Fraser on Fishing: Daddy rules at Rosslynlee

It was back to Rosslynlee for me this week with such warm conditions for the time of year.

Bruce Hunter of Edinburgh with a 3lb rainbow taken on a bloodworm at Markle

Going mid-week has its advantages because there is so much more room to manoeuvre. I decided to start on the little footbridge with a floating line and single mini Damsel. Despite getting a few pulls they were not really interested and, because the fish were rising, I swapped to the dries. Fishing two yellow owls on a shortish line one or two were nudging and trying to drown the buzzers but I had no positive takes.

An hour passed and it was time for a change. When rummaging through my fly boxes a foam-back daddy fell out – almost like an omen. Moving round on to the point I cast the line out and let the single daddy just bob up and down in the ripple. It was like the difference between night and day with solid takes every cast but I could not lock on. Either I was too slow or too late in lifting into them but I just could not get it right. However, eventually I got one and although not big at 2lb it was a result.

Over the next two hours I would get one every three takes which was quite satisfying especially amid so much interest. I worked my way round the far bank along the dam wall and to the point of weeds. Again leaving static I watched the fly drift close to the weed bed and then an eruption of water occurred. I did not see it but felt it solid before my line shot back minus my fly.

Well, that summed up my day’s finishing but it’s about getting out and enjoying the day.

• Fraser on Fishing is sponsored by Morton Fishings, Morton Road, Mid Calder, Livingston, EH53 0JT. Tel: [phone]; Mobile: [phone]