Fishing: Smarty Pellow takes lead into final round of summer league

The prevalence of tiny roach and gudgeon made it difficult to connect with the better carp and chub in the latest round of the summer league for Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club.

The River Almond at Mid Calder

However, Dave Pellow pipped Chris Bolton with a haul of 25lbs 6oz at Orchill near Dunblane. Bolton landed a bag of 24lbs 6oz. The win means Pellow now leads the league with the seventh and final round to go at Orchill on September 16.

Meanwhile, ospreys have been sited at Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs near Balerno. Malleny Angling Club officials believe they are feeding prior to migration and chairman Robert Ross said: “It is easy fishing conditions for them afforded by the low water level.” Despite the low water, anglers are still catching.

Elsewhere, Paul Young, formerly host of popular TV show Hooked on Fishing, is the headline attraction during the Orvis open day from 10am to 4pm in their Edinburgh store in Hope Street on Saturday.

Fly-tying experts will be demonstrating their art and professional instructors are on-site to help with your casting.

Meanwhile, a project to clean up the River Almond – which will benefit local anglers – has been launched by the Edinburgh-based Forth Rivers Trust. They are looking for volunteers who can work individually or as part of a team to collect rubbish near the Almondell and Calderwood Country Park. For more info, call 0131 445 1527 or visit www.fishforth.co.uk