Chance to land a water wolf as pike fishing commences at Raith Lake

Craig Scott with a 25lb pike at Raith Lake

Fly fishing for pike makes its winter debut on Raith Lake which is popular with Lothians anglers.

The picturesque, 23-acre sheltered water on the outskirts of Kirkcaldy on the B925 Auchtertool Road (Boglily Road, Kirkcaldy, KY2 5NF) is home to pike of more than 20lbs.

And the move by owner Rachel Scott is by popular demand.

Anglers must use barbless hooks and Rachel stressed it is best to book as there is no bank angling and fishing is from one of the lake’s 12 boats.

The on-site shop has trout files but not special pike flies and the suggestion is that anglers should use rods of more than seven weight with a minimum line breaking strain of 12lb.

A comfortable lodge with a log burning stove will be available and a kettle is always on the boil.

Rachel said: “We get a lot of people asking about fly fishing for pike and we thought we would give it a try this winter.

“Pike of over 20lbs have been caught here surprising trout anglers by taking their flies.

“The pike fishing is on now until March and the water is popular with anglers from all over Fife and the Lothians. We are only 35 minutes from Edinburgh.”

Fishing is 8.00am to 4.00pm weekdays and 7am on weekends.

Across the Forth, winter has arrived at Bowden Springs near Linlithgow, but there have still been some good catches.

Gary Paton (Philipstoun) released five trout hooked on a slow sinking line and tempted by a yellow dancer mini-lure with a best of around 6lb.

David Young (Edinburgh) caught three for 10lb 14oz on a bloodworm pattern fished on a 10ft sink tip line.

On the bait pond, 12-year-old Matt Taylor hooked two fish for 5lb 4oz on a float fished wasp grub.

Off the water, West Lothian Angling Association host their annual meeting in Mid Calder Community Centre on Monday, November 25 and members and anybody interest in joining is invited.

Cramond Angling Club hold theirs in Cramond Boat Club on Wednesday, November 27 (7.30pm).

A reminder that a ladies-try-fishing-day is scheduled for Drumtassie near Blackridge on Sunday, November 24, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Equipment will be provided and there will be hot food available. The cost is £10.

Elsewhere, Bass Rock Sea Angling League chair Craig Ogilvie is considering running a cash match open with boundaries from North Berwick to Dunbar during the Christmas holidays.

Fishing will be from 2.00pm until 7.00pm with registration at North Berwick from 12.30pm to 1.00pm if the event goes ahead.

Express an interest on the club Facebook page and a minimum of 20 anglers iwll be required before the green light is given.