Something different!

I was on a family short break last week near Dumfries and with the Brown Trout season over was ’forced’ to try a fishery.

Alderneuk Trout Fishery had very complimentary reviews and was nearby to where we were staying. In particular it’s ‘friendly atmosphere and high quality trout ‘ led me to give it a go.

Alderneuk is run by a thoroughly nice couple who from the moment I arrived until the moment I left went out of their way to ensure that I and indeed all visitors enjoyed their experience.

As a newbie to this type of fishing any trepidation I felt quickly left me as I was shown only help , advice and kindness.

The water itself though smallish is beautiful and situated in a real country location.

Having been advised on patterns and method I headed on to the water and relatively quickly connected with a powerful fish. Alas after a few minutes and with my host ready with the net the decent Rainbow slipped from my barbless fly. No worries as an even better fish first followed and then grabbed my point fly soon after. I had woke up to the fact that with barbless hooks it is advisable to keep very careful steady pressure on the fish particularly after a dive or surge. This fish was doing plenty of both but with Willie the fishery manager beside me keeping me right the fish was landed. It was a cracker of over 3lbs and in top condition.

Enjoying the novelty of fishing with others I headed up to the lodge for a bite to eat and a yap with my fellow fishers. A friendly and helpful disposition seems to be the way at Ardneuk and I enjoyed the social aspect of my visit, finding the fishing conversations more interactive than when I’m boring my wife and kids!

I eventually started fishing again and despite seeing a fair bit of activity – rises, follows and lost fish- I never managed to land another. I had though greatly enjoyed my session and left with a much more positive attitude towards this type of sport. I would certainly visit again!

A.T.F.