For all latest news and catch reports please go to:

www.markle-fisheries.blogspot.com/

Catch Report 02/07/09

It's hot, and so is the weather. Summer is here with a bang, just like the thunder and lightning! When it is bright and hot the fishing is, to say the least, difficult. However, there have been some incredible evening rises, but alas the "anglers' curse", or Caenis, has been the reason why. Still there are some very good catches to report.

Visiting angler T. Carr from Northumberland had a cracking day with his best fish at 10lb, returned, on a Daddy. Jim Patterson, Dunbar, had three for 9lb 8oz on a damsel, whilst C. Muir had a 10lb specimen on a damsel. Jack Hay, Haddington, recorded a 9lb fish on a damsel too. A black and green lure accounted for another 9lber for L. Anderson, whilst Paul Rae, Hawick, had two great doubles of 15lbs and 10lb respectively. Both on his suspender Whickhams. Mark Anderson, Edinburgh, then went a bit better with two tremendous rainbows of 14lb 8oz and 12lb 8oz on yellow dancers. Bradley Muir had a superb session with ten fish returned on dries and buzzers, the best at 11lb and Peter Dicker, Port Seaton, used a muddler in the evening to land a cracking fish of 14lb. R. Gliori had two at 7lb and 5lb on sedges whilst Jimmy Kellet and son, North Berwick, had three for 15lb on black buzzer, with the best at 10lb. John McKay, Edinburgh, used his JM Specials to take another double, this time at 15lb, and followed this up with a five pound brownie! D. Parker only caught one fish during his day but what a fish it was! At 11lb 10oz it was well worth waiting for in the bright sunshine. Gary Ramsay, the SedgeMiester, took a beauty of 9lb on, yes you guessed it, a sedge pattern whilst J. Gordon, all the way from Kinross, had three for 17lb on traditional wets. His best fish was 12lb and his friend E. Sandilands took a nice 8lber on a CDC. Paul Rae, Hawick, came back on a hot but overcast day and took 18 fish on catch and release, mainly to his cruncher and Whickams patterns. A tremendous effort considering the conditions. Last, but by no means least, young Josh caught a superb specimen of 10lb 8oz. Brilliant!

OK let's be honest. The fishing at this time of year is never easy. Hot days and bright skies do not make for good fishing conditions. However, a little bit of cloud and a breeze can make all the difference. The evening fishing can be good, or very good, so consider coming later in the day. We stay open late.

Catch Report 15/06/09

What a change in the weather, from the sublime to the ridiculous! Glorious sunshine then torrential downpours. However, despite the fickle nature of June some great catches have been reported. Derek Demarco had a cracker of 14lbs on a bloodworm and Jeff Harle took a 9lber on a black buzzer. Jimmy from Drem had 3 for 13lb 8oz on buzzers too and J. McKenzie had 4 for 14lb on CDC's. John Gray had one at 13lb on a nomad and Keith Kettles, Edinburgh, had a beauty of 15lb 4oz on a black buzzer.Tom Russell, jnr, Earlston, took a cracker of 15lb 6oz again on a buzzer whilst his Father managed 23 on catch and release, best 9lb 8oz, again on his home tied buzzer patterns. V. Molfino had 3 for 11lb 8oz on yellow dancers and Jim Heaton took a belter of 16lb on a damsel.

Jim Heaton with 16lb rainbow.

Another big fish for Markle.

Mark Anderson, Edinburgh, had a great day on catch and release with his best at 17lb 4oz on an Okey Dokey and Robert Smith, Kinross, had three for 21lb 12oz (best 16lb 8oz!) on dancers. Buzzers were successful for J. Duncan as he had 3 for 12lb 8oz and Jimmy Watters, Gorebridge, used a Kate McLaren to take a bag of 3 for 12lb. The Rosewell AC had a very good trip with top rod being R. Warden with 4 for 21lb 12oz, best 10lb 2oz, on dancers. Darrel Young had another double of 11lb 4oz in his three fish bag of 17lb 8oz, all on red Diawl Bach.

Some of the evening rises have been electric with shuttle cock CDC's being the top pattern. During the day yellow dancer has worked well when it is bright and Diawl Bachs (green or red) are top when the cloud comes.

Sedges are now making an appearance so Gary Ramsay is now in his element.

Catch Report 02/06/09

The heat is on, and the weather is scorching too! The last couple of weeks have seen some fantastic catches with doubles galore. Jim Patterson, Dunbar, had two beauties of 11lb 8oz and 11lb on damsels but Peter Ash, Edinburgh went a bit better with two crackers which weighed 16lb each! Successful tactics were damsel and yellow dancer on long leaders. Durham visitor Tom Clayton had a terrific day with fish of 12lb, two at 16lb, and one topping 17lbs on red-eyed yellow dancer. His friend, Davie McGuinness, went back to Armagh to regail his locals with stories of the 22lb 2oz monster he caught on a montana. Not only that, he followed this up with one of 18lb 1oz too! Mark Anderson, Edinburgh, used his blob patterns to great effect over this period often catching and releasing 15 fish in a session. Peter Dicker, Port Seton, had a nice one of 11lb 8oz on a CDC pattern whilst Steve Whitehead used a yellow dancer to lure a beauty of 15lb. J. Black had 3 for 16lb on dries and J. Buotica, Edinburgh, took a 14lb specimen on a bloodworm. N. Carey returned from his snowboarding exploits and made an immediate impact with a fish of 12lb on a buzzer. Dunbar regular, Jim Patterson, again got in on the act with another double of 13lb 8oz on a black buzzer whilst Ross Wilson from North Berwick returned two 11lbers on bloodworms. Our galloping gardener, Keir Baikie from Ballencrieff, had two monsters of 16lb and 15lb respectively on black hoppers and Peter Ash weighed in two for 15lb taken on PTN. Bruce Chisholm had three for 20lb, with the best at 11lb 8oz, on daddies and Jock McKay took a double double with fish of 12lb and 14lb on his JM specials. The Jewel AC melted in the scorching sun but still weighed in 15 fish for 46lb 2oz, however two very large fish were lost before they could be netted.

Callum Haig and Chick Telfer show off their big fish caught during the Will Telfer Memorial Competition.

Steve Whitehead with 15lb specimen.

Some right ugly specimens - but the fish are not bad! Bruce Chisholm and Brian Boyle show off their big fish. Phil looks on in envy.

The fine weather is set to be with us for a wee while longer but cooler conditions are expected by the end of the week. The evening fishing is now coming into its own with some terrific rises as the sun goes down. CDC patterns such as shuttlecock buzzers and loopwing emergers are the patterns to try. As always, evening fishing is available 7 days, and we fish to "dark o'clock" so that you don't miss the best part of the day.

Catch Report 18/05/09

Well it's big fish city! Tom Russell senior, Earlston, caught a beauty of 17lb 6oz on an olive buzzer and Riki Noteame had another at 16lb 8oz on a yellow dancer. The Will Telfer Memorial Trophy Competition saw regulars Chick Telfer with 4 for 25lb (best 12lb 12oz), J. Sneddon 4 for 23lb 8oz (best 14lb 4oz), Callum Haig 4 for 21lb 10oz (best 13lb) and Willie Brash with 4 for 17lb 8oz. John Russel, Prestonpans, had two at 12lb 8oz and 10lb 8oz on buzzers. Edinburgh angler Chas Stewart had a cracker at 14lb and followed that up with another at 8lb both on yellow dancer. Brian Boyle, also Edinburgh, got a beauty of 12lb on a buzzer, whilst another Edinburgh angler, Keith Kettles, went a bit better with one of 14lbs on a black buzzer. G. Hay had 4 for 21lb 10oz on a cutthroat pattern and Gary Ramsay, Haddington, had a 9lb specimen on his sedge pattern. Bradley Muir, Musselburgh, had another cracker of 9lb on a sedge pattern too, whilst O. Shaw had one on a PTN at 13lb. John Thomson, East Linton, took a very nice one of 12lbs on a damsel, and Harvey Campbell, Berwick, had one of 11lb 8oz on a black fritz pattern. A 9lb specimen fell to M. Shillinglaw on a cdc, whilst Berwick angler M. Williamson had one at 11lb 4oz on an olive buzzer. Ron Davidson took a real cracker of 15lbs on a yellow dancer. I Santos, Newcastle, had a fantastic fish of 16lb 3oz on a buzzer and his friend Peter Brack followed this up with another big one of 14lb 7oz on a yellow dancer. Mark Anderson, our Troutmasters qualifier, had a good one of 10lb 12oz on a blob before heading off to the final at Grafham Water. Bruce Hunter, Edinburgh, kept up his good form with two of 13lb 12oz and 10lb 8oz respectively, both on lures. Jack Hay (who else?) had another double of 12lb 8oz on a damsel and Gordon Dagg also got in on the act with a cracker of 10lb on a daddy. Bob Buchan, Dunbar, caught a 12lb 8oz specimen on a diawl bach.

Catch Report filed 11/05/09

Strong to gale force winds dominated the week and anglers were fewer on the ground but catches held up well. I. Santos had the heaviest fish of the week at 16lb 3oz which fell to a buzzer pattern. His friend Peter Brack go in on the act too with a beauty of 14lb 7oz on a yellow dancer. Edinburgh angler Bruce Hunter, followed up his recent "twenty" with two further doubles of 13lb 12oz and 10lb 8oz on dancers. Mark Anderson, also Edinburgh, had two at 10lb 12oz and 9lb 8oz on orange blobs whilst Jack Hay, Haddington had a cracker of 12lb 8oz on a damsel. Gordon Dagg, Gorebridge, caught a 10lb specimen on a daddy and Gary Ramsay, Haddington, used his own sedge pattern to lure a nice one of 8lb.

Hopefully the weather will improve so that cdc's and dries will become the order of the day. However, this cold wind and bright sun will keep the fish down a bit so don't banish the lure box just yet!

Catch Report filed 05/05/09

Another great week of catches was topped off by two huge specimens at Markle! Bruce Hunter, Edinburgh, had one at 20lb on a yellow dancer (pictured below).

Not to be outdone Willie Brash, Mayfield, landed a 22lb beauty on a black rabbitiser! Both fish were safely returned. The doubles kept on coming throughout the week with T. Yuill senior taking a 10lber, and one at 9lb, on a rabbitiser too. Des Gray, Dalkeith had one at 15lb on a buzzer, and Jack Hay, Haddington got in on the act with a 14lb cracker too. Mark Anderson, Edinburgh, caught another big fish weighing in at 16lb on orange blob and Paul Rae, Hawick, landed a belter of 13lb 8oz on an olive buzzer. P. Rollins had a great day with 3 for 22lbs, best at 14lb, on yellow dancer whilst J. Johnston had 3 for 16lb on cat's whisker and Diawl Bach. Young angler Duncan James had a good one of 8lbs as did J. Fitton who also caught an 8lber on a yellow dancer. Bob Buchan, Dunbar, caught a nice one at 12lb 8oz on a Diawl Bach. Gary Jones landed a cracking brown trout of 8lbs in the pouring rain (picture below).

Best patterns have been yellow dancer and rabbitisers in the lures along with Diawl Bach and buzzers in the smaller flies. Fish are also coming to hoppers and CDC's on the top. The Hawthorn flies are now making a belated appearance so include a bibio in the box! Evening fishing is available, as usual, seven days.

Catch Report filed 27/04/09

What a cracking week at Markle it has been, and not just due to the glorious weather either! Big fish have dominated this week's catches with specimen trout aplenty. Heaviest fish was 17lb 12oz and was caught by K. Gosman, Edinburgh, on a coral dancer. He followed this up with a smaller one at 9lbs. Not bad for a two fish evening ticket. Darryl Young had a beauty too at 14lb 8oz on a PTN and also took a nice 7lber on an orange blob. Specimens of 13lbs and 11lbs fell for buzzers fished by John Russell, Prestonpans and G. Pollock, Edinburgh, had a 12lb 8oz beauty on a yellow dancer. S. Renwick, also Edinburgh, took a belter of 12lb 8oz on a black dancer whilst A. Russer had a 12lber in his bag of 3 for 20lb on black fritz. Regulars Bruce Hunter and Jack Hay had doubles of 10lb 6oz and 12lbs respectively, buzzers accounting for both. Troutmaster fish off winner, Mark Anderson, had a real specimen of 15lb 8oz in his winning bag of 4 for 25lb 8oz on blobs whilst Louis McDonald, Haddington, had the best brown of the week at 10lb on a black and green fritz.

Honeywell AC had a great day weighing in 45 fish for 144lb 15oz and returning many others. Top bags were 4 for 15lb by Stuart Morris, 4 for 13lb 4oz by George Horn, 4 for 13lb by Sammy Hutchison, whilst Allan Totten had the best fish at 6lbs.

Annbank angler, F. Haney, had a 10lb specimen fishing with the TOTB Club and Donald Hynd had 20 on catch and release mainly on hoppers and buzzers, whilst Bill Tait, Duns, had 3 for 15lb (best 8lb 4oz).

The evening fishing is really picking up now and, as usual, we are open until dusk, 7 days a week.

Catch Report filed 20/04/09

April started with some beautiful weather but a pattern of cold easterly winds, often combined with fog, typified the middle part of the month. Keith Watson, Alnwick had 3 for 13lb 8oz on black dancers and fritzs but returned his best fish at 12lbs! R. Slight had one of 9lb 8oz on a yellow dancer and Jack Hay, Haddington, had another good one of 8lb 8oz on a black buzzer. D. Sharp had 3 for 12lb on black rabbit and Paul Rae, Hawick, had 12 on catch and release with the best at 9lb, successful fly being rabbitser. Heaviest fish of the month was a 15lb cracker caught by Dunbar angler Peter Craig on a yellow dancer. Colin Shillinglaw had one at 12lbs and another at 8lbs on yellow dancer and bloodworm, whilst Bob Buchan, Dunbar, also caught a double of 11lb on olive buzzer. Gary Ramsay, Haddington, had a beauty of 10lb 7oz on a black buzzer whilst Bruce Hunter, Edinburgh had two crackers of 11lb 8oz and 8lbs on dancers. Not to be outdone Jackie Hunter (Bruce's wife!) beat him all ends up with a terrific double of 10lbs on a montana. D. Morrison had a nice bag of 3 for 17lb on cats whisker and M. Shillinglaw had two for 14lb 8oz on white fritz. Paul Rae again had a good one of 9lb 8oz and R. Arnott used a selection of lures to tempt 3 for 16lb 6oz. Gary Ramsay followed up his earlier good catches with a fine brown trout of 7lb on one of his sedge patterns. The Vale AC had a successful day weighing in 56 fish for 151lb 6oz and also releasing numerous others. Eric Liningstone caught a beauty of 12lb 7oz on a mini dancer and Gordon Scott, Lilliesleaf, had 14 on catch and release to crunchers and grizzle cats whilst his father had 8 too on black rabbits and blobs. Christine Kronenbach, Tranent, had a specimen rainbow of 10lbs and followed this up with 17 on catch and release mainly to yellow dancers. David Smith caught a nice one of 8lbs on a hot head damsel and Bruce Hunter again had a good day catch and releasing fish of 8lb, 7lb, and 6lb 8oz on lures. Spring is fully underway and with the lengthening day we should see the first of the evening rises.  Hawthorn and stonefly patterns will score over the coming weeks.

Catch Report filed 23/03/09

March has been its usual mixure of cold days, cold winds, bright days and warm winds. The toads, frogs, and newts are now out spawning and daffodils are everywhere but as I type this report hailstones are falling! Despite this pattern there have been some great catches at the fishery. Lures such as yellow dancer and black nomad have been good on the colder days with green diawl bach and red hothead damsel scoring on the milder ones. Derek Hutchison had two for 13lb 40z on an Alexandra Fritz and Keith Watson, Alnwick, had 4 for 15lb 8oz on a selection of lures including those mentioned above and followed this up with another good bag of 4 for 14lb 8oz. D. Murray had a nice rainbow of 9lb 5oz on a Dawson's Olive whilst Gary Ramsay had a cracker of 10lb 8oz on the ubiquitous Yellow Dancer. Paul Rae, Hawick, had several good fish this month with the best at 12lb. J. Patterson used a buzzer in the milder weather and was rewarded with a 9lb specimen. Bob Telfer, also using buzzers, weighed in three for 11lb whilst Tom Russell jnr, Earlston, had a lovely fish of 11lb 60z on an orange nomad and followed this up with another cracker of 12lb 13oz on his next visit with the same fly! Tom Russell snr was not to be outdone by his son and he had several good days with fish to 12lb also. M. Dalgleish had a beauty of 12lbs on an Orange Fritz and A. Gardner had 3 for 14lbs on buzzers. J. Gibson used a MH lure to taking an excellent bag of 4 for 17lb whilst J. Gilchrist had 2 for 12lb on buzzers for his half-day. Not to be outdone J. Hay, Haddington, had one at 9lbs on a black nomad.

Report filed 28/02/09

Much of early February was lost to ice as winter took hold and so catch reports were fewer than usual. Lures were the order of the day when the ice did clear. J. Hay, Haddington, had a two great fish of 13lb 4oz and 11lb 8oz during the month on dancers and Gary Ramsay, also Haddington, had a good day on catch and release catching 12 on pink dancers and damsels. Paul Rae, Hawick, went a few better with 25 on catch and release mainly to rabbitisers, and Gordon Scott, Lilliesleaf, had a dozen on buzzers and rabbitisers too. Kevin Ryan, Berwick, had 3 for 14lb 8oz on buzzers. J. Thomson, using a yellow dancer, caught two for 11lb 8oz.

ARCHIVED REPORTS

Catch Report filed 26/09/07

Autumn is here! August lived up to its reputation as the dourest fishing month but September has flicked the switch and the fish are "on". Catches have improved dramatically and bigger fish have featured too. Cooler winds and water temperatures have helped  the fishing no end. Lures have started to show in the catch returns but top of the water tactics, especially with daddies, have not been forgotten. Heaviest fish of the month, so far, was taken by Tom Russell snr, Earlston, weighing in at 12lb 8oz, and was part of a great days fishing as he caught and released 15 fish. Not to be outdone his son Tom jnr caught 14 too! Top tactics for both were home-tied dancers and buzzers. David Hunter had a tremendous 8lb brown in the Monastery Loch on Black and Green Fritz Montana. Dunbar angler, Peter Craig, had a nice rainbow of 8lb 15oz and Mark Anderson, Edinburgh, had two over 8lbs also. Natural Zonker being  the killing pattern. Jack Hay, Haddington (who else!) had a double of 11lbs and has followed this up with two others in the session at 9lbs and 5lb too. Jack also had another of 9lb 8oz during the month. Chick Telfer, Gorebridge, won the Will Telfer Memorial Competition with 4 for 15lb 8oz. Bruce Hunter, Edinburgh, had two in a session at 8lb and 6lb 3oz on bloodworm buzzers and  J. Gordon, also Edinburgh, had a beauty of  9lb on a Loch Ordie. W. Campbell had a good bag of three for 13lb 8oz on damsel while the ASDA Drivers top rod B. Hunter had a cracking bag of 4 for 21lb (best 8lb 4oz) on dancers. D.A. Smith had a nice fish of 8lb on a pink zonker. Gordon Scott, Paul Rae, Derek Powell and Willie Brash have all featured heavily in the catch returns often taking 10+ fish in a catch and release session. Black Rabbitiser being top fly.

September has produced the goods but October is often even better so we await next month with anticipation. Hopefully this will make up for the mostly miserable summer. Tight lines.

Archived Reports

Catch Report filed 30/01/07

Although the wind was often cold and biting January was not really caught in the grip of Winter. No fishing days were lost to ice and when the snow did put in an appearance it vanished as quickly as it appeared. Angling effort is always lower at this time of year but those that did visit were often well rewarded. The best fish of the month was caught by Davey Mordue, Durham, and was a cracker weighing in at 13lb 8oz . Bloodworm was the killing pattern. Not to be outdone Jack Hay, Haddington, caught one at 11lb 8oz also on a bloodworm and had one at 8lb on a Yellow Dancer. Mark Anderson from Edinburgh had a nice one of 9lb on Diawl Bach while Bruce Hunter also from The Toon had a great session taking one at 10lb 3oz and followed by another of 8lb with Green and Black Fritz doing the trick. John Russell, Prestonpans, had one at 8lbs on a concrete bowl.

Lures were obviously taking their fair share of fish but on the better days buzzers and especially bloodworm patterns worked well.

Catch Report filed 20/02/07

The weather has been surprisingly mild - I saw my first newt two weeks ago and the toads were out last night! Day time temperatures have often topped 10C. This mild spell has seen buzzer hatches and fish have even been caught on the top! Best fish of the month so far was taken by, who else, but Jack Hay. The Haddington angler landed a beauty of 13lb 8oz on a damsel pattern. John Russell had another 8lber on his concrete bowl and George Quested from Edinburgh had a really nice 6lb fish on a black fritz. Chick Telfer from Gorebridge had 3 for 13lb on a cormorant and his fishing partner Jimmy Watters just beat him with 3 for 13lb 8oz. Jimmy, who also hails from Gorebridge, had a beauty of 7lb in his bag taken on Yellow Dancer. David Horne had 2 for 9lb 8oz on a Cats Whisker and M. Ramsay had 3 for 12lb on damsel and Yellow Dancer.

Let's hope the mild spell continues as the fishing has been good, however, remember last year when it did exactly this until winter really did arrive - in March!

Current Report - filed 29/06/06

The warm, but not too hot, weather has produced some excellent fishing conditions and hatches of flies. This in turn has produced some great fishing, particularly in the evening. On some evenings the water is boiling with fish on the top and the angler fishing dries and CDC's has not been disappointed. Even during the day in the cloudier conditions, which have been prevalent, the fish have been taking on the top. However, when bright sunny conditions have prevailed the answer is to fish deeper with a bright lure, especially the Yellow Dancer! Regulars and visitors alike were amongst the doubles, with Edinburgh angler Rikki Milton topping the list with a cracker of 18lb caught on a damsel pattern. Jack Stevenson, Ormiston, had two in the one day at 15lb 8oz and 15lb on buzzers and Jack Hay, Haddington , who has been out of action for two months due to a knee operation, had a successful return with one of 14lb on a minkie. L. Morris, Edinburgh, had a nice one at 13lb 2oz on a damsel and  J. Sullivan landed a ten pounder on a buzzer. John Russell, Prestonpans, had one at  12lb on a black buzzer and visitor P. Fawcett took a beauty of 13lbs on a suspender buzzer. Border raiders Paul Rae and Gordon Scott had plenty of action with CDC's and blobs taking 41 fish on catch and release. Willie Brash, Mayfield, also had a good session with 22 fish to the same tactics. P. Devlin had one at 12lb on a cormorant and visitors E. Blair and son took 4 for 17lb on Daddies. D. Dumble snr and jnr also had a good day with 4 for 14lb 8oz on black spiders.

Report - filed 15/06/06

Early June was hot! A mini heatwave meant that water temperatures rose and under cloudless skies the fishing suffered, to a degree. Despite these tricky conditions some great catches were recorded: B. Robertson, visiting from Ashington, had a cracker of 13lb on a dancer and Mr. Stevenson, Glen Corse, Edinburgh went one better with a 14lb beauty, again on the Yellow dancer. B. Fullerton had one at 11lbs fishing with Castle AC who had an excellent day despite the conditions landing 40 fish. J. Fleming, Elphinstone, had 2 for 16lb on the tadpole and S. Muir from Leith had a cracker of 12lb 4oz on a bloodworm. George Quested made the trip over from Fife and was rewarded with one at 11lb 8oz on a buzzer. Likewise, John Patterson from Northumberland, was delighted when his visit brought him a double of 13lb 2oz. Black and orange buzzer was the successful fly. Charlie Stewart, Leith, had two beauties of 12lb 8oz and 8lb 8oz, respectively, to buzzer and dancer while Edinburgh angler Bruce Hunter had one at 11lb, again on buzzer. M. Anderson didn't quite manage a double during this period but had four fish between 8 and nine pounds, which isn't too bad! Despite the rise in temperatures the fishing has not suffered greatly and the long term forecast suggests that slightly cooler temperatures are expected in the coming weeks.

Fly-fishing report - filed 29/03/06

Well winter certainly had a sting in the tail! Freezing temperatures and cold Northerly winds predominated in March. Fishing activity was hampered by the biting winds with many just fishing half-days as that was about as much punishment that they could stand. Some very big fish were recorded and none bigger than the new fishery record of 24lb that fell to, who else, Jack Hay of  Haddington. The monster fell to a dancer pattern and was returned to the water. Jack also had four other double figure fish this month but none of them quite approached the new record.

New Record for the fishery; 24lbs caught by Jack Hay

Other good catches were as follows; 1 @ 15lbs for John Thomson, East Linton, on a nymph; John Russell had 12lb 10oz; Jack Stevenson had five doubles for the month to 15lb on lures; 3 for 22lb for Kenny Soutar from Fife on fritz patterns (best fish 16lb);  one at 18lbs for Brian Laddie, Consett, yellow dancer; 3 for 15lb 8oz for P. Mathers on the black nomad; Bruce Hunter took one at 10lb 8oz on a mini damsel; Northfield AC endured the cold but still landed 27 fish for 104lb.

Spring has just not sprung, with the water temperature averaging just 8 degrees. Surely the weather is going to break for the better but until then lure tactics are still likely to predominate.

Fly-fishing report - filed 27/02/06

February was not too bad for fishing with some calm and pleasant spells of weather, although fishing activity remained low. On the better days fish were even seen rising! However, lure tactics were employed to good effect. Double figure fish showed up well in the catch returns with the usual suspects doing well. Jack Hay, Haddington, had fish of  13lb 4oz and 12lb during the month; Jack Stevenson upstaged this feat with fish of 15lb, 13lb and 11lb on lure tactics; Derek Williams, Dunbar, had a great day catching two doubles of 14lb 2oz and 10lb 4oz and on the same day Roy Ellis, Innerwick, had one at 10lb 8oz on an orange fritz; Other good catches were as follows; 3 for 13lb 8oz for Robert Ainslie on PTN; 1 @ 16lb 8oz for L. McDonald; an 8lb 8oz blue for Mark Anderson, Edinburgh, on black buzzer; 3 for 21lb with the best at 15lb for Peter Molnar on a black and green tadpole; 2 for 18lb 8oz for James Fleming on buzzers; a 12lb 12oz specimen for Bruce Hunter on black and yellow buzzer; John Russell, Prestonpans had three doubles during the month with the best at 13lb; 3 for 19lb 8oz for Evan Johnston on damsel (best fish 11lb 12oz).

As the month wore on the weather took a decidedly colder turn for the worse and winter was due to set in. If this is the case the fish will lie in deeper water and lures tactics will score.

Fly-fishing report - filed 27/12/05

Boxing Day Bash IX

The ninth Boxing Day Bash was held in pretty good weather conditions this year and was well attended by 49 competitors. The favourable conditions ensured a steady stream of excellent catches throughout the four hours duration of the match. Hot favourite Gordon "Skunk" Scott was caught fish early but this was not to prove his year, finishing in sixth place with five fish for 20lb 4oz. Shane Kelly was in fifth place taking 8 for 23lb 4oz. Prestonpans angler, John Franklin, weighed in eight for 25lb 12oz to take fourth place. A top three finish was guaranteed for David Woodcock when he took seven fish, including one at 11lb 4oz, for 26lb. Second place was won by John Wright who caught eleven for 32lb 14oz - this would normally be enough to win most competitions but not on this occasion! Paul Rae took top spot with an incredible haul of  9 fish for 37lb, including the heaviest fish of the competition at 14lb 8oz. Well done to Paul. Overall there were 144 fish weighed in for a total of 609lb. Not bad for four hours endeavour!

Fly fishing report - filed 23/01/06

A very Happy New Year to you all. So far the hard winter that had been forecast has not materialised, although it has not exactly been tropical. Fishing activity has been constant with the "regulars" showing up well in catches. Jack  Stevenson, Ormiston, has started the year with a bang and  has manged to bag the first twenty of the season with one at 20lb 4oz on a Yellow Dancer. Jack has also landed six other doubles to date too! Jack Hay, Haddington, has been his usual consistent self with 5 doubles to 14lb 8oz, mainly on lures. John Russell, Prestonpans, has also had two doubles over 14lb using an intermediate and wetfly tactics. Frank Rawlings, Edinburgh, had fish of 11lb, 11lb 8oz, and 14lb in three visits and another Town angler, Mark Anderson, has consistently caught well with seven doubles to start the season in style. Other good catches (in no particular order) were: 1 at 14lb for David Woodcock on a Yellow Dancer; 3 for 15lb 4oz on a Yellow Dancer for P. Clark; 2 for 11lb for Steven Norris on a Viva; 3 for 12lb D. Darg on GRHE; 5 for 17lb Harvey Campbell, Berwick upon Tweed, best at 9lb 8oz; one at 10lb 8oz for Roy Ellis on an Orange Fritz; two doubles at 10lb 4oz and 14lb 2oz respectively for Dunbar angler Derek Williams on buzzers; 3 for 11lb for Mr Malone on Yellow Fritz; Robert Ainslie had three for 13lb 8oz on PTN.

Lure tactics have worked well with Yellow Dancer and Black Fritz top flies. However, floating lines and buzzer tactics, especially bloodworm patterns, have been successful on the better days. The days are starting to draw out and Winter is changing to Spring, however, you will still have to wrap up warmly when the wind is blowing! Tight lines.

Fly fishing report - filed 08/11/05

Temperatures continued to drop and the heavens at last opened. Suddenly the lochs were full again and the fish responded with gusto! Double figure fish appeared from nowhere with many anglers asking if they had just been stocked. The answer was a resounding no! These larger fish have been lying dormant all summer, probably in the depths. However, this sudden influx of cool refreshing water has acted as an elixir and catches have been nothing short of fantastic.

Top catch was a 20lb fish for Billy Case, Edinburgh (but really USA), who caught and released another couple of large doubles on that memorable day in October. Successful fly was the Yellow Dancer; W. Jameson, Northumberland, almost matched the aforementioned with one of 19lb 8oz on a bloodworm and his fishing partner, M. Cunningham, was not to be outdone as he had a beauty of 15lb 7oz too!; Paul Woodcock and Ian Evans had fish of 16lb and 16lb 8oz respectively on fry and buzzer patterns; Guy Thompson, North Berwick, and Barry Morgan, Edinburgh, each had fish at 17Lb 8oz!; Tam Robertson had a beauty at 13lb 4oz on a Diawl Bach; while Mark Anderson, Edinburgh, had a great month with fish of 10lb, 11lb, 12lb and 13lb!; but what of Jack "Doubles" Hay? Well despite a dodgy knee Jack has landed 5 doubles this month with the best at 13lb also; Jack Stevenson, Ormiston has used his lure technique to good effect and has also had at least five double figure fish to 15lb; Prestonpans angler, John Russell, has probably been the most consistent angler during this period with average catches of fifteen fish per session and doubles often figure among them; J. Patterson had a cracker of 15lb 4oz on a black copper gold head; Peter Rae, Galashiels, had a great day landing two at 16lb 50z and 11lb respectively on a black tadpole; Willie Brash, Mayfield, had his best of the year at 18lb 2oz on a Yellow Dancer; an 11lb fish was caught by S. Logan on a black tadpole; Bruce Hunter, Edinburgh, had a beauty of 17lb 8oz on black and green fritz; and Neil Carey had a cracker at 16lb on buzzer; Alan Cook took a nice one of 14lb at the start of the month; Tam Kerr also got on the act with one at 12lb 8oz on a Diawl Bach as did Simon Higgins, Port Seton, with one at 12lb on a PTN Fritz.

Altogether the last month has been neigh on perfect for big fish catches and if the generally mid weather this is set to continue. Top flies for November will be Dancers, Tadpoles, Fritzs and Dawson's Olive. However, on the better days the fish will still respond to buzzers, Diawl Bachs, and even Daddies (sunk)!

Fly fishing report - filed 23/09/05

Low water and low oxygen conditions have caused a few problems this last month. September, however, has been encouraging with some great catches. Lures, particularly black fritz,  have worked well on the windier days and daddies too. Buzzers, Diawl Bach, PTN, and damsel have done well  in quieter conditions.

Troutmasters winners were first Jack Hay, Haddington, with one at 14lb 8oz; second place was taken by Bob Buchan from Dunbar with one at 14lb 4oz; not far behind was Steven Casson who travelled up from Ashington and caught one at 13lb 12oz. Other doubles and good catches were as follows; 1 at 11lb for Jack Stevenson, Ormiston; one at 12lb 15oz for Ian Evans, Edinburgh;3 for 15lb for Harry Peattie; 3 for 17lb 8oz for Derek Sibson, Penicuik; fish of 10lb, 8lb, 8lb for Jack Hay; one at 10lb for Darryl Young, Edinburgh; 3 for 16lb 7oz for J. Patterson; one at 12lb for J. Russell, Preston pans; 3 for 15lb for Iain Govan; one at 15lb 8oz (heaviest fish of September so far) for Dick Sinclair, Bonnyrigg.

With conditions cooling off the catch rates have continued to soar. Lures will come into their own on colder days but in the Autumnal sunshine stick to a floating line and small imitative patterns. Don't forget about the dry fly too!

Fly fishing report - filed 16/08/05

Thankfully the temperatures have dropped a bit and the fish are on the feed again! Cooler nights and fresher days have brought the fish on and the catches have improved tremendously. Rises have occurred during the day when it has been cloudy and almost every evening at twilight. Daddies have been tempting the larger fish but buzzers, Diawl Bach, and Dancers have all been scoring.

 A lot of doubles have featured recently which is unusual for this time of year but more than welcome by the anglers. Jack Hay, Haddington, as usual, got in on the act with fish of  10lb, 12lb, and 14lb 8oz - the best of the month so far. D.  Campbell, Selkirk, had one at 10lb and one 9lb and Paul Rae, Hawick, had a beauty at 13lb on Diawl Bach. L. Smith had 3 for 17lb 8oz on Yellow Dancer and Ian Evans caught a cracker of 12lb 8oz on a black buzzer. Mark Anderson kept up his recent form with fish of 12lb 8oz and 10lb on that summer traditional the white fluff cat! Neil Carey had one at 11lb on buzzer and John Franklin, Prestonpans, had 2 for 15lbs (best 10lb) on Yellow Dancer. M. Devine had a great bag of 3 for 20lb 12oz, with the best at 10lb 12oz. D. Williams, Dunbar, had a nice one at 10lb on a Cat's Whisker and Jack Stevenson also had a cracker of 10lb on the buzzer.

Fly fishing report - filed 23/07/05

July has been the most difficult month to date with catch rates dropping off and the fish becoming very lethargic. This was due to the extremely high water temperatures experienced at the start of the month. Even at night the temperature was 20 centigrade so the water could not cool. This made the fishing a real challenge, but also a lottery. When the fish did decide to feed some notable captures were made, however, the majority of anglers were often left frustrated as the fish went off the feed.

Bryan Oxley, Northumberland had a cracker of 11lbs on a brown dry fly and Mark Anderson, Edinburgh, one at 10lb on the black fluff cat. D. Hay and J. Crawford had 3 for 14lb and 3 for 13lb respectively on black lures and damsels. Bruce Hunter, Edinburgh, caught a beauty of 12lb 12oz on a Daddy, and John Sneddon had 3 for 14lb 11oz  (best 8lb 12oz) on buzzers. R. Ruickbie, Edinburgh, had 2 for 18lb 12oz, the best at 12lb 12oz, on sedgehogs  and P. Twaddle had one at 10lb on the orange blob.

Tactics have ranged from traditionals to blobs, top to bottom, and quite simply opening a cool beer and enjoying the fresh air! July has been the hardest month ever.

Fly fishing report - filed 28/06/06

Sorry for the delay in making this report - Gremlins in the machine! Now that we are back on line I am glad to report that some great catches have been recorded. The good weather has certainly brought the anglers out and fishing has been excellent, particularly in the evenings. June has been a terrffic month for doubles and the captors and catches are listed below:

J. Russell, Prestonpans; best 15lb and others of 13lb, 12lb 8oz, 12lb, 11lb, 10lb 8oz, and 10lb; J. Hay, Haddington; best 16lb 8oz, 15lb 4oz,, 12lb 8oz, 12lb, 11lb 4oz, and 11lb 4oz; Dick Sinclair, Bonnyrigg; 11lb, 10lb 8oz, and 10lb; M. Anderson, Edinburgh; 12lb, 11lb 4oz, and 10lb 8oz. J. Stevenson, Ormiston; 12lb and 11lb; J. Tennent one at 16lb; A. Cook one at 12lb; S. Fairgrieve one at 12lb 8oz; S. McBeth one at 11lb 1oz; J. Thomson one at 12lb; W. Marshall one at 10lb 2oz; Mr Coquet one at 10lb 1oz; H. McSweeney one at 10lb; N. Boyes one at 10lb; B. Morgan one at 10lb.

Jack Hay had the heaviest fish of the month (so far) at 16lb 8oz closely followed by J. Tennent with one at 16lb.

Other good catches have been as follows:

3 for 18lb 7oz, Evan Johnston; 3 for 16lb, D. Rowlings; 3 for 16lb, J. Gordon; 3 for 15lb 8oz, Frank Stewart; 3 for 15lb, G. Brown; 3 for 14lb 12oz and 3 for 14lb 7oz, J. Patterson; 3 for 14lb 12oz, M. Sullivan; 3 for 14lb, S. Clark.

Top lures during the day have been Yellow Dancer, Black Fritz, Cat's Whisker and Dawson's Olive, while black buzzers and green Diawl Bach have been the best of the more imitative patterns. If there is cloud cover and the fish are rising then claret Hoppers, Klinkhammers, and CDC's have worked really well. This goes for the evenings too but do not be without Shipmans Buzzers in th prolific hatches.

The outlook remains good but on the brighter days the angler will have to fish deep and slow with smaller flies. As the sun goes down and the fish rise floating lines and dries will be the most effective. Sedges have started to appear so do not be without a few imitations especially of the pupal stages - The Invicta (yes, a traditional wetfly!) is ideal.

Fly fishing report - filed 17/05/05

The cold spring winds continued to come out of the east but gradually the weather got better and as a result so did the fishing. Hawthorn flies came out in force and the trout were quick to switch onto this banquet - black dries, bibios and bushy traditionals were then the order of the day. Stoneflies too have put in an appearance but it is only the nymph stage that the fish eat (are they too bitter?) so a Pheasant Tail Nymph will do nicely. On the coldest days lure tactics were still to the fore and Yellow Dancer, Cats Whisker and Dawson's Olive were top patterns.

The best fish of the month, so far in May, is a cracker of 13lb 8oz taken by Jack Stevenson from Ormiston. Jack took this beauty on a black buzzer. Jack Hay, surprisingly, did not catch any double figure fish during this period - however, he did have two 9lbers and an eight so all was not lost! John Russell, Preston Pans, has had two doubles of 12lb 8oz and 11lb 8oz respectively both taken on black tadpole. Other notable fish have been one at 8lb 8oz for Dick Sinclair on a Yellow Dancer, one again for Jack Stevenson at 8lbs on Dawson's Olive, and another nice eight pounder for Bob Buchan, Dunbar, on a Cats Whisker.

Other good catches are as follows: Mr Dale  3 for 16lb 8oz on Yellow Dancer; Mr Cowans, Northumberland, 3 for 16lb on Dawson's Olive; 3 for 12lb 12oz on buzzers for Mr Todd;  Evan Johnstone weighed in six (two tickets) for 19lb 8oz on Goldheaded lures; Linden FFC landed 26 fish for 75lb 6oz and returned many more; 2 for 12lb on black fritz for G. Lusk; Mr Arkle, Northumberland had 3 for 12lb on Yellow Dancer; K Marshall had 3 for 11lb 8oz on Yellow Dancer.

Roll on shirt sleeve weather so that we can enjoy the evening fishing!

Fly fishing report - filed 25/04/05

Spring finally sprang but it did not last for long! Cold easterly winds have predominated and because of this anglers are finding that lure tactics are producing the goods. However, on better days buzzers are hatching so the cream of the fishing is, hopefully, only just around the corner.

The heaviest fish of the month, so far, fell to "Mr. Doubles" Jack Hay from Haddington and weighed 16lb. He followed that one up with another beauty of 13lb 8oz, both falling to damsels. John Thomson, East Linton, had a cracker of 14lb on a bloodworm imitation and John Russell, Prestonpans, used a Clifton (traditional pattern) to catch one at 11lb 12oz. G. Wooley from Dunfermline had a day to remember when he had two 12lbers on Black buzzers and Jack Stevenson, Ormiston, was not to be outdone getting one at 13lbs on bloodworm. Other notable fish were a really nice 9lb 8oz specimen for R. Spence and A. Nitsche caught a beautiful blue of 6lb on a Dawson's Olive.

The Hoy N' Hope Fly Fishers travelled up from South Shields and had a tremendous day.  At the weigh in they had 54 fish for 161lb 2oz but had returned almost as many! Northfield AC fished in pretty poor conditions but still caught 21 fish for 58lb 6oz. The Railway FFC had 23 fish for 75lb 7oz and the Jewel AC fishing in particularly bad conditions still weighed in 20 fish for 47lb 8oz.

As mentioned earlier lure tactics have been most successful with Yellow Dancer, Black Tadpole, Black Fritz, and Cats Whisker being top flies. On the better days black buzzers, Dawson's Olive, Damsels, bloodworm patterns and Diawl Bach have worked well. Hopefully better weather is on its way to encourage the dormant flylife and it won't be too long before we can enjoy the top of the water sport.

Fly fishing report - filed 22/03/05

Winter hung on with a vengeance and March was still in its icy grip for most of the first two weeks. Approaching the 15th, the traditional start of the season, the weather at last broke bringing out the daffodils and toads in abundance. The fishing also responded to this change and some terrific catches were reported. Heaviest fish of the month, so far, is a 17lb beauty landed by Jack Stevenson from Ormiston. Black fritz was the successful fly. John Williamson, Athelstaneford, almost matched this catch with one of 16lb 8oz on a viva. The Troutmaster fish-off was held on the 20th.March and what a cracking day it turned out to be! The weather was beautiful and the fishing superb; 15 competitors landed a total of 131 fish on the Markle Loch. Heaviest bag was taken by Jack Hay with 4 for 20lb 2oz. Jack however cannot make the Grand Final at Grafham Water in May so second placed Blythe Palmer, South Shields, with 4 for 17lb 8oz will make the the trip down south to represent the fishery. Bruce Hunter, Edinburgh, almost caught up with Blythe, taking his 4 for 17lb 4oz. David Mordue who travelled up with Blythe was not to be outdone and fishing on the Monastery Loch caught and released 19 fish, mainly on buzzers and bloodworm patterns. The final leg of the winter league was fished on the day before the Troutmaster competition and eight finalists caught 98 fish between them. Outstanding results over the two days. For a full breakdown of this competition please visit the Winter League section. Other good catches were as follows; A. Nitsche had one at 11lb 8oz on a Dawson's Olive; D. Williamson, Edinburgh, had 3 for 15lb (best 8lb 12oz) on Yellow Dancer; John Russell, Preston Pans had several good catches on catch and release with his best reported at 9lb; Paul and Peter Rae (Galashiels) shared 24 on catch and release with buzzers and dancers to the fore. Lures, especially dancers, have done the trick on the colder days but warmer weather has encouraged buzzers and bloodworm patterns to be wet again. Hopefully this warmer spell of weather will continue and encourage the fish to be closer to the surface.

Fly fishing report  - filed 01/03/05

The winter returned for the last two weeks of February and again anglers had to brave the cold conditions. The fish too responded by staying deep and so lure tactics tended to be the chosen method. However, on the calmer days weighted nymphs and buzzers, especially bloodworm patterns, scored well. Troutmaster fish of the month was caught by Frank Rawlings, Edinburgh, who landed a cracking fish of 16lb on a black fritz. W. Campbelton had a 12lb rainbow on bloodworm and Jack Hay of Haddington just missed out on a double with a fish of 9lbs. Bobby Thomson, Dunbar, managed a fine 10lber on olive buzzer. The February leg of the winter league was fished in very testing conditions - a biting easterly wind and heavy sleet. However, the 14 competitors had a fantastic days sport! In all 113 fish were caught and nobody blanked, in fact all competitors weighed in a 3 fish limit bag. (Catch and release is then given a 3lb weight per fish landed) Steven Welsh, Castle Douglas, maintained his winning form by catching 16 fish on the day for a grand total of 46lb 8oz. Andy Adshead, Edinburgh, came second with 13 for 37lb 12oz and had the distiction of landing the heaviest fish of the competition at 13lb 4oz. Kilsyth angler, D. Lennon, came third with 11 for 31lb 8oz. Jimmy Watters of Gorebridge landed a beauty of 12lb 8oz. Top tactics were, surprisingly, not the lures but nymphs and buzzers. All in all a sensational day for those who braved it. Roll on the last leg which will be held on March 19th.

Now that spring is just around the corner and the days are getting longer we can look forward to an increase in insect activity and fish responding nearer to the surface.

Fly fishing report update - filed 11/02/05

At last the storms have abated and fishing effort could be rewarded. January certainly lived up to its reputation as the month of gales but February, so far anyway, has been relatively benign. Mild days have even seen buzzers hatching! The better weather has brought out anglers in better numbers and the fishing has been excellent. Dave Mordue, Durham, made the journey from over the border and what a cracking days sport he had. Landing 3 for 12lb 4oz maybe isn't eyebrow raising but Dave was putting fish back that were in his opinion "too big to keep" and trying to land some smaller one's for the table! His first three fish of the day were 13lb 8oz, 11lb, and 10lb. Sportingly he asked if they could be weighed and returned so that he could have a chance of taking something smaller. Top flies were buzzersand bloodworm. Frank Rawlings from Edinburgh landed the biggest fish of the month at 16lb. He caught the specimen on a black fritz in the Monastery Loch. Bruce Hunter, Edinburgh, kept up his good form with a 10lb specimen caught on a red buzzer. Another fish of 10lb fell to Jack Stevenson, Ormiston, on a black lure. Bob Buchan, Dunbar, had a cracker of 12lb 4oz on his home-tied holographic Diawl Bach. Amazingly there are no doubles to report for Jack Hay but he has had several fish to 9lbs and his total for the season stands at 1058 fish! Moffat pair T. Russel (snr) and T. Russel (jnr) had an excellent day on catch and release taking 25 fish between them, all on buzzers. Buzzers, mainly black or black and red, have been the mainstay during the milder conditions and in combination with a bloodworm pattern on the point have been devastating at times. Lures have also had a say in things with black patterns, such as tadpole and rabbitser, being the most effective.