Coronavirus: Fisheries continue to stay open - 'come and enjoy the fresh air'

The fishing season is about to get under way.

Local fisheries remain open despite the COVID-19 pandemic, providing locals with a sporting outlet in difficult times.

Glencorse Reservoir boss Bill Taylor opens today for the season and most weekends are fully booked, but he does have two boats available for tomorrow.

His near neighbour, Loganlea, high in The Pentlands, remains open, as does Allandale Tarn at West Calder.

Iona Allan, the owner, said fishing provides a good excuse to get out into the countryside, enjoy the fresh open air and wet a line.

She added: “Until told otherwise by the government, we will be open as usual, Wednesday through to Sunday, fishing 9am to 4:30pm.”

Drumtassie near Blackridge remains busy and Marco Ezzi landed 18 fish to win the Scottish Youth fly fishing team fund-raiser.

Brad Gair was second after landing 14 fish, while Greg Hoggan and Ronnie Couper both landed 13 fish for a joint third prize.

Andy Mair won the biggest fish prize and boss Leeanne Aitchison said that it was a fantastic day with 184 fish to the net.

Meanwhile, Donald Stewart brought 32 fish to the net during a recent session – the biggest was 15lb 4oz – and he landed 16 in another session this week busing buzzers.

Elsewhere, Rosslynlee Trout Fishery have just opened a new wet-wall, toilet and shower block for men and women, which is also suitable for disabled anglers.

Manager John Dewar reports that fishing has been good, with Lauder-based regular Brian Shackleton landing a 10lb trout on an orange lure on slow retrieve. Another angler landed 11 in a short session.

A double-figure catch return delighted one angler recently at Bowden Springs near Linlithgow.

The bag contained fish weighing 12lb, 10lb and 8lb using a chamois pattern. Jim Gargaro, Bowden’s owner, re-stocked with trout from Yarrow Fishery in the Scottish Borders in midweek and he said mini lures had been successful recently.

Pottishaw near Armadale is also open seven days, but Bangour Trout Fishery near Livingston is, however, shut until further notice.

Meanwhile, across in Fife, Stenhouse near Burntisland today hosts the third heat of the popular Scierra Pairs, one of Britain’s leading fly fishing events. Stenhouse was stocked this week and is open daily.

Raith Lake hosts two heats of the Scierra Pairs on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 and they have a large head of recently-stocked trout from 2.5lbs upwards.

Diawl bach and crunchers are working best, with buzzers starting to make an appearance.

The Scottish Sea Angling Federation have, however, suspended all matches until May when they will have another review.

A casualty is the Bass Rock Shore Angling League Open event at Bellhaven Beach due on Sunday, April 12.

Derek Anderson of Aquamarine Charters hopes to get out this weekend from Eyemouth. Trips are weather dependent.

On to coarse angling and three-acre Eliburn Reservoir at Livingston have new prices from March 30, but kids are able to fish free with a paying adult.

Adult anglers (over 16) will now pay £7 – it has been £5 – for a day ticket and juniors (under-16) £2.

The additional income will be used towards controlling the weed and also the re-development of an inlet at the water which holds carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, ide, pike, barbel and rudd.

Meanwhile, match dates have been confirmed for Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club. They are: Saturday Series: 18 April, 16 May, 13 June, 11 July, 15 August and 12 September.

The Sunday League dates are 29 March, 26 April, 24 May, 28 June. 26 July, 6 September and 27 September.