Loch Turret, last day of season.

29.9.21 Loch Turret, near Crieff.
Fresh/moderate W, NW wind. Bright spells. Heavy showers.

This years autumn break to Crieff was marginally earlier than usual and this meant a late fishing trip was on the itinerary. With my good wife holding the fort I snuck away early, up the winding road to Loch Turret. This was my second trip to this wonderful place, having had a day here in May a few years past. It had been a good day in bright summer conditions and plenty of smallish fish. Today was a different proposition – late season, much colder, magnificent surroundings but with more than a hint of the harshness of the coming wintertime. At around 1200 feet Loch Turret is rugged and exposed against a background dominated by the Munro Ben Chonzie. I had been up there twenty years previously but today am more than satisfied with the view from the Loch shore, fly rod to hand!

The Loch was at a low level reflecting the dry summer and the exposed shore at the dam end resembled a moonscape of uneven rocks over dried out mud. With the wind almost in my face I worked my way down the West shore. Due to space restrictions in our family vehicle I had an 8.5ft modern glass 4 piece rod, a couple of reels and three line options, F,S, & I. Loch Turret is generally fished on the surface as heather flies and similar represent the most plentiful food source for the wild brown trout. Given the conditions however I opted for a sinking line with a large lure fished quickly along the margins in an attempt to provoke some interest from aggressive pre spawning trout. I concentrated on the points and rock outcrops that created potential shelter and an angle to cast in the strong wind.

Alas the early part of my day and my initial tactics proved heavy going and unproductive. I tried different patterns – muddlers and traditional’s without result, but captivated by my surroundings. I stopped for refreshments, changed to a Floater and then proceeded to try bibios, crunchers, zulus, Loch Ordie, Goat’s Toe, Clan Chief to no avail. Another change of depth to a size 6 intermediate on a vintage Hardy Gem with a Kate McLaren, Blue/black Loch Ordie and small silver Butcher and finally a show of interest from a fish! No contact but a subsurface swirl at the top dropper Kate McLaren. I doubled down on my concentration and a few steps further down the bank and again movement to the top fly. A moment or two later I was on. A lean dark fish around the half pound netted and dispatched – a promised treat for my beloved dogs.

I replaced the middle fly with another Kate McLaren, a slight variant with sparkle, and continued quickly as the day was getting on. Clearly I had the trout’s interest now and activity increased to multiple rises, pulls, follows and a couple of dropped fish. The wind had eased a bit and the sun made a few more frequent appearances making my surroundings all the more brilliant.

I managed two further fish on the Kate McLaren, beautifully marked, full bodied and hard fighting both returned carefully.

It had been another interesting and memorable day and a fitting end to the Brown Trout season. On the trek back I saw an eagle majestic against the blue sky, a worthy resident of this wild and rugged place.

A.T.F.