first in June are not known as ‘duffer’s fortnight’ for nothing and the increased success rate of those who fly fish can often provide a rich period of fishing that sustains through leaner times. This is usually particularly true for me!
I’ve managed a few trips recently with hopefully a few others soon. I had an afternoon on Loch Tarsan last week and in an awkward NW wind managed 5 Brownies, with a blue/ black Loch Ordie particularly effective on the top dropper.
I had a couple of stockies and the others were wild fish – thin and beautifully marked – but they were all keen on the top dropper!
After the Tarsan outing the rare opportunity for an overnight trip popped up . This basically allows two sessions separated by a sleep under canvas or in the car.
Off to beautiful Loch Ascog it was then with my small tent and the electric outboard and battery. It was a slow slog to the boat house but then everything was just bunged into the boat and I headed for a secluded spot to set up camp.
Fishing was slow initially, probably due to the bright , warm late afternoon but as the temperature became cooler and the sun faded the trout began to make an appearance. As usual I had two rods set up one with a sink tip and the other with a sinker (all vintage stuff see pic if you’re interested!) The fish came on in an evening rise and I finished the evening with 7 wild Brownies. A small Daddy and a Kate Mc Laren variant were proving the most interesting to the fish. It was a braw wee session and I returned to camp for some supper before turning in as darkness fell. I had plans for an early start!
Having pitched the tent on uneven ground I was more than ready for fishing by 5am and it was not long before I was back among the trout! Plenty of action ensued with fish coming to both rods taking a daddy, Katie, blue Zulu and Loch Ordie’s.
By mid morning the sun shine and heat were increasing and having matched my total from last night I was happy to pack up and head home.
ATF
Argyll Trout Fisher 