Another good weeks fishing at Swanswater saw the Brown Trout season continue in style with the biggest Brown of the season, so far, at 5lb 10oz caught by Aaron Brown of Strathblane.  The biggest fish of the week was caught by Butcher Boy club member Alan Caisley  and weighed 14lb 8oz. Other members of Butcher Boy recorded some nice bags  With the ever changing weather conditions this week the fish have not been shoaling in the same part of Swanswater for two days in a row, which  meant for some slow starts as anglers had to find location and depth. Once the shoals were found, fish were being caught mainly on lures, with Yellow Dancer,Cats Whisker and H/H Damsel being the most effective. Later in the week fish were being starting to be caught on smaller flies such as Pheasant Tail, Bibio, Buzzers and Bloodworm. Best bags;

Alan Caisley, Butcher Boy, 3 for 19lb 12oz including 14lb 8oz Rainbow  Ian Caisley, Butcher Boy, 5 for 20lb 8oz including 9lb 9oz Rainbow and 2 Browns Andy Kennedy, Butcher Boy, 5 for 20lb 5oz including 10lb 1oz Rainbow Violet O'Neill, Butcher Boy, 5 for 15lb 3oz Michael Jackson, Butcher Boy, 4 for 14lbs including 4lb 12oz Brown Alan Sneddon, Butcher Boy, 5 for 15lb 4oz Harold Taylor, Butcher Boy, 1 Brown 4lb 8oz Kevin Brown, Butcher Boy, 2 for 7lb 4oz Aaron Brown, Strathblane, 5 for 16lb 8oz including 3 Browns biggest at 5lb 10oz Gordon Strachan, Cambridge, 8 for 31lbs including 9lb 8oz Rainbow George Simpson, Falkirk, 5 for 15lbs including a Brown Jim Allan, Kilsyth, 4 for 12lb 12oz Nigel Muckle, Mid Calder, 4 for 13lbs including 3 Browns Robert Carson, Denny, 3 for 9lb 2oz including 2 Browns Mark Selby, Perth 3 for 10lb 12oz including a Brown John Patrick, Kilsyth, 3 for 9lb 8oz including a Brown Andy Wilson, Tillicoultry, 3 for 9lbs including a Blue and a Brown Alan Giebler, Tullibody, 4 for 13lb 10oz including 5lb Rainbow John Marshall, Falkirk, 4 for 14lb 4oz from Millpond and Meadow, including 8lb 6oz Blue from Lower Meadow

Despite the atrocious weather this week the fishing has been really good, with  a superb start to the Brown Trout season on Thursday with the first Brown being chapped by Falkirk angler Angus Auchinachie .  Many large browns have featured in the returns, with the biggest at 4lb 6oz caught by Willie Collier of Carriden.

The biggest fish of the week was an 8lb 3oz Rainbow, caught by lady angler Petrina Williams.

With slightly colder and windier conditions than previous weeks, the fish have tended to be out in the main part of Swanswater, although they have not been as deep as anglers have expected, lying about 3 or 4 feet down. Most fish are still being taken on Yellow Dancer, Cats Whisker, H/H Damsel and Tadpole, fished on an intermediate line, with a few taking Buzzers and Bloodworm. Browns have been taken on Pheasant Tail Nymphs. The best bags this week; Petrina Williams, Alloa, 3 for 13lb 11oz including 8lb 3oz Rainbow Danny Doherty, Denny, 7 for 24lb 6oz including 7lb 12oz Rainbow and 4lb 2oz Brown James Candlish, Oakley, 5 for 17lb 9oz including 7lb 12oz Rainbow Gary McDonald, Tillicoultry, 5 for 15lbs including a Brown Colin Henderson, Sauchie, 5 for 14lb 12oz including a Brown Sandy Ireland, Lochgoilhead, 5 for 14lb 6oz including a Blue Willie Collier, Carriden, 4 for 13lb 8oz including 2 Browns, biggest at 4lb 6oz John Patrick, Kilsyth, 4 for 13lbs including 2 Browns Jim Allan, Kilsyth, 4 for 12lb 8oz Kenny Speirs, Glasgow, 4 for 13lb 2oz Andrew Speirs, Glasgow, 3 for 9lb 14oz John Small, Roslyn, 4 for 12lb 10oz including 2 Browns, biggest at 4lb 4oz Davy McRae, Falkirk, 4 for 12lb 8oz Tam Anderson, Kincardine, 3 for 10lb 12oz biggest at 4lb 4oz Ronnie Codona, Glasgow, 3 for 9lb 12oz including a Brown Mike Willis, Dunblane, 3 for 10lb 4 oz John Harrison, Perth, 2 for 7lbs including 4lb Brown

With the weather still very changeable the anglers were finding each days fishing a new challenge with the fish shoaling in different areas according to the conditions. Even on the less desirable day, fish have been getting caught in large numbers, with most anglers getting fish when they find where the shoals are located.  Most fish have been caught on lures including Cats Whisker, Black and Green Fritz, Montana and the favourite being Yellow Dancer. As the water warms slightly the fish have been moving up the channel to the shallower water, and have been more likely to take Hoglouse, P.T.N, Cormorant or Buzzers and Bloodworm towards the end of the week. Several large fish have been landed this week, (and a few lost too) with the biggest caught by Jim Blenk at 10lb 4oz. Newbridge AC had a successful outing with several anglers getting good bags, the best being Davy Duffys 5 for 16lb 11oz.   Blenk, Roseneith, 2 for13lbs, including 10lb 4oz Rainbow Brian Neilson, Cowie, 2 for12lbs, including 9lb 2oz Rainbow George Garfoot, Roseneith, 3 for 12lbs, including 5lb 12oz Rainbow and a Blue Davy Duffy, Newbridge AC, 5 for 16lbs 11oz, including 6lbs Rainbow Chris Walder, Newbridge AC, 5 for 14lbs 4oz Davy Woodcock, Newbridge AC, 2 for 7lbs 8oz Ian Duffy, Newbridge AC, 2 for 7lbs Walter Watt, Newbridge, 2 for 7lbs Ross Carroll and Ian Donachie, Bannockburn shared 6 for 19lbs Willie Walker, Larbert, 3 for10lbs 6oz, including 5lb 8oz Sandy Ireland, Lochgoilhead, 5 for 15lbs 8oz Harry Simpson, Cowie 4 for 12lbs 12oz, including 4lb 8oz Rainbow Bill Dawson, Dollar, 3 for 11lbs Darren Wardlaw, Whitburn, 3 for 10lbs 8 oz Ian Jehan, Belfast, 4 for 11lbs 10 oz George Kochanek, Tullibody, 2 Blues for 6lbs 8oz Callum Rennie, Dunfermline, 3 for 9lbs The weeks best bags were as follows:

A mixed week on Swanswater with some very heavy rain and strong winds deterring all but the most dedicated anglers some days.  On the fine days, especially on Monday, there was some excellent fishing with several superb bags being taken.  A good number of Blues are featuring in the catch returns.  Both the Rainbows and the Blues are in superb condition and providing anglers with some very exciting sport.  Four Rainbows around the 10lb mark were landed this week including 2 for lucky local regular, Davy Horne.  Damsel and Dancer once again took the most fish with Buzzers and Hoglouse also taking.  Black and green was the most popular colour combination.   The small ponds are also fishing well and producing good bags for those who chose to fish there. Davy Horne, Stirling, 3 for 23lb 6oz including Rainbows at 10lb 10oz and 10lb and a Blue John Payne, Tullibody, 10lb 8oz Rainbow Glen Lockley, Dunfermline, 4 for 19lb 4oz including 10lb Rainbow Richard Goodwin, Larbert, 3 for 15lb 1oz including 9lb Rainbow Tam Anderson, Kincardine, 3 for 15lb 8oz including 8lb 12oz Rainbow Tony Bennett, Dunfermline, 2 for 11lb 4oz including 8lb 8oz Rainbow Ian Skilling, Shotts, 5 for 15lb 6oz including 2 Blues Aaron Brown, Buchlyvie, 5 for 14lb 12oz including 2 Blues Tom McCartney, Alloa, 5 for 14lb including 2 Blues Archie McClymont, Glasgow, 4 for 14lb 2oz including 5lb 8oz Rainbow Sandy McLaren, Perth,  4 for 12lb 8oz Jock Brown, Kelty, 4 for 11lb 12oz David Black, Kelty, 3 for 10lb 4oz Andrew McInnes, Dunipace, 3 for 10lb Brian Kennedy, Glasgow, 3 for 9lb 8oz including a Blue Jim Anderson, Castairs, 3 for 9lb 8oz Colin McGlone, Dunfermline, 3 for 9lb 4oz Ronnie Loos, Stirling, 2 for 6lb 12oz

The Troutmasters Fish-off was held on Saturday.  The conditions were such that the fish were concentrated in the channel area which made things rather hard going although two anglers bagged up on their first peg.   At the end of the day there were a good number of fish landed with the winner, Kevin Gold, Stirling, taking 5 for 16lb 4oz.  Runner up was Jim Mackie of Perth with 5 for 14lb 12oz and in third place was Ian Skilling, Shotts, with 5 for 13lb 6oz.  On the cooler days the fish are well spread out all over the water but as soon as there is a rise in temperature the fish tend to head up the channel to the shallower water.  Slow and deep was the best method on the cool days with lures taking most fish especially Yellow Dancer and Hot-head Damsel.  Bloodworm and Buzzers were also taking fish.  Danny Doherty, Denny, took the biggest fish of the week  in his bag of 3 for 16lb including 10lb Rainbow. David O’Neil, Clydebank, 8lb 12oz Rainbow. Alec Paterson, Sauchie, 2 Blues for 15lb 6oz bigger one at 8lb 4oz Ken Spiers, Glasgow, 4 for 17lb including 8lb 2oz Rainbow and a Blue Liam Kilgannon, Bannockburn, 2 for 10lb 8oz including 8lb Rainbow and a Blue Dave Cormack, Perth, 4 for 15lb 10oz including 6lb 4oz Rainbow and a Blue Mike Bolton, Maddiston, 2 for 8lb including 5lb  8oz Rainbow Kevin Gold, Stirling, 5 for 16lb 4oz Alec Wilkie, Coatbridge, 5 for 16lb Jim Mackie, Perth, 5 for 14lb 12oz John Shearer, Cumbernauld, 4 for 13lb 12oz including 2 Blues, bigger one at 4lb 8oz Eddie Higgins, Clydebank, 3 for 10lb 4oz Jim Black, Stirling, 3 for 9lb 8oz including a Blue John Patrick, Kilsyth, 3 for 9lb Freddie Tortolano, Stirling, 2 for 6lb 12oz Alistair Anderson, Dunfermline, 2 Blues for 6lb 8oz Peter Ferrier, Clydebank, 2 for 6lb 6oz

The aerators kept the ice to a minimum this week despite the frosty conditions.  The cold sent the fish deep and for most of the week they were in the main part of Swanswater, although as the temperature rose slightly at the weekend, they began to move up the channel to the area behind the islands.  A wide range of flies and lures were taking including Damsel, Dancer, Tadpoles, Bloodworm and Buzzers.  Although no double figure fish were caught this week, several just under the 10lb mark were landed.  The small ponds were also fishing well and provided some shelter from the worst of the cold wind.  Eddie Higgins, Clydebank, had this week's best bag with 3 for 19lb 8oz including 9lb 8oz and 7lb 8oz Rainbows Robert Muir, Loch Lomond, 3 for 14lb including 9lb 6oz Rainbow Stephen Anderson, Glenrothes, 4 for 17lb 3oz including 9lb 2oz Blue John Moyes, Grangemouth, 7lb 9oz Rainbow Ian Dobbie, Larbert, 4 for 15lb including 6lb 12oz Rainbow Brian McKeown, Kirkintilloch, 2 for 10lb incluidng 6lb 8oz Rainbow Joe France, Helensburgh, 5lb 3oz Rainbow Alec Paterson, Sauchie, 4 for 12lb including 4lb 12oz Rainbow Sandy Jenkins, Carronshore, 4 for 11lb 8oz including a Blue Barry Prout and son, shared 2 for 7lb 8oz Ian Anderson, Helensburgh, 2 for 6lb 8oz Alan Busby, Helensburgh, 2 for 6lb

 The biggest fish to come out of Swanswater for almost 4 years, a 17lb 4oz Rainbow, was landed on Saturday by Dave Cormack from Perth.  The monster was caught in the far bay and took a Yellow Dancer.  One other double figure rainbow and another just under the 10lb mark were also landed this week.   Fish were being taken all round the water especially earlier in the week.  On the milder days the channel in front of the island was particularly productive but as the temperature dropped towards the end of the week, the fish moved into the main area.  Bloodworm, Yellow Dancer, Damsel and Cormorant were amongst this week's favourite flies. Amongst the good bags were Dave Cormack, Perth, 2 for 19lb 12oz including 17lb 4oz Rainbow Andy Horne, Stenhousemuir, 3 for 15lb 8oz including 10lb 5oz Rainbow Craig Watson, Cowdenbeath, 2 for 13lb including 9b 12oz Rainbow David Hunter, Alloa, 2 for 7lb 8oz including 5lb 4oz Peter Mutch, Stirling, 6 for 17lb 8oz including 4lb Blue  in two visits Alec Paterson, Sauchie, 6 for 17lb including 2 Blues Willie Gollogly, Helensburgh, 5 for 15lb including a Blue George Kochanek, Sauchie, 5 for 14lb Brian Muirhead, Bathgate, 4 for 12lb 12oz Alan Armstrong, Dollar, 4 for 12lb 8oz Frank Barr, Falkirk, 4 for 11lb Les Cooper, Cumbernauld, 3 for 9lb 4oz including 2 Blues Tam Anderson, 3 for 9lb including 2 Blues Lee Petale, Stirling, 3 for 8lb 6oz Alistair Taylor, Callander, 3 for 8lb from Millpond Roger Strickland, Linlithgow, 2 for 8lb 4oz

The more settled weather seems to have resulted in big fish moving around and getting caught.  4 double figure Rainbows were taken this week along with a Rainbow and a Blue around 8lb and a couple of 5lb Rainbows.  The fish have been moving around the water and various “hotspots” were in evidence during the week.  Some days the far bay and bridge area were doing well and at other times the front of the island and the roadside were the favourites.  Slight changes in water temperature seem to determine the location of the fish but they are not always in the expected places.  Bloodworm and Cormorant were taking a lot of fish this week in addition to the usual favourites – Damsel, Dancer and Cat’s Whisker.  Small black or black and green lures were also working well, especially on the small ponds. Greg McLaren, Perth, had this week’s best bag with 5 for 22lb including 12lb Rainbow Ricky Rutherford, Bo’ness, also took a 12lb Rainbow Julian Rey, Helensburgh, 3 for 17lb 4oz including 11lb 12oz Rainbow George Bolton, Bannockburn, 10lb 13oz Rainbow George Paterson, Stirling, 5 for 20lb 4oz including 8lb 14oz Rainbow Jim Allan, Kilsyth, 8lb 6oz Blue Sandy Bonella, Alloa, 4 for 12lb 4oz including 5lb 8oz Rainbow and a Blue William Black. Shotts, 2 for 7lb 12oz from the Meadow Pond, including 5lb 8oz Rainbow Danny Doherty, Denny, 5 for 14lb  Andy Hunter, Tullibody, 5 for 14lb 8oz Willie McAleese, Laurieston, 4 for 11lb 12oz  Hugh McLean, Oban, 4 for 11lb 12oz  John McLelland, Ballingry, 3 for 10lb Douglas Male, Stirling, 3 for 9lb Robert Chatham, Glasgow, 3 for 9lb

 It was another fairly quiet week at Swanswater due to the continuing stormy weather. One angler braved the snow on Thursday despite the fact it took him about an hour and a half to get to us from the centre of Stirling because of the chaos on the roads.   Others who have ventured out in the rain and wind have had fairly successful visits despite the conditions.  The water temperature has now dropped to 4^oC and the fish are lying a bit deeper.  Yellow Dancer, Damsel and Fritz patterns have been the favourites this week with Montana and Buzzers also taking a few fish.    David Sinclair, Larbert, 2 for 8lb 8oz including 5lb 12oz BlueJohn Patrick, Fankerton, 3 for 13lb 4oz including 5lb 6oz Rainbow  Danny Doherty, Denny, 7 for 20lb including a Blue Bill Dawson, Dollar, in two visits, 6 for 16lb 8oz Ian Whitelaw, Denny, 5 for 13lb including a Blue Angus Dickson, Dundee, 4 for 11lb 14oz Barry Morgan, Rosyth, 4 for 10lb 10oz including a Blue and returned 3 Browns Phil Bryant, Falkirk, 3 for 9lb 13oz Alec Paterson, Sauchie, 3 for 9lb including a Blue Alec Sharp, Alloa, 3 for 8lb 12oz including a Blue Douglas Male, Stirling, 3 Blues for 8lb 6oz Jimmy Wynne, Bathgate, 2 for 6lb 6oz Jim Mackie, Perth, 2for 6lb 4oz

Water conditions played a big role in dictating where the fish were to be found this week.  In general they were not deep, mostly to be found around 3 feet down.  On the days when water temperatures were low, the fish were in the main area of Swanswater, but any rise in temperature and they headed up the channel to the shallower water behind the islands.  After the heaviest of the rain, when fresh water was coming in, they were in the area around the mouth of the burn.   The stormy weather deterred all but the hardiest anglers some days, but those who did venture out were rewarded with excellent sport.  The small ponds fished really well especially on Saturday, and, being a bit more sheltered, offered a retreat from the wind.  Once again Yellow Dancer and Hot-head Damsel were the favourite patterns, with fish also taking Buzzers, Cat's Whiskers and Fritz.  Adam Rennie, Balloch, had this week’s best bag with 4 for 23lb 4oz including 9lb 8oz Rainbow and 2 Blues, bigger one at 8lb 12oz Craig Tasker, Blackford, took the biggest fish of the week in  his 3 for 16lb 8oz which included 11lb 12oz Rainbow and a Blue Dave Cormack, Perth, 3 for 13lb 12oz including 8lb 15oz Rainbow Sandy Bonella, Menstrie, 2 for 12lb including 8lb 12oz Rainbow George Rose, Perth, 2 for 10lb 7oz including 8lb 3oz Blue Stewart Marshall, Cambusbarron, 2 Blues for 10lb 8oz bigger one at 8lb Angus Dixon, Dundee, 4 for 16lb 2oz including 7lb 14oz Rainbow Alan Greer, Plean, 3 for 12lb 8oz including 7lb 13oz Rainbow Charles Devine, Stirling, 8 for 22lb from the small ponds including 6lb Rainbow Danny Doherty, Denny, 5 for 14lb including a Blue Jim Donnelly, Tullibody, 3 for 9lb 8oz including 2 Blues Alec Moffat, Bonnyrigg, 3 for 9lb 4oz Andy Wilson, Tillicoultry, 3 for 8lb 8oz Mick Mangan, Alloa, 2 for 6lb 12oz

With the water temperature at an unseasonably  mild 8^oC the fish are still very active.  They are shoaling around 4 feet deep and are moving all round the ponds.  All three ponds continue to fish very well with the small ponds producing some excellent fish.  3  double figure fish were landed this week including one from the Millpond.  6lb to 9lb Blues also figure in the catch returns.  Most fish were taken on lures, with Yellow Dancer and Damsel being the favourite patterns, and various colours of Fritz and Cat’s Whisker also doing well.  David Swan, Helensburgh, took the biggest fish of the week in his bag of 3 for 16lb 12oz which included  11lb 4oz Blue Father and son Charlie and Gary Wilkinson, Edinburgh, shared 6 for 22lb including 10lb 4oz Rainbow for Gary Drew Walker, Stirling, 10lb 4oz Rainbow from the Millpond Stuart Johnston, Bridge of Allan, 4 for 16lb 8oz from theMeadow Pond, including 9lb 14oz Blue Brian Lockie, Alloa, 2 for 11lb 12oz including 9lb 10oz Blue Alan Greer, Plean, 9lb 5oz Rainbow Stuart Wilson, Buckhaven, 2 for 10lb including 8lb Blue Ewan Lennie, Edinburgh, 2 for 9lb 12oz including 7lb 8oz Blue Jim Fleming, Leslie, 4 for 15lb 8oz including 7lb 6oz Blue  Robert Dunsmore, Motherwell, 6lb 6oz Blue from the Meadow Pond J Lockhart, Edinburgh, 5 for 13lb 4oz including a Blue Peter Bryce, Alloa, 5 for 13lb 4oz including a Blue D Godfrey, Perth, 5 for 13lb  Dave Cormack, Perth, 3 for 9lb 2oz Lawrence McGuire, Falkirk, 2 for 6lb

Despite all the rain of the last couple of weeks the water is quite clear and after every downpour the burn is running clean as all the dirt is long gone.   All three ponds continue to fish well and are producing some superb fish with specimen Rainbows and Blues in the 6lb to 11lb range featuring in this week's returns.  Most fish are now being taken on lures with Yellow Dancer, Damsel, Cat's Whisker and Ace of Spades being the favourite patterns, although a few are still being caught on nymphs such as Hare's Ear and Diawl Bach. Amongst this week's best bags were:  Dave McKay, Gourock, who took the biggest fish of the week with a 10lb 14oz Rainbow in his bag of 3 for 16lb 6oz, and Bill Dawson, Dollar, who in two visits landed 5 for 23lb 10oz including 10lb 10oz Rainbow and 2 Blues Also taking good bags were Richard Elder, Glasgow, 3 for 16lb 9oz including 9lb 13oz Blue Peter Bryce, Alloa, 3 for 14lb 2oz including 9lb 2oz Blue Gary McDonald, Tillicoultry, 5 for 19lb 8oz including 8lb 12oz Rainbow and a Blue David McRae, Grangemouth, 4 for 15lb 8oz including 8lb 6oz Rainbow and a Blue John Marshall, Falkirk, 2 for 10lb 8oz including 7lb 14oz Blue Davy Thomson, Alva, 3 for 11lb 4oz from the Millpond, including 6lb 12oz Blue Danny Doherty, Denny, 5 for 13lb 8oz including 2 Blues Ronnie Loos, Stirling, 5 for 13lb including a Blue Colin O’Dea, Grangemouth, 4 for 13lb  Rab Nimmo, Stirling, 4 for 12lb 4oz in two visits Angus Auchinachie, Falkirk, 3 for 9lb 8oz Mike Willis, Dunblane, 3 for 9lb 8oz Sandy Donald, Dunblane, 3 for 9lb

 All three ponds continue to fish extremely well with the fish still very active and looking to chase lures and fry patterns.  Hot head Damsel, Cat’s Whisker, Yellow Dancer and various colours of Fritz were the most successful flies, with a few fish also taking nymphs and wet flies.  The heavy rain during the week coloured the water a little, but it soon cleared again and conditions have been very good leading to some excellent catch returns.  Several anglers have been making multiple visits to the fishery recently and many of them figure in this week’s best bags.  George Rose, Perth, had the biggest fish this week when in two visits he took 9 for 39lb 4oz including 11lb Rainbow and 8lb 4oz Blue Sandy Ireland, Lochgoilhead, 5 for 22lb 7oz, including 10lb 3oz Blue Davy Quinn, Dunfermline, 5 for 21lb including 10lb 10z Rainbow and a Blue Rab Cooper, Dunfermline, in two visits had 5 for 15lb from the small ponds including 8lb 14oz Blue and5 for 15lb from Swanswater including 2 Blues  Sandy Jenkins, Carronshore, 4 for 16lb 12oz including 8lb 2oz Blue Sandy Ballantyne, Dundee, 8lb Blue Jim Mackie, Perth, in three visits, 9 for 32lb 8oz including 3 Bluesbiggest one at 7lb 8oz Brian Lockie, Alloa, 2 for 10lb including 7lb 4oz Blue  Norrie Keltie, Burnbank, 3 for 12lb 10oz from the Millpond including 7lb Blue Will and Will Kennedy, Glasgow, shared 7 for 21lb from the boat Rob Meikle, Sao Paulo, 4 for 13lb Andy Hepburn, Bannockburn, 4 for 12lb 4oz including a Blue Michael Barker, Stirling, 3 for 10lb 8oz James Hughes, Glasgow, 3 for 10lb 4ozDavy Neilson, Carronshore 3 for 9lb 12oz Vic Donati, Kilbirnie, 3 for 9lb including 4lb Blue Angus Dickson, Dundee, 2 for 7lb 8oz Alex Campbell, Clackmannan, 2 for 7lb Tony Devlin, Linlithgow, 2 for 6lb 12oz John Gilmour, Paisley, 2 for 6lb 4oz

Almost 500 fish were landed at Swanswater last week as the water cooled down further and fishing conditions continued to improve.  Towards the weekend fish were being caught all round the pond including behind the islands, for the first time in quite a number of weeks.  The fish are very active and not deep in the water, taking a wide variety of flies with hot-head Damsel lures being the favourite pattern.  Also doing well were Yellow Dancer, Ace of Spades, Viva, Hare’s Ear, Diawl Bach and Buzzers.   One double figure Rainbow and several big Blues feature in this week’s catch returns along with some superb average size rainbows and blues.   Angus Robertson, Bridge of Allan, caught the biggest fish of the week, a lovely 10lb 6oz Rainbow.  His brother, Brian, from Glasgow, also did well, taking 2 for 12lb 7oz including 9lb 1oz Blue. The best total bag of the week was taken by Geoff Gilbert, Isle of Man, who in 5 visits landed 24 for 79lb 12oz including an 8lb Blue. Other good bags included Gary McDonald, Tullibody, 2 for 12lb 10oz including 8lb 10oz Blue  David Paterson, Dunfermline, 3 for 15lb 4oz including 8lb 4oz Blue Davy Black, Lochgelly, 3 for 14lb 8oz including 2 Blues, bigger one at 8lb 4oz Ronnie Loos, Stirling, 2 for 10lb 12oz including 7lb 9oz Blue Paul Christie, Alloa, 3 for 12lb 4oz including 7lb 8oz Blue Michael Willis, Dunblane, 3 for 13lb 12oz including 7lb 3oz Blue Davy Stewart, Clydebank, 5 for 19lb 4oz including 2 Blues bigger one at 6lb 8oz Chris Gilbert, Isle of Man, 5 for 18lb including 2 Blues Danny Doherty, Denny, 5 for 15lb 12oz including a Gold and a Blue Stephen Stewart, Alloa, 4 for 13lb 9oz Jim Mackie, Perth, 4 for 13lb Dennis Lennon, Airdrie, 4 for 12lb 12oz Gary McArthur, Glenrothes, 3 for 10lb 8oz Bill Dawson, Dollar, 3 for 10lb including a Blue Jim McInnes, Bonnybridge, 3 for 10lb including 4lb Rainbow Davy Duncan, Kirkcaldy, 3 for 9lb 15oz  David Sinclair, Larbert, 3 for 9lb 12oz Gavin Sharp, Galsgow, 2 for 7lb 12oz George Simpson, Falkirk, 2 for 7lb Thomas Vickers, Baillieston, 2 for 6lb 14oz

Another excellent week’s fishing at Swanswater with the big fish continuing to be very active.  The biggest fish of the year was taken on Saturday - a cracking 15lb 14oz specimen, which fell to a hot-head damsel. Some superb big Blues, including one double figure specimen, were also taken in a week when the total fish weight was once again well over half a ton.  Dancers and Damsels were the favourite patterns although fish were being taken on a wide variety of flies including nymphs, particularly Diawl Bach and Hare’s Ear, wets, such as Kate McLaren and Bibio, and Gold-head Daddy Long Legs.  Alan Giebler, Tullibody, took the biggest fish of the year so far in  his bag of 4 for 25lb 2oz which included asuperb 15lb 14oz RainbowMartin Conroy, Larbert, 5 for 23lb including 10lb 11oz Blue Jim Mackie, Perth, in two visits, 7 for 28lb including 9lb Blue Andy McInnes, Dunipace, 8lb 14oz Blue Michael Lonton, Kirkclady, 8lb 12oz Blue Angus Dickson, Dundee, 4 for 17lb 8oz including 8lb 6oz Blue Michael Kerr, Lincolnshire, 4 for 17lb 6oz including 8lb 6oz Rainbow and a Blue Sandy Ireland, Lochgoilhead, 5 for 20lb 7oz including 7lb 11oz Blue John Campbell, Stirling, 5lb 8oz Rainbow from the Meadow Pond Bobby Lennon, Airdrie, 5 for 16lb 4oz Jock Knox, Cowdenbeath, 5 for 15lb 12oz David Low, Glasgow, 5 for 15lb including a Blue Sandy Kopyto, Kirkcaldy, 5 for 15lb including a Blue William Mitchell, Inverkeithing, 4 for 12lb 4oz John Payne, Alloa, 4 for 12lb 8oz Tam Anderson, Kincardine, 3 for 11lb 4oz including a Blue James Richards, Kirkcaldy, 3 for 10lb 4oz Jim Cole, Glasgow, 3 for 10lb 4oz David Waterston, Edinburgh, 3 for 10lb Neil Mephan, Falkirk, 3 for 9lb 12oz Andy Wilson, Tullibody, 3 for 9lb 4oz Alec Paterson, Sauchie, 3 for 9lb 4oz John Small, Roslin, 2 Blues for 6lb 12oz from the small ponds

The good fishing conditions continued to produce some great bags at Swanswater this week, with the fish very active in the top 4 feet of the water.  Ace of Spades, Damsel, Dancer, Montana, Hare’s Ear and PTN were amongst the favourite patterns with the best colours being olive, yellow and black.   Plenty of big fish were seen moving around the pond although only one double figure Rainbow was landed.  Several Blues and Rainbows in the 5lb to 9lb range were taken from Swanswater along with a couple from the Meadow Pond.  The small ponds continue to fish well and have been busy this week during the local school holidays. Andy Wilson, Avonbridge, took the biggest fish of the week in his 2 for 16lb 5oz including 11lb 2oz Rainbow from Swanswater and 5lb 3oz Blue from the Meadow Pond.  Other good bags included Adam Sellar, Glasgow, 2 for 11lb 8oz including 9lb 2oz and a Blue. Peter Paterson, Menstrie, 2 for 11lb including 8lb 10oz Blue Paddy Clarke, Plean, 2 for 12lb including 8lb 8oz Rainbow George Bolton, Stirling, 2 for 11lb 8oz including 8lb 8oz Rainbow 13 year old Blair Duchart, Plean, 2 for 11lb including 7lb 10oz Rainbow John Relf, Falkirk, 2 for 10lb 12oz including 6lb 8oz Blue Colin Parsons, Arrochar, 2 for 8lb 8oz including 6lb 8oz Rainbow from the Meadow Pond Andy Wilson, Tillicoultry, 2 for 10lb 4oz including 6lb 6oz Blue  Bill Penman, Dunfermline, 3 for 12lb including 6lb 6oz Rainbow and a Blue Dennis Lennon and Christopher, Airdrie, 2 for 7lb 12oz including 4lb 12oz Rainbow Robert Smith, Lesmahagow, 3 for 11lb including 4lb 8oz Rainbow and a Blue Alex Wilkie, Coatbridge, 5 for 17lb Frank Barr, Falkirk, 5 for 16lb 4oz including 4lb 8oz Rainbow and 2 Blues John Dyet, Bonnyrigg, 5 for 15lb including a Blue Jamie Davit, Stirling, 5 for 15lb Alex Neil, Alva, 4 for 13lb 4oz Darren Inglis, Stenhousemuir, 4 for 12lb8oz Sandy Jenkins, Carronshore, 4 for 12lb 8oz Willie Black, Shotts, 4 for 12lb 2oz Ronnie Loos, Stirling, 6 for 18lb 8oz including 2 Blues George King, Shotts, 3 for 10lb 8oz Ross Walker, Linlithgow, 3 for 9lb 10oz  Davy Neilson, Carronshore, 3 for 9lb 8ozAlan Kilgour, Edinburgh, 2 for 7lb 4oz Alec Dunn, Motherwell, 4lb 12oz Gold from the Meadow Pond

The more typical autumn weather led to a further improvement in fishing conditions and a rise in average bag sizes as the week went on.  Over half a ton of fish per week is being weighed in at present with the average weight being just under 3lb.   Two double figure Rainbows figured in the catch returns along with a good selection of big Blues and Golds.  The fish are still in the top 4 feet of the water and although many have been caught around the dam area, they have generally been well spread out over the pond.  The small ponds continue to fish well and produce a good number of excellent fish.  Favourite fly patterns were Damsel, especially hot-head, Dancer, Nomad, Hare’s Ear, Viva and Bibio. Ian Conn, Tillicoultry, took the biggest fish of the week in his bag of 2 for 17lb including 14lb 8oz Rainbow.   Other good bags included John Mathieson jnr, Deanstoun, 2 for 14lb including 11lb 6oz Rainbow William McInnes, Bonnybridge, 8lb 4oz Blue Alan Dunbar, Tillicoultry, 8lb Blue Jim McSporran, Alexandria, 4 for 15lb 12oz including 7lb 8oz Gold Alan McLay, Plean, 4 for 14lb 12oz including 7lb 4oz Blue John Stevenson, Cowie, 3 for 12lb 4oz including 6lb 14oz Blue Dennis Lennon, Airdrie, 3 for 11lb 12oz including 6lb Rainbow Andrew Gibson, Glasgow, 2 for 9lb 8oz including 6lb Blue John Martin, Glasgow, 4 for 14lb 4oz including 5lb 4oz Gold and a Blue Gary Borthwick, Grangemouth, 2 for 8lb 8oz including 5lb 4oz Rainbow Nan Morrison, Stirling, in two visits, 10 for 30lb 12oz Paul Christie, Alloa, 9 for 26lb 8oz Peter Bryce, Alloa, 5 for 15lb Brian Sutherland, Kirkcaldy, 5 for 13lb 6oz including 2 Browns and a Blue Pete Smith, Charlestown, 4 for 14lb 4oz Martin Hester, Coatbridge, 4 for 12lb 4oz including 2 Blues George Simpson, Falkirk, 3 for 10lb including a Blue John Smith,  irkcaldy, 3 for 9lb 12oz Bill Smith, Menstrie, 3 for 9lb 12oz Petrina Williams, Alloa, 3 for 9lb 8oz Stewart Marshall, Cambusbarron, 3 for 9lb John Wotherspoon, Stirling, 2 for 6lb 8oz  

With cooler night temperatures the fish are becoming more active but the bright sunshine during the day is putting them down 3 to 4 feet.   The Browns certainly seem to be enjoying the conditions more than they have for a couple of months and several are now being taken both during the day and in the evenings.  One double figure Rainbow was landed this week along with several more of the big Blues in the 5lb to 9lb range.  Nymphs, especially Damsel and Diawl Bach, Buzzers and traditional wet flies were the best patterns with Daddy Long Legs and other dries doing well in the evenings.  The small ponds continue to fish well with some good sized Blues being caught.

 Biggest fish of the week a 10lb 4oz Rainbow was taken by Peter Ferrier, Clydebank, in his bag of 5 for 19lb 10oz Other goods catches included Jim Allan, Kilsyth, 9lb 12oz Blue Danny Doherty, Denny, 5 for 20lb 8oz including 7lb 14oz Blue Connor Nicol, Plean, 7lb Blue Raymond Yau, Fallin, 6lb 8oz Blue from the Millpond Danny Lennon, Airdrie, 5 for 16lb including 6lb 10oz Blue and a Brown Robert Edwards, Edinburgh, 5 for 15lb 9oz  including 5lb 13oz Blue and a Brown Brian McAllister, Glasgow, 5 for 15lb 4oz including 6lb 4oz Gold and a Brown Gordon Ferguson, Coatbridge, 5 for 15lb including 4lb 8oz Brown Jim Cameron, Helensburgh, 5 for 15lb Jim Barclay, Galston, 5 for 12lb 12oz including 3 Browns and a Blue Alec Kelso, Stirling, 4 for 14lb 4oz including 4lb 8oz Rainbow and a Gold Willie Dowell, Dunfermline, 4 for 12lb including a Gold Allan McLay and Aileen Brown, Plean, in one of their many visits this week, shared 4 Browns for 10lb 4oz Tommy Dick, Helensburgh, 3 for 10lb including 2 Browns  Bill Smith, Menstrie, 3 for 10lb Scott Keenan, Barrhead, 3 for 9lb 8oz including 4lb 4oz Rainbow Stephen Scott, Fallin, 2 Blues for 9lb 2oz  from the Millpond, bigger one at 7lb 2oz Alec Wotherspoon, Stirling, 2 for 8lb 8oz including 6lb Rainbow John Hunter, Beith, 2 for 8lb J Prentice, Glasgow, 2 for 7lb including 4lb Rainbow Wilie Gollogly, Arrochar, 2 for 7lb  

The intense heat and humidity all week, with air temperatures up to 30^oC and water temperature sitting at 20^oC well below the surface, made for difficult fishing conditions and those who ventured out had to work hard for their fish.  Contrary to popular opinion, not all the fish were in the deeper areas of Swanswater with a good proportion of those landed this week being caught in the shallower water behind the islands.  Wet flies, such as Kate McLaren, Black Pennel and Black Spider, Buzzers and small nymphs, especially Hare’s Ear, Diawl Bach and Damsel all fished on intermediate lines, were the best patterns this week, with very few fish taking on the surface even later on in the evenings.  Hopefully the cooler weather and rain showers forecast for the coming week will freshen things up and improve the conditions. Anglers who did particularly well this week included : Peter Bryce, Alloa, who took 10 for 36lb 12oz including 5lb Rainbow and a Blue in three visits. George Bolton, Stirling, 4 for 13lb 12oz including 4lb 12oz Rainbow  Alec Wotherspoon, Stirling, 3 for 10lb 8oz including 5lb Rainbow Barry Ingham, Dollar, 3 for 10lb 4oz including 2 Blues, bigger at 5lb 4oz Rowan Gliori, Edinburgh, 3 for 10lb 4oz including 5lb Rainbow John Wotherspoon, Stirling, 3 for 10lb including a Gold Petrina Williams, Alloa, 3 for 9lb 8oz including a Gold Peter Baranowski, Bridge of Allan, 2 for 8lb including 4lb Blue Nan Morrison, Stirling, 2 for 6lb 6oz Tom Gibson, Stirling, a Blue and a Gold for 6lb 4oz Ross Wallace, Stirling, 2 for 6lb Dennis Raynor, Stirling, 2 for 6lb  Charlie McKinlay, Falkirk, 2 for 6lb Stephen Webb, Glasgow, 2 for  6lb

The continuing heatwave combined with peak holiday season has led to a reduction in the number of anglers but those keen to top up their suntans whilst enjoying their sport have been rewarded with some excellent fish.  Although the fishing was not easy due to the conditions those using the right tactics had good results.  Everything was tried this week, from large dry flies through buzzers, wets and nymphs to lures fished deep, and at different times all of these methods were successful! The best bag this week was taken by one of our regular lady anglers namely:- Nan Morrison, Stirling, with 5 for 17lb 12oz including 6lb 6oz Blue and a Gold, all taken on a Muddler and a Kate McLaren fished on the surface.   Other anglers doing well this week included  Craig Watson, Cowdenbeath, 5 for 14lb Tam Anderson, Kincardine, 4 for 15lb 8oz including Rainbows at 4lb 10oz and 4lb 4oz James Davit, Stirling, 4 for 14lb 8oz  including 5lb 8oz Rainbow Danny Doherty, Denny, 4 for 12lb 8oz Davy Allison, Cumbernauld, 4 for 12lb  Thomas Mellon, Tullibody, 3 for 13lb 6oz including 2 4lb 8oz Rainbows and a Blue Sandy McMeechan, Fallin, 3 for 12lb 8oz including 2 Golds bigger one at 7lb Stuart Cowan, Stenhousemuir, 3 for 10lb 12oz including 4lb Rainbow James Elliott, Stirling, 3 for 10lb 8oz including 4lb 8oz Rainbow Sandy Jenkins, Carronshore, 3 for 9lb 12oz Gavin Stevenson, Stirling, 3 for 9lb 8oz John Stevenson, Stirling, 3 for 9lb Derek Boyter, Linlithgow, 3 for 9lb Karl Musik, Cambusbarron, 2 for 9lb including 6lb Blue Sandy McLaren, Perth, 2 for 8lb 8oz including 4lb 12oz Gold Robert Lowe, Kilsyth, 2 for 8b 8oz including 6lb Blue  Stephen Mason, Cumbernauld, 2 for 8lb 8oz including 5lb 8oz Gold John Davidson, Stirling, 2 for 7lb 11oz including 5lb 9oz Blue and a Gold Gary Mellon, Tullibody, 2 for 7lb John McCormack, Bannockburn, 6lb 14oz Blue Frank Meichan, Kincardine, 4lb 12oz Rainbow Barry Dale, Strathblane, 4lb Blue

Despite the hot weather fish are still being caught all round the ponds with anglers having to go deeper when the sun is really bright but with nymphs and buzzers doing well in the evenings. Dry flies were also taking fish for those with the patience to try them.  Several superb Blues in the 4lb to 7lb range were taken this week. The Brownies are more difficult to locate in the warm weather but many are hiding in the burn area and providing much sport in the mornings and later in the day.  Goldies can be seen cruising the water and give a good indication as to the depth of the other varieties.     Some of the best bags overthe last week included:  Peter Bryce, Alloa, 8 for 25lb 11oz including 2 Blues, in two visits. Gary Waugh, Airdrie, in two visits, 7 for 24lb 12oz including a Gold Also making two trips to the fishery Andy Wilson, Tillicoultry, 5 for 17lb 3oz including 4lb 8oz Rainbow and a Blue Stuart Cowan, Stenhousemuir, 5 for 15lb 4oz including 2 Golds, a Blue and a Brown Ronnie Loos, Stirling, 5 for 15lb including a Blue  Tom Gibson, Stirling, 4 for 15lb 8oz including 6lb 8oz Blue John Martin, Kirkcaldy, 4 for 14lb 8oz Adam Scott, Carluke, 4 for 13lb including a Brown and a Gold Tam Anderson, Kincardine, 3 for 13lb 4oz including 7lb Blue Donald Williamson, Falkirk, 3 for 10lb 14oz including a Blue John Jack, Airdrie, 3 for 10lb Stephen Gunn, Glasgow, 3 for 9lb 14oz including a Blue David Milne, Falkirk, 3 for 9lb 1oz including a Brown Eddie Kane, Barrhead, 3 for 9lb 4oz Rab Nimmo, Stirling, 3 for 9lb 4oz including a Gold J Gilfillan, Banknock, and J Gray, Cumbernauld, shared 6 for 17lb from the boat including 2 Browns John Carline, Whitburn, 2 for 8lb Willie Tibbs, Alva, 2 for 8lb  Corin Gentles, Menstrie, 2 for 7lb 8oz including 4lb Blue James Thomson, Fishcross, 2 for 7lb Davy Quin, Dunfermline, 2 for 6lb 10oz Gordon Buchanan, Callander, 2 for 6lb 8oz including a Gold Bert Sibbald, Dunipace, 6lb 8oz Blue

There was some excellent fishing at Swanswater this week producing some superb bags.  The fish quality is the usual high standard and anglers are enjoying some great sport.  Rainbows, browns, blues and golds of all sizes are fighting well and taking a wide variety of flies.  The fish are still near the surface and floating or intermediate lines are working well.  Dancers, Damsels, Buzzers and Hare’s Ear were the favourite patterns, with wets and dries, including Spiders, Sedges and Daddy Long Legs, also catching fish.  Two double figure rainbows feature in this weeks bags along with a good selection of all varieties in the 4lb to 8lb range. John Moyes, Grangemouth, took the biggest fish of the week, a 13lb 2oz Rainbow, in his bag of 2 for 15lb 14oz Steven Murphy, Denny, also had a double figure Rainbow, weighing in at 12lb 2oz, in his 2 for 15lb 8oz  Andrew Patrick, Manchester, 7lb 14oz Rainbow Davy Quinn, Dunfermline, 6lb 8oz Brown William Cane, Airdrie, 5lb 8oz Brown Davy Black, Lochgelly, 5 for 17lb 13oz including 5lb 10oz Blue Grant McCauley, Duntocher, 5 for 16lb including a Blue Sandy Jenkins, Carronshore, 4 for 17lb including Blues at 6lb and 5lb 8oz Peter Bnks, Denny, 4 for 14lb 4oz including 6lb 4oz Blue Keir Hardy, Stirling, 3 for 8lb 8oz including 6lb 4oz Blue and 2 wild Brownies  Peter Rae, Stenhousemuir, 3 for 13lb including 6lb 4oz Blue Richard Elder, Glasgow, 2 Blues for 10lb 80z bigger one at 6lb Paddy Clarke, Plean, 4 for 14lb Alec Paterson, Sauchie, 4 for 12lb 4oz  Andrew Spiers, Glasgow, 4 for 12lb including 2 Golds and a Blue Peter Bryce, Alloa, 4 for 12lb including a Gold Drew Walker, Stirling, 3 for 9lb 4oz including 2 Blues Martin McCafferty, Hamilton, 2 for 7lb including a Gold Alec Hepburn, Helensburgh, 2 for 6lb 12oz Angus Auchinachie, Falkirk, 2 for 6lb 12oz George Gemmell, Falkirk, 2 Browns for 5lb