Sean Ford takes on the task of keeping Eliburn clear of weeds and debris

Club member appointed to new role
Eliburn day ticket angler Fraser Moran with 6lb barbelEliburn day ticket angler Fraser Moran with 6lb barbel
Eliburn day ticket angler Fraser Moran with 6lb barbel

CLUB member Sean Ford has been appointed to a new trial role as maintenance co-ordinator at Eliburn Reservoir and he has recently tackled swim repairs and maintenance around the Livingston reservoir.

Unfortunately, weekly work parties to keep on top of the weed have been halted because of Government Covid-19 regulations, however, the water has produced a carp of 17lb lately and has generally been fishing well according to West Lothian Coarse Anglers (WLCA) secretary Jason Biggin.

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Chods over slightly weedy areas, PVA bags over solid spots and pop-ups/wafters boilies over a bed of bait have all been attracting interest.

Also on warmer days, tench, barbel and silver fish have been teased out on the popular method feeder and float fishing over groundbait with maggot or sweetcorn as hook bait has also worked well.

Jason added: “With the recent weed boat visit, we decided to leave a rectangle area so we can keep on top of clearing around it. Both carp and tench have been caught on the edge of that area.”

Winter memberships run from October 26 to March 28 and the secretary confirmed there is a large waiting list which anyone is welcome to join.

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Non-members can fish the water on day tickets and the opening time is generally 8am all year round but check the not-for-profit club’s Facebook page. Prices are £7 for adults (16 and over) and that is for two rods with juniors (under 16) £2 with only one rod allowed. Anglers are reminded that it is barbless hooks

only.

Membership fees are £100 with disabled and OAPs priced at £50 and juniors £20 with a £20 joining fee. Winter membership is £40, £20 for disabled and OAP and £10 for juniors. There is no joining fee.

Meanwhile, Darrin Ferguson could claim the Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club’s Summer Series title title today (Saturday) at Orchill near Auchterarder.

Elsewhere, Magiscroft is popular with Lothians anglers and owner Ronnie MacLeod said the seven lochs are cooling down and double-figure fish are being caught in the main fishing area on a mix of baits. Silver fish are also being caught in numbers the other lochs.

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On to fly fishing and some sad news. Steve Culbert, the resident casting instructor at Loganlea for over 15 years, has passed away. Karen Jack, Loganlea’s owner, said: “Not only was he (Steve) an excellent instructor, he was a true gent, and was very

popular and respected by many of the regulars at Loganlea, to whom he will be greatly missed. Our love and thoughts are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”Peebles-based Steve, aged 58, he leaves his wife Carol, and children, Calum and Kirsty.

Meanwhile, anglers are reminded that fishing is now closed on the Water of Leith which has recently been fishing well to dry flies, grey dusters, CDC and Ffly sizes 16 and 18 in the low, clear conditions.

Wet fly like partridge and hares ear plus pheasant tail brown have also worked well and permit holders are urged to submit their catch returns as soon as possible so that honorary fishery officers can keep a check on stock.

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Scot (cor) Muir, secretary of West Lothian Angling Association, reports that regular David Meek has ended his season on a high with a dozen on the Livingston Village section, all on the nymph.

As the nights are drawing in, some anglers turn to fly tying and Fishers of Penicuik have just received a major delivery of materials from both Veniard and Flybox.

Edinburgh Fly Dressers have, however, postponed their weekly fly tying sessions at Currie because of COVID-19.

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