Angling: Roseberry keep fingers crossed

Bosses at picturesque Rosebery Trout Fishery are keeping their fingers crossed that they can re-open next Saturday (August 15).

Plans were in place for August 1 but low water proved too much of a problem so the opening of the 52-acre reservoir for fishing was delayed.

That disappointed a number of Lothians-based anglers and fishery bosses as Rosebery was fully-booked for the first day.

The popular water lies three miles south of Carrington in Midlothian and is described as a “rural idyll”, offering both rainbow and brown trout angling. It has not been restocked since last October.

Day permits are available to anglers of all ages and abilities. Boats are on site but the water level will determine if they are launched or not or indeed if the fishery opens.

Fly fish is available from the bank and there are also two bait fishing areas.

Dave Picken, the fishery manager, said a lot of planning had gone into the hoped for opening on August 1.

He added: “We were sorry that we had to cancel the opening but there was a further drop in the water. This left very soft mud around the edge of the reservoir and the stone pitching too slippery to talk down.

“We felt it was unsafe to fish and would not be a great experience so we have given it another two weeks to get some more water in the reservoir and let the banking dry out.”

He added: “We share the frustration of anglers but essential work had to be done by Scottish Water and we hope the water level rises so we can open for the rest of the season.

“We attract anglers from all over the Lothians and they have been really patient. Interest was high when we said we would open on August 1 and we were sold out for the first day and almost full for the Sunday.

“However, we move on and hopefully things will be OK for next Saturday and there must be some big fish in there.”

Picken said that the reservoir welcomes youngsters keen to learn the art of fly fishing and bosses are happy to give advice and provide the right equipment.

Booking is required and bosses ask for at least 24-hours notice. Because of COVID-19, Millbank House and Gardens are out-of-bounds and anglers must park in designated areas. There is no parking at Millbank on the dam or the Yorkston Road.

Meanwhile, I’ve just used the new SlickCast line supplied by Rio Products for the first time in difficult conditions. It was the RIO Perception Elite model (WF5) with SlickCast coating and it goes like a dream, adding yards to my casting.

Rio Products brand manager Simon Gawesworth said the line has been developed to create the slickest, most durable fly line on the market. Low friction makes it easier to shoot line, resulting in longer casts, easier distance and feeding of slack into extended drag-free drifts.

Elsewhere, Craig Oglivie won the second open sweepstake organised by Bass Rock Shore Angling League at Belhaven Beach in East Lothian in midweek.

Craig, the club chairman, measured two metres of flat fish during the three-hour session using a three-hook flapper rig and mussel and lugworm bait and he follows his father James who won the first open sweepstake two weeks ago.

Derek Morrison was second with 1.5 metres with Barry McEwan third on 90cms with Neil Cunningham fourth, James Ogilvie fifth and secretary Alan Brown sixth. Morrison landed the longest fish at 29cms.

It was a perfect night overhead with a light wind and fine air temperature, but the sea was flat calm, not ideal for producing good fishing. Paddle boarders were also out.

The next match is on Wednesday, August 19 (7pm to 10pm) and the venue is almost certainly off Dunbar Harbour Wall to give newcomers an opportunity to target cod.

Registration is at 6.30pm at the harbour over the lift bridge and next to the castle and new members are welcome. See the club Facebook site for details.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club host the second Summer Series match at Orchill near Dunblane today.

Chairman Geoffrey Lowe is hoping for a good turn-out.