Reports

 

The Jim Boyd Fishing Reports

 

Butterstone Loch

 

Butterstone Loch, Perthshire

 

Week Ending 4th October 2009

 

Again this week there has been large fluctuations in pressure ranging from 1030mb to around 950mb and it is rising again. This has again made fishing harder than past weeks but anglers hitting on the right tactics were still managing to land some good quality fish. Other than Saturday when almost every line thinkable was used due to the high winds (averaging 20mph and gusting to 50mph) predominately a midge tip line to a slow glass is the ultimate choice with anglers resorting to different tactics on flies, some are still using traditional wets, snatchers and crunchers to great success while others are now resorting to end of season mini lures.  Water temperature has dropped down to around10’C The fish have now very definitely moved to their end of season feeding area in the shallows on the east shore, from the old picnic area to outside the harbour.

 

Those doing well last week included Mr Cartwright who weighed in 6 for 13lb 4oz, Messrs. Tredgill and Murray weighed in 8 for 16 lb 4oz and also returned a further 3 and A Smeaton had 6 fish for 15lb 8 and returned a further 4. On the Club Front: ABC&D AC weighed in 24 fish for 52lb 6oz for 5 boats, while Perth RASC Managed 13 fish for 27lb 14oz for 3 ½ boats and Earlston AC weighed in 20 fish for 48lb 3oz for 5 boats, Catch 22 weighed in 15 for 35lb 8oz and Stormontfield Ac had 29 fish for 67lb 5 finally St Serfs ladies managed 28 fish for 59lb 1oz.

 

The weeks BBC predictions for the week are Tuesday and Friday are due to poor with rain, Wednesday and Thursday are due to be fine with moderate winds  from the West throughout the week increasing and changing to the South towards the end of the week.

 

Week Ending 27th September 2009

During the past couple of weeks conditions have been very changeable with the barometric pressure fluctuating quite a lot making fishing slightly less predictable. Floating lines/ midge tip remain the optimum line choice with fish remaining in the top few layers of water. 

 

The fish have now moved to the end of season areas from reed end down to the picnic area and along through the shallows to the shelf just outside of the harbour.

 

Anglers who did well last week included Mr Fairgrieve’s boat that weighed in 9 for 20 lbs, Messrs. Anderson and Swan managed 10 fish for 20lbs, Messrs. Brown and Taylor weighed in 4 fish each totalling 16 lb 12oz, Ian Bowdler’s boat weighed in 4 fish for 10lb 4oz and Messrs. Veitch and Morris managed 12 fish for a total of 26lbs. A Smeaton and B Gibson weighed in 8 fish for 15lb 8oz.

 

On the club front: Dundee West End managed 33 fish for 67lb 1 for 10 boats, Grangemouth Railway had 15 fish for 32lb 8oz for 4 boats, IBM Freshwater AC managed 48 fish for 98lb 6oz for 9 boats, Stanley AC weighed in 20 fish for 40 lb 7oz for 6 boats, Blairgowrie AC 49 fish for 94lb 3oz for 7 boats, Leslie and Glenrothes weighed in 40 fish for 85lb 8oz for 7 ½ boats and finally Cupar Ac 15 fish for 28 lb 10 oz for 4 boats.  

 

Week Ending 7th September 2009

 

Again the loch has fished well even with the torrential rain. Predominant line choice was floating line or midge tip with a mixture of traditional wets, snatchers, crunchers, dries as in hoppers and Klinkhammers. Other patterns would include the Bibio, or predominantly anything with a little black and red in it. Water temp is down to 14’C clarity is now around 1.25M.

 

Fish over the past week have been taken all over the loch with different days producing different areas. A couple of predominant areas would be the top bay in and around the bones, Lunan bay down to reed end and the shelf just outside of the harbour towards three trees and cottage bay. The shallows have also in the last couple of days come into their own.    

 

Mr Davis managed 12 for 24lb 3oz, Mr McTurk weighed in 6 for 11lb 8oz, Mr Cartwright also had 6 for 13lb 1oz, Dave Carr and boat partner weighed in 6 for 12lb 8 and returned a further 6 and Messrs. McArdle and Bonnsall both weighed in 6 fish for 11lb 4 oz and 12lbs.

 

On the Club front: Ciba AC weighed in 35 fish for a total of 75lbs for 5 boats, Tayside Police managed 18 fish for 39lbs for 3boats, Tillicoultry AC weighed in 12 fish for 25lbs for 1 ½ boats, while Rowbank AC managed 67 fish for 170lbs plus 7 returned for 8boats. Leslie & Glenrothes weighed in 33 fish for 66lb 6oz and returned a further 14 for 3 ½ boats and the Farmers AC managed 47 fish for 96lb 15 for 8 boats.

 

Week Ending 31st August 2009

 

Butterstone remains to fish really well even with the large amount of rain that has fallen over the past couple of weeks with the fish remaining on the surface or just under. Tactics are very changeable due to the weather but predominantly small traditional wets, Snatchers and Crunchers are a good starting point with dries also being very successful when the rain and the wind abate. Water temperature is ranging from 17.3’C on the surface – 17’C 3 meters down clarity is now around 2M.

 

Fish over the past couple of weeks have been taken all over the loch with different days producing different areas but a couple of predominant areas would be the top bay in and around the bones, Lunan Bay down to reed end and the shelf just outside of the harbour towards three trees and cottage bay.    

 

Messrs. Eadie and Campbell returned 9 for the boat, Mr Nicol also managed 6 for 12lb 12oz, Mr McTurk weighed in 6 fish for 12lb 10 and also having a good day was Mr Cartwright who weighed in 6 for 12lb 4oz. Messrs. Smeaton and Gibson landed 12 but returned 2 lovely browns and weighed in 10 rainbows for 20lb 12oz. On the Club front: Northern Constabulary weighed in 40 fish for 80lb 12 and returned a further 28 for 4 boats, Stanley AC had 43 fish for 91lb 15 for 6boats and Falkirk FFD weighed in 47 fish for 88lb 12 for 5boats Cowdenbeath AC had 45 for 80lbs for 10 boats while Balbeggie managed an enormous total of 71 fish for 150lbs 7oz for 8 boats.

 

Week Ending 16th August 2009

 

Butterstone has had a week long dry fly bonanza! The hatch of heather fly or Bibio Pomonae in its proper name has been amazing and the fish have been going nuts for them. Floating lines have most definitely been the order of the day with fly patterns being Bibio Hoppers, Bibio, Black Hoppers, actually anything that can be ginked up with a bit of black and red in it. A very slow retrieve almost static was the way they wanted it with most anglers targeting fish leaving the fly static and bang they were coming at them like a steam train. Water temp is ranging from 17.3’C on the surface – 17’C 3 meters down clarity is now at 1.25M and oxygen levels are 8.5mg/l.  

 

The fish this week have been taken all over the loch with different days producing different areas. I would suggest that a couple of predominant areas would be the top bay in and around the bones, Lunan bay down to reed end and the deeps drifting from the mouth of the bay towards the harbour.  

 

Doing well last week were Monsieur Pequegnot who weighed in 4 for 8lb 8oz , Mr Young managed 5 for 11lb 7oz,  Messrs. Heuchan and Curry weighed in 10 fish for 21lb 12oz, Alec White also weighed in 5 for 11lbs, and Robin Eadie returned 11 fish to a mixture of  different Crunchers. Brian Scougal's boat weighed in 10 fish for 19lb 8oz all to Daddies, Mr Clark weighed in 6 fish for 13lb 8oz and retuned a further 6 to CDC’s,

David Tredgill weighed in 4 for 9lbs returning a further 4 all to the Heather fly, and finally J Foster had 6 fish for 11lb 8oz.   On the Club front: Dundee AC weighed in 33 fish for 70lb 6oz for 5 boats, while Lochinch managed 62 fish for 128lb 10oz for 6boats, and Rannoch AC weighed in 22 fish for 45lb 8oz for 4 boats. Loanhead and District Ac weighed in 89 fish for 152lb 10 oz for 14 ½  boats, Priory AC had 24 fish for 55lb 9oz for 4 boats, Perth RASC weighed in 45 fish for 81lbs, finally Leslie & Glenrothes  managed 54 fish for 113lb 1oz for 9 boats.

 

Yet again this week’s weather predictions look generally pretty wet with the odd sunny spell mixed in with winds being moderate at around 12-14mph with direction changing every day and finally temperatures 17- 18’C.  

 

9th August 2009

 

Again the fishing at Butterstone has been good with most fish caught on floating/midge tip lines, with others using slow glass intermediates to good success also. Fly choice has been varied with some anglers catching good numbers using small lightly tied lures and others also doing well on small traditionals like the Diawl Bach and Snatchers. Water temperature is now at 18.3’C from surface to 3m with clarity being back up to  2m and oxygen is 9.7mg/l.

 

The two main areas for taking fish of late remain to be the shelf just outside of the harbour, and from the bones to reed end. Fish are also being taken from lily bay down to pike point but they’re not so abundant. 

 

Those doing well last week included Monsieur Pequegnot managed his 6 for 13 lbs between the old picnic area and three trees, Messrs. Manion & McLean weighed in 4 fish for 9lb 4oz and returned a further 4, Mr Young & Mr Drybourgh weighed in 7 fish for 14lb 10oz and returned a further 6 fish, Mr Reid’s boat weighed in 8 fish for 19lb 8oz including a brown all to dry flies and Mr. Auchterlonie weighed in 5 fish for 12lb 6oz returning a further 2.

 

On the Club front the Perthshire interclub competition was held on Monday evening with Perth RASC first Stormontfield runner up and Perth Ex-Servicemen’s third they had a total of 73 fish for 169lb 10 oz for 14 ½ boats, Tayside Police 15 fish for 33lb 8oz for  4 boats, Perthshire fishing club 19 fish for 41lb 6oz for 5 boats, Strathclyde Police 33 fish for

70lb 10oz for 7 boats with a further 14 returned and Falkirk Municipal AC weighed in 38 fish for 79lb 8oz for 9 boats with a further 17 returned. 

  

This week’s weather predictions are looking generally pretty wet with the odd sunny spell mixed in, with winds being moderate at around 12-14mph with direction changing every day and finally temperatures 17- 18’C.  

 

Week Ending 2nd August 2009

 

Fishing over the past week has been good with most fish being caught on the midge tip or slow glass intermediate, fly choice is varied with some anglers using lures to great success, with the weekend anglers catching fish predominantly on Orange Blobs. Others chose to use more traditional methods such as Snatchers, Diawl Bach, Buzzers and manage some good returns with some tempting the occasional fish to Dries. There have been some good rises in the evenings within the hour leading up to dusk. Water temp is now 18’C at and Clarity is 1.25M.     

 

The main area for taking fish of late has been on the shelf just outside of the harbour and from the bones to reed end.

Mr Gibb weighed in 5 fish for 11lb 8oz, with Steve Gamlin returning 7 fish, regulars Ian and Alex managed to scrap 6 for the boat weighing in at 14lb 7oz and Messrs. Gibson and Smeaton weighed in 11 fish for 27lb 12oz. Ian Gibson and Jock McKenzie 5 fish for 12lb 8oz. On the club front the Scottish Fire Service weighed in 62 fish for a combined weight of 145lb 3oz including a rainbow of 4lb 10oz and a cracking brownie of 2lb 8zo, the annual Perth Anglers V Perthshire FC was held on Friday evening a total of 28 fish were caught for 60lb 15 for 4 boats Perthshire stopped Perth Anglers taking the trophy home for the second successive year with a total of 15 fish for 32lb 1oz. Dunfermline Artisans managed 38 fish for 81lb 6oz

for 5 boats, Kinglassie AC weighed in 21 fish for 46lbs for 4 boats and Newtyle & Meigle managed 39 fish for 85lb 13 for 8 boats.     

 

This week’s weather predictions are looking generally better than previous weeks with the likely hood of a few scattered showers here and there and winds are predicted to be low with maximum of 17mph on Wednesday with direction being predominantly SSW, and temperatures being around 19’C.

 

 

Week ending 19th July 2009

 

 After the amazing weekend of fishing Butterstone started the week off fairly quietly but slowly picked up as the week progressed until it was yet again fishing its head off over the weekend with another great total of 389 fish taken over the three days. Predominant lines were midge tip /slow intermediate but also some anglers put the full floater to great use. Fly choice is still very varied with some anglers using lures to good effect but most are hitting fish with small traditionals like the Kate McLaren, Bibio and the likes. Others are using Snatchers to great effect; predominant colours being mainly olives, dark greens and blacks, but some are managing still to catch on the gold holographic snatcher. Buzzers and Diawl Bach’s are also taking good numbers of fish. On occasion full dries have also done well such as hoppers and detached Daddies up in the top bay. Water temperature is now at 17.6’C right down to 3 meters and clarity is down at 1.25 meters.  

 

The main areas for taking fish of late has been on the shelf just outside of the harbour, up towards cottage bay past three trees and the gap. Fish have also been caught over at reed end down towards the old picnic site. Unlike past weeks they are back in shallower water.

 

Mr Mackenzie’s boat managed 8 for 17lb 6oz, regular John McTurk 5 for 10 lb 2oz, Steve Gamlin 7 fish all safely returned, Mr Fyle’s boat weighed in 7 fish for 16lb 4oz and Messrs. Keenan weighed in 5 fish for 11lb 4oz and returned a further 4. Regulars, Bert Gibson & Allie Smeaton weighed in their usual 12 fish for 28lb 8oz to their trusty snatchers. On the club front the Cockburn and Breadalbane angling clubs mid season grudge match was held on Thursday and for 6 boats they weighed in 27 fish for a total of 59 lb 10 oz, Stanley AC weighed in 24 fish for 52lb 8oz for 3boats, Mayfield Inn Ac weighed in 50 fish for 120lb for 6boats and Brax AC 22 fish for 46lb 15 for 3boats. St Mungos AC 62 fish for 128lb 11oz for 9boats. Bridge of Allan 76 22 fish for 46lb for 5 boats, Kingfisher 20 31 fish for 74lb 6oz for 6boats and finally CSSA Rosyth 45 fish for 103lb 9oz for 8 boats. 

 

The next 5 day BBC Weather predictions are predominantly wet and moderately windy. With winds coming from the South – South West averaging around 13mph. Temperatures are due to be in the mid teens and maxing at around 19’C.

 

To 12th July 2009

 

Butterstone started off fairly quiet at the start of the week with few anglers braving the down pour and thunder and lightning -  half an inch of rain fell in 10 minutes. From Wednesday onwards fishing started to pick up from previous weeks as the fish stated to rise back to the surface and a total of 470 fish were caught over the weekend alone. Line choice is now anything from an intermediate to a full floater with fly choice being a large variety from lures to full dries. A selection being the Yellow Dancer, Damsel Nymph, Buzzers and the Diawl Bach. Small traditionals such as the Kate McLaren, Bibio, wee Spiders of different colours and also dries such as Hoppers and Klinkhammers. Water temperature is now at 18.6’C on the surface ranging down to 17.8’C at 3 meters down and clarity is down at 1.25 meters.   

 

The past weeks best areas are now out in the deeper water 20 yards or so  beyond the shelf moving up through three trees and the gap still remaining in about 10 - 15 feet of water. The fish are also to be found closer in to the margins as well.

 

Those doing well last week included Mr Melville 5 fish for 10lbs, Mr Scougal 4 fish for 9lbs, Mr & Mrs Swan 4 for 10lb 4oz, Mr Cartwright 6 for 15lbs, Robin Eadie 7 fish all safely returned. Messrs. Smeaton and Gibson 12 fish for 26lb 8oz, Steve Gamlin 8 fish all returned, Dave Barwick 6 fish for 13lb 12oz with a further 4 returned. On the club front Birkhill AC 22 fish for 45lb 3oz for 4 boats, Perth city sports 32 fish for 62lb 8oz for 3 boats, Bothwell and Blantyre 33 fish for 69lb 2oz for 7 boats, Balbeggie AC 51 fish for 111lb 12oz for 6 boats, Cupar Ac 49 fish for 113lb12oz 14 returned for 4 ½ boats ABC&D AC 50 fish for 121lb 10oz 10 returned for 6 boats, and finally Aberdeen AA 60 fish for 128lb7oz with 28 returned for 7 boats.

 

The next 5 day BBC Weather predictions if they are correct as they have only managed to get Monday and Sunday of last week correct in the last couple of weeks Predominantly wet with a few sunny spells, wind is going to be 2- 7 mph from a different direction every day, and temperatures will be averaging in the high teens.

 

To 5th July 2009

 

As the rain that was predicted by the BBC never materialised the loch is getting on the low side so anglers will soon have to carry their boats in and out of the harbour!!! Fishing is now a little harder than previous weeks what with the bright sunshine and the excellent clarity. Most anglers now have to resort to fast intermediate lines with lures of different shades and sizes. The best method seems to be a very slow retrieve as the fish seem to be taking the fly on the drop. A few flies that are taking fish are the Yellow Dancer, Red Head Damsel Nymph, Black and Green and the Black Tadpole. There are fish rising but sporadically so they are very shy and if you try to cover them they soon go down. Temperature is now at 20.8’C from the surface to 3M with clarity being 2.5M and dissolved oxygen at 9.4mg/L.  

 

The past week’s best areas are now out in the deeper water 20 yards or so  beyond the shelf moving up through three trees and the gap still remaining in about 10 - 15 feet of water. The fish are to be found at around 6 feet onwards.

 

Mr McTurk of Edinburgh landed 6 for 15lbs, D Cabena & Sooty weighed in 10 fish for 22lbs, Mr Swan 4 fish for 10lbs, Mr Pirie 5 for 11lbs, Mr Cartwright 4 fish for 9lb 8oz, Messrs. Denholm 5 fish for 11lb 2oz and Messrs. Gibson & Smeaton 12 fish for 29lb 4oz. On the club front: Perth Anglers 31 fish for 60lb 8oz for 7½ boats, Blairgowrie AC 25 fish for 57lb 2oz for 8½ boats, Fife Constabulary 24 fish for 53 8oz for 4boats and the British Legion Area competition produced 44 fish for 102lbs for 10 boats.

 

 The next 5 day BBC Weather predictions, if they are correct, as for the past two weeks they have got it wrong are as follows: To be very wet in the early part of the week with it being over cast Wednesday and Thursday then light rain again on Friday. Light winds a maximum of 10mph predominately N – NW, with temperatures being a muggy 16 – 17C.

 

Week Ending 28th June 2009

 

At the start of the week in the boiling hot sunshine the loch was fishing great, but slowly as the week progressed and it became more overcast and oppressive finding the right tactics became harder. With the depth of fish being unpredictable some days they would be just sub surface feeding in the surface film and other days for no apparent reason they would be down around 6- 8 feet. The Sunday day session was very frustrating as fish rose all day but would hardly take anything thrown at them, then around 6 o’clock there was a really good rain shower and up they came rising steady into the late evening. Water temperature is still at a reasonable 19’C with clarity now at a phenomenal 2.75M.

 

The Butterstone Summer league has now come to a close with an exciting final round. Four anglers had an outside chance of taking the crown with Keith Doig winning the event from Iain Law by 1 ounce. A Total of £222:00 was raised for a charity to be nominated by Keith at the Prize giving. The final results board can be found on the Summer League page of the Butterstone website. Finally a really big thank you goes out to all that fished the event and made the league the fun and friendly event that it has become and I hope that for next year we can raise the numbers back to what it used to be. Thanks guys!!        

 

The past week’s best areas remain to be from reed end to the picnic area but the fish are getting wary and choosier as to what they will take and across the shelf and just beyond in the deeper water to three trees and the gap. There were also pods of fish to be found down the reeds from lily bay to pike point and into cottage bay.

 

Regular angler Ian Yuill minus his boat partner Alec this week managed 6 for 15lb 12oz and returned a further 5, Messrs. Smeaton and Perrie weighed in 12 for 28lbs, Messrs. Scougal and Wilson returning from a poor fishing holiday up in Sutherland weighed in 9 fish for 23lbs, Messrs. Smeaton and Gibson 10 fish for 26lb 14oz and finally Mr Macgregor senior and Junior weighed in 8 fish for 18lb 14oz.

 

On the club front Stormontfield AC had 19 fish for 43lb 8oz for 5 boats, Perthshire FC 16 fish for 37lb 15 for 5 boats, Perth Anglers 18 fish for 42lb 5oz for 7½ boats, Stanley AC 26 fish for 62 lb 12oz for 6boats and finally Dunfermline Artisans 35 fish for 80lb 11 oz for 6 boats.  

 

The next 5 day BBC Weather predictions are again mixed with rain due from Wednesday onwards, just in time for the Scone Game fair. Average temperatures are again due to be a muggy high teens to mid twenties. With winds mainly from the E – ESE ranging from 2 – 7 mph.

 

Week Ending 16 June 2009

 

Butterstone is back to normal and fishing its socks off, with evening sessions in the early part of the week producing prolific rises which haven’t been seen for a year or two. Line choice is definitely back to floating or midge tip lines. With fly choice being small traditionals, Diawl Bach, Buzzers, and even the dry fly. The likes of Kate McLarens, Black Pennell, Gold Snatchers, Red Holographic Diawl Bach and Mayfly sizes 12-18 have all done well. Sunday was the exception with the drop in barometric pressure and the thundery conditions making fishing somewhat harder.  Water temperature on the surface is now back down to 17’C with oxygen levels at 10mg/L and clarity is down once more to 1.75M.

 

The past week’s best areas would be from reed end to the picnic area and across the shelf to three trees and the gap. There were also pods of fish to be found down the reeds from Lily Bay to Pick Point.

 

Messrs. Forrester took 12 fish for 26lb 4oz; regulars Ian Yuill and Alex his boat partner managed 12 fish for 29lbs and returned a further 12 all to gold Snatchers. Mr McTurk again landed his 6 fish to a mixture of Kate McLaren’s and Dawson’s Olive and Mr Cartwright weighed in 6 fish for 13lb 8oz mostly to tiny dries. On the Club Front, Butterstone League 30 fish for 68lb 8 for 5 boats, Veterans AC 11 fish for 25lb 11 oz for 4 boats, Dundee AC 33 fish for 74 lb 13 for 7 boats, Pencaitland AC 34 fish for 78lb 6oz for 10 boats, and finally Dunfermline Railway AC 32 fish for 75lb 10 oz for 4 boats.

 

The week’s 5 day predicted forecast is predominantly light rain other than Wednesday where it is reckoned to chuck it down, with average temperatures to be in the mid teens, with winds from the W - WSW maxing out on Thursday at 22mp.

 

Week Ending 24th May 2009

 

The forecasted miserable conditions for the week never materialised, there was the odd down poor but nothing too dramatic. The loch went back to previous weeks fishing top of the water in the surface film. Recommended line is again back to floaters and midge tips with a mixture of small traditionals like the Kate McLaren, Green/Red Holographic Diawl Bach’s, Olive and black Buzzers, small Snatchers, Bibio and the Olive Snatcher. The evenings have been somewhat cooler putting the fish slightly lower in the water causing anglers to go down that little bit more and having to resort to mini lures, Boobies and Blobs. Water temperature is 14’C on the surface with oxygen levels at 11mg/L to 13.5’C and 11.6mg/L at 3M down and clarity is still pretty good at 1.75 M. 

 

The past week’s best area remains from the bones/ top bay down to the old picnic area and into the south east shore just beyond the buoys. Burn Mouth and Lunan bay are good especially if you fish your flies almost into the reeds and tempting the fish out. On Saturday morning first thing before the boats went saw the most incredible rise out in the deeps but when the boats got out there was not a fish to be seen.

 

A few anglers that did well over the week were B Simmons bag 5 for 11lb1oz, Tuesday Messrs. Preston and Whyte 10 fish for 19lb 8oz, Mr McTurk of Edinburgh 6 fish for 13lb 4oz and Messrs. Eadie and Campbell 15 fish returned. On Wednesday Mr Taylor and Maurice took 9 fish for 19lb 13oz and S Malcolm of Bankfoot 6 fish for 17 lbs. On the club front Butterstone League 30 fish for 69lb 11oz for 4 boats, Perth Civil Service AC 43 fish for 96lbs for 6 boats, Balbeggie AC 67 fish for 148lb 5oz for 8 boats, IBM Freshwater AC 53 fish for 116lb2oz for 8 boats, CSSA Rosyth 45 fish for 102 lb 15oz, East Kilbride 33 fish for 74lb 13oz and finally Catch 22 AC 19 fish for 45lb 1oz.

 

The weeks 5 day predicted forecast (not always spot on) is predominately light rain with sunny intervals moderate winds with an average of around 14mph generally from the South West area with average temperatures being around 14’C

 

Week Ending 18th May 2009

 

This past week of bright sunshine and an East- North Easterly wind made fishing conditions at Butterstone a tad harder than previous weeks by putting the fish deeper than they have been. The loch still produced fish but not to the same extent as previous weeks. Recommended line was an intermediate with mini lures, Blobs and the likes, or a midge tip with extremely small dark flies size 14-16’s such as the Diawl Bach, Buzzers, small Nymphs and traditionals. After the sun and cold wind winds of the past week water temp is now at 12.4’C and clarity is down to 1.25m.

 

The past week’s best areas would be from the bones down to reed end, past Burn mouth and Lunan bay fishing your flies almost into the reeds and tempting the fish out. A lot of fish were lost due to them running straight for the reeds and breaking anglers - alternatively fish were tempted to the fly especially on Friday at the shelf and up to the Gap, past the North shore and three trees.

 

It has been another good week for larger fish and the brownies stocked earlier in the month are now coming on strong and featuring in anglers returns they are averaging around 1lb 8oz to 1lb 12oz.

 

On Monday Messrs. Christie & Gill weighed in 6 fish for a total weight 24lbs including 2 large fish weighing in at 8lbs 8oz and 6lb 8oz, Messrs. Campbell and Clark managed 17 to the boat all successfully returned, Mr McTurk also managed 4 fish for 9lb 2oz, Messrs. Smeaton and Gibson 5 fish for 13lbs and Mr Keith had two boats out on Friday and weighed in 19 fish for 45lbs.

 

The weeks 5 day forecast is back to the wet weather of a couple of weeks ago, wind is low to moderate ranging between 7 to 12mph predominately from the South West with average temperatures being around 13’C

 

Week Ending 10th May 2009

 

With yet another wet and windy week causing extremely difficult fishing conditions Butterstone remains to produce fantastic numbers of fish for the anglers’ pleasure. Predominant line choice remains a midge tip or floating line, with anglers only resorting to a slow glass or slime line in total exasperation due to the wind. Fly choice also remains pretty constant with fish coming to small dark traditionals, black nymphs and Diawl Bach’s and Buzzers. Also taking fish are the Yellow Dancer, Damsel Nymph and an assortment of Blobs. Water temperature is now at 13.1’C on the surface and 11.9’C at 3m down and the clarity is at an amazing 2M even after the windy conditions. Oxygen saturation is at 11.8mg/l.

 

Last week’s top area on the loch would be from burn mouth/Lunan bay down to the old picnic area. But the whole loch is fishing well and most areas are producing good numbers of hard fighting fish.

 

It has been another good week for larger fish with weights ranging from 3lb 8oz through to a cracking 8lb 8oz. Also featuring in this week’s returns are some lovely brownies averaging around 1lb 8oz – 1lb 12oz. A Few anglers that did well over the week were: Mr Smith who weighed in 5 fish for 10lb 12oz Messrs. Borthwick managed 8 fish for 20 lbs 4oz, Mr Szulc had 5 fish for 12lbs. Regulars Alex and Ian weighed in 12 fish for a cracking 29lbs and also doing well were Messrs. Gibson and McKenzie who over the week whilst on a fishing holiday managed 32 fish for a whopping 77lb 14oz and in addition they returned a further 7 fish. On the Club front Dunfermline Artisans 37 fish for 87lb 10 for 5 boats, Fife Constabulary 36 fish for 87lb 13 for 4 boats, Perth Anglers 32 fish for 78lb 11oz for 5 boats, ABC&D managed 59 for 103lb 14 for 6 boats, Rainbow Warriors 55 fish for 110lb 11oz including a cracking 8lb 8oz rainbow for 7 boats.

 

This week’s 5 day forecast looks set to be a lovely sunny week with moderate to high easterly winds and pressure is to fall slightly from 1031mb to 1014mb as the week progresses. Not the best for fishing but after the past couple of weeks of wind and rain it will be a blessing.

 

Week Ending 6th April 2009

 

Apologies must have got the reports out of sync, here you have the up to date reports, all are relevant though, fish are getting caught, smiles are on faces:

 

Yet again with the changeable conditions fishing over the past week has been harder than last. Line choice has been changeable with anglers earlier in the week using intermediates and as the weather warmed up towards the Sunday out came the floating lines. Again fly choice has been changeable with the early part of the week being mini lures and small nymphs i.e. Yellow Dancer, White Cat, Black & Green, Cormorants then on Sunday out came the buzzers and Diawl Bach. Water temperature is now at 8.5’C and clarity is still around 1.5m

 

The fish are still well spread out with fish being caught from the dead tree at Osprey point, down past the lilies and along the reeds to Pike point and cottage bay. Other good areas are the gap, the shelf round to reed end. There are a lot of new named areas on Butterstone so if you don’t know the areas there is a new map on the Butterstone website.

 

There have been a good selection of different sized fish off over the past week with fish ranging from 2lbs 4oz through to 6lbs but sadly the cracking over wintered fish are now becoming fewer and far between in anglers catches. Monday saw Mr Lees, in pretty awkward conditions,

weigh in 4 fish for 8lb 6oz, as usual Tuesday regulars Messrs. Eadie and Campbell successfully returned 15 to their trusty Diawl Bach derivatives, Wednesday saw Mr Naysmith weigh in 5 fish for 10 lbs and on Friday Messrs. Gibson and Smeaton took 8 fish for 21lbs including a cracking 3lbs fish. On the club front -  on Wednesday Perth Anglers weighed in 18 fish for 40lbs for 6 boats, Bank of Scotland East AC had 24 fish for 54lb 2oz for 5 boats, Carronbridge AC 25 fish for 67lbs for 7 boats, Leslie & Glenrothes AC 59 fish for 158lb 3oz and returned a further 29 fish.

 

The forthcoming BBC’s 5 day forecast is yet again showing less favourable conditions with most days being predicted as cold and overcast. Temperatures are due to be around 8-9’C and the wind is due to increase as the week progresses to around 20mph on Friday. Barometric pressure looks to be stable at around 1015mb.  

 

Week Ending 9th April 2009

 

As predicted the weather was warm with sunny spells and really rather nice for the start of April with average temperatures from 8-15’C. This created some fantastic fishing conditions which was proven by angler’s returns. Line choice has dramatically changed with most anglers resorting to floating or midge tip lines and moved away from mini lures to a mixture of small Nymphs, Buzzers and the Diawl Bach rather than the slime line / fast glass lines they were using. Water temperature is now at 8.5’C and clarity has risen a little from the .5m to 1.5m as on Sunday it was quite blustery again

 

The fish are still well spread out with fish being caught from the dead tree at Osprey point, down past the lilies and along the reeds to Pike point and cottage bay. Other good areas are the gap, the shelf and reed end.  There are a lot of new named areas on Butterstone so if you don’t know the area there is a new map on the Butterstone website.

 

There have been a good selection of different sized fish off over the past week with fish ranging from 2lbs through to 6lbs and also due to the cold winter and the length of time the loch was frozen there have also been far more overwintered fish being weighed in due to the cormorants being unable to clobber them!

 

Doing well last week were Messrs. Eadie and Campbell who successfully returned 20 to their Diawl Bach derivatives, D Clark of Kinross also had a cracking day on Wednesday returning 10, Mr McTurk returning after a long winter had his usual 6 fish weighing in at 12lb 12oz mostly caught up between osprey point and the lilies and Mr. Ross also had a great day on Friday weighing in 12 for 27lb 8oz. Messrs. Gibson and Smeaton of Cupar Angus weighed in 12 fish for 26lb 8oz.  On the club front - on Wednesday Dundee Westend AC weighed in 69 fish for 139lbs 1oz for 9 boats, Perth RASC AC had 48 fish for 112lbs 10oz and returned a further 25 fish for 5 boats, Balbeggie AC 63 fish for 136lb 14oz for 8 boats Tulliebole AC 31 fish for 64lbs 13oz, for 6 boats, Leslie & Llanilar AC 31 fish for 63lb 11oz for 5 boats and finally St Mungo’s AC 34 fish for 78lb 11oz for 9 boats including an 4lb 11oz rainbow.

 

The forthcoming BBC’s 5 day forecast is not looking quite as good as the past week with wet and windy conditions forecast for most of the week. It is predicted that Tuesday will see the worse of the winds. Temperatures are due to be as low as 8’C and only just creeping into double figures at 11’C  

 

Week Ending 30th March 2009

 

After the previous week of warm weather this last week has been really very cold and windy. Few anglers were out braving the weather but those that did all weighed in fish. A fast glass intermediate with either a cast of boobies and nymphs or mini lures retrieved at a steady figure of eight was the way to go. The forecasted rain never materialised but the winds were averaging 17 – 22 mph and air temperature was an average of 9’C. Water temp is still only 7’C and clarity is still a low 0.5M. 

 

The fish are now being caught all over the loch with the bulk being caught from the dead tree at Osprey point, down past the lilies and along the reeds to Pike point and cottage bay. This was due to anglers being able to anchor up and get out of the wind. There were also fish caught along the shelf and in the shallows just outside and to the left of the harbour. There are a lot of new named areas on Butterstone so if you don’t know the area there is a new map on the Butterstone website.

 

The average size of fish this year is around the 2lb mark with some lovely mid -sized fish ranging from 3 lbs – 10lbs and throughout the week the loch has been producing a small number of these fish just to keep anglers appetites wetted. There have also been more overwintered fish coming to the fly this week as Alan Young of Stanley AC found out when he hooked and successfully returned a fish he estimated to be 3- 4 lbs.

 

Featuring amongst those who did well was Mr. Huggins who weighed in 3 fish for 6lbs also having a cracking day were regular anglers Mr Eadie and Mr Campbell who successfully returned 14 fish for the boat to their trusty Buzzer – Diawl Bach derivatives. On Wednesday Mr Veitch practising for his club outing on Sunday weighed in six for 13lbs and most of these were caught at the Gap, also doing well was Mr Johnson’s boat.

 

On the club front Stanley AC 66 fish for 142lbs 9oz and a further 20 returned for 6 boats, Kingfisher 20 AC 37 fish for 98lbs 8oz including a 6lb 4oz rainbow for 6 boats, Catch22 AC 18 fish for 41lb for 5 boats and finally Aberdour AC 47 fish for 106lbs 15oz including an 8lb 4oz rainbow for 9 boats.

 

The forthcoming BBC’s 5 day forecast is looking better than last week. With most days showing cloud with sunny spells temperatures in the low teens and light to moderate SW- SSW winds. The barometric pressure is likely to remain pretty stable at around 1020 mb.

 

Week Ending 23rd March 2009

 

Butterstone’s opening week has been fantastic with anglers having great sport with intermediate and floating lines both working. The intermediate  teamed up with a mixture of mini lures and nymphs like the Black & Green, White Cat, Black Tadpole, Yellow Dancer and the Cormorant are catching fish in the cooler mornings whilst the likes of Nymphs, Diawl Bach’s and Buzzers are doing the trick in the warmer afternoons. The predicted forecast for a change was spot on. As predicted the winds were light around 5- 6 mph and days were warm, averaging around 15’C or for my older anglers 60’F. Water Temp at the moment is still averaging 7.4’C in the morning and a slightly warmer 8’C by the end of the afternoon. Clarity is still poor at .5M after Sundays change in weather as the winds increased to gusting 44mph. 

 

The fish are well spread out this year and are not all congregated around the road shore and cottage bay as per previous years. There were pockets of fish found from the dead tree at Osprey point down past the lilies down the road shore along the North shore and on the shelf just outside the harbour right round to the south shore. There are a lot of new names areas on Butterstone so if you don’t know the areas there is a new map on the Butterstone website.

 

The average size of fish this year is around the 2lb mark with some lovely mid- sized fish ranging from 3lbs – 10lbs as Messrs. Dunlop and Mitchell found out when they hooked into a 5lb Rainbow. Throughout the week the loch has been producing a small number of larger fish just to keep anglers appetites wetted. Also included in the catch returns have been a few of last year’s stock that have managed to over winter and escape the clutches of the cormorants due to the large extended time the loch was frozen over the winter. Included amongst those who did well last week were Messrs. Dunlop and Mitchell who landed 11 fish for 28lb 4oz including a the 5lb 1oz Rainbow, Mr. Hutchison’s boat weighed in 8 for 17lb 4oz and returned a further 5, R Eddie & Mr Campbell returned an estimated 30+ fish and Mr Martins boat returned 10. D Pozzi and S Page weighed in 12 for 27lbs and returned a further 37 fish.

 

On the club front Stanley AC 97 fish for 216lbs 12 oz and a further 42 returned for 10 boats, Heriot FP AC 35 fish for 77lbs 6oz for 6 boats, Edinburgh Civil Service AC 35 fish for 84lb 8oz including 2 Rainbows 1 at 5lb 12oz for Stuart Lees and 1 at 6lb 4 for Bob Perrett for 3 boats and finally Leslie & Glenrothes AC 44 fish for 107lbs 5oz for 8 boats.

 

The forthcoming weeks forecast is looking les good than last week with it being predominantly wet and moderate to high winds 10- 18mph with Thursday topping 25mph with barometric pressure falling as the week progresses to around 990mb temperatures on the cool side around 6 – 11 ‘C.

 

Week Ending 15th March 2009

 

Butterstone’s opening weekend was a great success with all boats landing fish on both days. Unfortunately the winds that were forecast for the Saturday did materialise and by lunch they were averaging 33mph and gusting to 60mph. Most anglers called it a day and departed after their BBQ but there were two or three diehard boats that tackled the winds right up to the end of the session. They had managed to get up to the top end of the loch and anchor up by Osprey point and the lilies, but as owner Adrian Haldane says ‘’ watching them drift back down to the harbour even with the anchors set you could almost have water skied out the back of the boats!!”. Water temp at the moment is 7.4 ‘C on the surface and 6.8’C at 3M and clarity is nominal after the windy conditions.

 

The fish are well spread out this year and are not all congregated around the road shore and Nether Cardney cottage as per previous years. There were pockets of fish found down the North shore and along the shelf just outside the harbour right round to the south shore. They were even found to be up in the top bay which at this time of year is usually unheard of. 

 

The average size of fish this year is around the 2lb mark with some lovely mid- sized fish ranging from 3 lbs – 10lbs also as Keith Doig was to find again when he landed a lovely 8lb 5oz rainbow. He had taken a private boat again on Saturday and had a great morning before the winds increased they kept 9 fish for 25lb 9oz. Over the two days there were 7 large fish caught all around the 7 – 9lbs mark. Also doing well were P Grubb’s boat that weighed in 12 fish for 27lb 8oz, T Black 6 fish for 16lb 3oz and the Winn brothers 12 fish for 32lbs including a 7lb 4oz rainbow and Duncan McLean over the two days weighed in 21 fish for 48lbs 8oz. On the club front Stanley AC 51 fish for 106lbs for 12 boats, the Rainbow AC 31 fish for 72lbs including a 7lb 7oz caught by Scott Pozzi for 5 boats, Balgay AC 36 fish for 84lb 3oz for 3 boats and Perth Ex Service 36 fish for 94lbs 2oz for 6 boats.

 

The forthcoming weeks forecast is looking good. Sunny intervals with light winds around 2 – 10mph with barometric pressure remaining stable at around 1026mb temperatures on the cool side around 6 – 12 ‘C

 

2008

 

Butterstone remains to fish reasonably well weather dependent with the past week air temperatures dropping into the 0’C bracket in the mornings and three out of seven days having a North - North Westerly wind creating problems. On the other days conditions were great and the fish were playing ball. Line choice is very changeable with anglers having to swap from intermediates to floaters and back as the day warms up and then cools towards the evening. Fly choice is a little more predictable with the Diawl Bach Snatchers and wee traditionals all taking fish. Also now featuring are Cormorants and other mini lures. The water temperature is now down to 9.8’C and falling.

 

The recommended areas are now the end of season favourites i.e. along the shelf from three trees past the harbour mouth right into the shallows around the buoys to reed end.

 

Doing well again this week were regulars Ian and Alex who managed a reasonable day netting seven to the boat for a weight of 14lbs 12oz. C Scott managed 5 for 12lbs, S Malcolm of Bankfoot weighed in 4 for 10lb 4oz, J Alexander 6 for 11lb 5oz and finally Messrs. Gibson and McKenzie of Edinburgh weighed in 8 for 16 lbs. On the club front Perth RASC weighed in 51 fish for 104lb 2oz for 6 boats, and on Sunday in very hard conditions Catch 22 took 7 fish for 14lbs for 3 boats, St Serfs Ladies 8 fish for 17lb 2oz for 4 boats, Perth Ex Service 5 fish for 10lb 4oz for 5 boats and finally Stormontfield AC 9 fish for 21lb 14 for 3 boats.  

 

Conditions are predominantly cloud with sunny spells, light to moderate winds picking up towards the tail end of the week, with temperatures in the low teens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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