SPRING SEASON ENDS IN A WHIMPER

Not a single return reported today from the Dam beats although one came off close to the bank. Saviour today was Calum McRoberts on P.A.C. fishings at Ruan Ruarie with a fish of 13lb from the Grilse pool on a Wee Rapala. Calum had already been Sawmilled this week and just fancied a change of venue which I thought might be too low by now. Obviously not! I think Calum will show us the potential of Ruan Ruarie in the coming weeks. Maybe the nightshift at the dam tonight will save the day.   JK

FULL HOUSE

Today we had a slow start at the Dam fishings with only one fish from Pitlochry bank which is still to be confirmed. Tonight before 6.30 Steve Watt had brought his Tummel fishing to a halt for this week with another two at 8lb and 9lb on Cascade. Steve the previous night had been Sawmilled with two fish of 13lb. This ends his weeks fishing on Tummel having caught 3 other fish early in the week. Photos were available but we have seen that old grin many a time so I thought we would brighten things up with a photo of Fiona Stewart West Haugh proprietor with a lovely 11lb fish from Sawmill ( returned ). Early this morning Gordon Nichol reported an 11lb fish from Sawmill . Again tonight the Les Dargie late show with a 10lb fish on Pitlochry bank.   jk

ANOTHER GREAT DAY ON TUMMEL

Today at the dam Steve Watt got back on track with two magnificent fish of 14lb and 16lb on Cascade. Jim Fisher got our other fish at the dam on Pitlochry bank estimated at 9lb. Sawmill produced the days best catches with a 19lb fish ( pictured ) for Calum Mc Roberts in the passing on his way to work. After tea tonight Steve Watt thought he would give the Sawmill a cast for a wee change on his way home and landed another two liced fish both about 13lb on the dreaded Cascade again. Graeme Stewart got in on the act with a quick sorty again in Sawmill with a fish around 6lb. Gordon Hanslip finally got his season started with two from Sawmill at 11lb and 12lb. Gordon Nichol continues to fish by candlelight with another of 14lb at the dam tonight. Les dargie also had one of 9lb at the dam.     JK

FISH MOVING THROUGH THE SYSTEM

Pitlochry Angling Clubs Ruan Ruarie beat on the river Garry produced our first returns this season when regular Scott Henderson had two at 9.5lb and 13lb both on 25gm Yellow Flying C. Sawmill produced two today for Martin Timmons 9lb and 13lb on Rapala. At the dam beat during the day only one fish was caught by Geoff Du Vivier 7.5lb on Copper toby. Tonight as the water began to clear Ian Hyslop had one of 9lb on Cascade from Portnacraig and another reported from Pitlochry bank for David McPherson a beautiful fish of 18lb also on fly. Another return for Sawmill today was Calum Mc Roberts with a 12lb fish which I had missed.  Another late return tonight for Gordon Nichol and Michael Low on Portnacraig both fish around 8lb on Cascade.    JK

LAST SPRING WEEKS CATCHES

After a really dismal start to our Spring fishing at Pitlochry dam our season has completely turned round in the last six weeks. Now we enter the last week of our spring fishing and it continued to bring success for Steve Watt with a sea liced fish around 12lb on Pitlochry bank caught on Cascade. Gordon Hanslip was out of luck this morning after hooking a fish which went round rocks and eventually Gordon broke off  at the running line losing the full line. Someone will probably hook up the line in the next couple of days and it will be some concillation if it was returned to Gordon. Top rod today and thoroughly deserved was Kenneth McGregor who had travelled all the way from Ardrossan in Ayrshire and had a great morning on Portnacraig bank with two lovely fish of 10lb and 7lb on Cascade.    JK

SMILES ALL ROUND

Today at the Dam 5 rods shared the glory which kept everyone happy. Spare a thought for the missing rod today Stewart Clements who missed out on practically a full weeks fishing between West Haugh and the Dam beat having to return home at the start of the week due to a family illness. The role of honour today reads  Kevin McKay 13LB-----Gary Watson 12lb ------Gary Waugh 11lb----- John Downie 7lb and top award today goes to Neil Tong who landed an 8lb fish in the morning. In the afternoon Neil gave a wonderful exhibition on leaving the summer stones. I was informed artistic impression was 4.2. Well done Neil a new pair of Speedo`s will be in the post.   JK

NO WATER NO PROBLEM

Summer level conditions were on offer today but did not stop visitor Stuart Campbell landing a fish of 10lb early doors and another falling off shortly after on a tube of his own tying. Late starter on Pitlochry bank Steve Watt who is not keen on low water conditions arrived about 11oclock not expecting a lot after a week of no fishing recharging the batteries. Steve had two before lunch at 10lb and 12lbon an Allys varient. In the afternoon Steve added to his catch with a sea -licer of 8lb on the same fly. About 4.30 pm I arrived back at the dam to see Steve playing number 4 which after almost being on the bank a few times finally falling off.. The deafening silence was quickly eased by the grin on Steves face when he said its been a good day.  On another good note Gordon Nichol had a lovely fish in Sawmill of 17lb on cascade.     JK

GORDON KEEPS US TICKING OVER AT THE DAM

A great effort at the Dam today from Gordon Nichol with two fish at 10lb and 15lb, the first early this morning on Portnacraig and the second late afternoon on Pitlochry bank. Gordon never mentioned the successful fly patterns but I have no doubt it will be a new creation that is still under wraps at the moment. Strong windy conditions made things interesting today so well done Gordon.   JK

INVERNESS SUCCESS AT LAST

Today at Pitlochry dam well known and prolific Salmon angler Alex Elliot on his third attempt to get his first Tummel fish stuck lucky with a beautiful 12lb fish caught on a cascade varient. Alex who is a regular on the Ness system is widely recognised as the creator of the very successful pattern known as the " Elliot Ness ".

TUMMEL FISH RUSHING THROUGH THE LADDER

Today the ladder count rose by over 200 as fish piled through all day. Fish showed all day as they were on the move. A few lingered too long as Iain McLaren managed two around the 10lb mark on Pitlochry bank the first I know on a conehead Willie Gunn. As always  Bobby White was in on the act with a 9lb fish in the morning from Portnacraig bank and doubled up with the fish pictured of 14lb both on size 10 shrimp dressing. Bobby had plenty of other interest all day without any more hanging on.   JK

STEADY START TO P.A.C. FISHINGS

A rapid rise in temperature and falling water saw a lot of fish on the move through the ladder today. Stuart Humphreys got his season started after having lost any fish he had connected to on previous visits this year. The fish ( Pictured ) was estimated around 9lb and was caught on a Park Shrimp. Davy Stewart continued his good run with a fresh fish around 10lb on Shrimp Pattern.    JK

TEAM PLAY

Father and son duo Thomas Andrew senior and Thomas Andrew jnr regular visitors to the Dam beat were our only success today. Thomas snr 20lb on Gold Cascade and Thomas jnr 15lb on Toby. I spoke to Thomas snr before he left and he told me although some fish were showing early on he fished down the top two pools with no interest. Plan B was put into operation to send Jnr down with the Toby which was met with success just below the marker pool. Thomas Snr said with a grin on his face young Thomas seemed to have woken them up as he hooked into the big one on a size 9 double at his back. Both left without even fishing Potnacraig bank very contented anglers. Late report of another fish in the late afternoon for Graeme Lightbody with a 9lb fish on fly.   JK

P.A.C. RETURNS THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

Thursday at the Dam and Davy Stewart continued his excellent season with two more fish at 8lb and 16lb on shrimp patterns. Visitor Richard Bond also had a successful day with two for 6lb and 10lb on Yellow Ally Varient. Another fish around 16lb was also caught and I am waiting for the return to confirm. Sawmill also had Steve Watt pick up a fish of 8lb on Cascade. Friday at the Dam was all Steve Watt with three fish in the morning of 6lb-9lb and 12lb ( pictured ) caught on Cascade-- Grainhead Willie Gunn and Grainhead Shrimp special. Steve also managed to let two escape. On Sawmill today Ally Gowans had one around 8lb in the morning. Graeme Stewart also reported an 8lb fish from Sawmill on Cascade. Good to see you back on the river Graeme after your jaunt to the other side of the world.  JK

TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY ROLL OF HONOUR

Tuesday morning on Portnacraig John Dent landed our only fish during the day session with a fish of 13lb on fly. Steve Watt and Gordon Nichol had one apiece at 8lb and 12lb on Cascade in the evening. Early Wednesday morning and Calum McRoberts managed a couple of hours on his way to work at Bruar. Calum had three fish at 8lb--13lb and 20lb on a Vision plug bait from Pitlochry bank. Well done Calum a tremendous start to the day. Evening session started with Steve Watt getting one of 10lb on Cascade and an early return home to Perth having caught 2 this week in the evening. New club member Michael Low (Well known International Trout angler ) finished our catches with a lovely fresh 9lb fish on Pitlochry bank.     JK

A NEW WEEK AT THE DAM BEATS

Steve Watt got our returns started this week with another great effort. Steve landed three fish this morning before 9am all on Grainhead special Willie Gunn and his usual sink tip set up. The sizes were estimated at 12lb--12lb and 13lb. On Sawmill early this morning Calum McRoberts got his week under way with a fresh in 9lb fish on Vision 120.

Port-na-Craig before the dam was built

This is what our river looked like before Pitlochry Dam was built in the 1940's

GREAT FINISH TO THE WEEK

Late report this morning of a fish last night from Portnacraig at 11lb for Les Dargie. Today Davy Stewart had another great day with fish from both banks at 12lb and 20lb on shrimp patterns.Iain Wood completed our returns this week with a fish of 9lb on a Gold bodied Willie Gunn from Pitlochry bank. Our catch returns are beginning to look a lot healthier.   JK

FRIDAY TUMMEL RETURNS

Regular visitors to the dam beats Mark Currie --Rory Macnab---and Matthew Currie kept our catch return up today with three fish. Matthew missed out this week having caught three himself last May around this time. Rory had two today at 6lb and 12lb on flying c and the larger fish on fly (Posh Tosh). Mark had there other fish at 10lb on Flying c.Well done lads another good effort. Jim Fisher had our other fish today estimated at 10lb on Park Shrimp. Pictured is Roger Collins with a lovely fish from last week.  JK

CATCHES SPREAD AT THE DAM

Great to see catches spread amongst the anglers today. Top rod today was that old angler from Fife Neil MacLellan with three fish of 12lb-12lb and 8lb. Two fish on shrimp patterns and one on spinner.I was taken aback this morning when that old tobacco tin was not to be seen!. Instead an old plastic box had taken its place which seemed to spring open voluntarily and I am sure an Ally Shrimp went for a swim unattached. I was told the old tobacco tin was laid to rest following a severe bout of rigour rust and had I any replacements. Gordon Nichol continued his success with two fish of 11lb and 12lb both on Willie Gunn. Alan Greene was also in on the action with the best of the day at 14lb on shrimp fly. Charlie McGhee ( Sirriousblack ) got his second in two days with an 12lb fish on Gold Toby. With the figures showing through the dam I think a big proportion of the fish arriving are being caught. Sawmill produced two today with an 8lb fish for Ally Gowans early in the morning and tonight a beautiful sea-licer of 11lb for Innes Smith.  JK

FIRST SALMON

Steve Watt with his best fish of the day

Portnacraig produced our only catch on Monday. That did not matter a jot to John Walker who landed his first Salmon ever a lovely fish estimated at 18lb caught on a Silver Toby. This morning fairly early Portnacraig bank produced two fish for Steve Watt around about 8-9lb mark. Both were caught on Grainhead specials Willie Gunn. Late morning and Steve Watt has landed another two fish this time on floating devon estimated at 10lb and 16lb. Early afternoon and I watched as Charles Mc Ghee ( Sirriousman ) played a superb fish on Portnacraig bank estimated at 18lb on a Silver Toby. The buzz from Charles was good to see. Late afternoon and Steve reported his fifth fish of the day from Pitlochry bank on the same Willie Gunn tube this time estimated at 15lb. Well done Steve I think somebody up there was looking after you today.    JK

FULL HOUSE

Despite high and pretty dirty water our visitors from Perth gave it a good try . Mid morning and the only encouraging sign was a follow from a fish to the Flying C. Before lunch on Portnacraig as the water showed a little bit of clarity Stuart Mc Arthur kept up our catch rate for the week with a fish of 8lb on a Junction Shrimp. This was the only catch today despite Stuart losing a fish in the afternoon and a fish lost on Portnacraig almost at the side in the afternoon. Pictured are the Perth boys Graham and Malcolm Fyfe along with Stuart Mc Arthur.   JK

RETURNS CATCHUP

With no internet connection yerterday I had no idea of the catches. It was after lunchtime today before catches were known and placed on Fishpal ect. Early yesterday before I left for Inverness my neighbour intimated there was a man in Sawmill fishing with a collar and tie on !.  Aye that will be Calum Mc Roberts.  Its nice to add a bit of class to the angling club. Calum duly obliged with a fish of 8lb. Well done Calum its nice to see a cheerful face early morning. I missed out yesterday not getting to the Dam beats when another two fish were caught on Pitlochry bank by well known Tay ghillie Bobby White and first time visitor Curtis Brunker at 11lb and 18lb respectively.( Bobby is the good looking one on the right ).  This afternoon despite the river level rising rapidly, club member Mr Roger Collins continued his good fortune recently with a beautiful fish of 20.5lb from Portnacraig on the same tube fly of his own design. I think Roger you will have to put a name to it.   JK

HILL LOCHS TROUT THAWED OUT

After the exceptionally long and hard winter in the hills this year,I am glad to report that both lochs are shaping up well.Boat and Bank anglers on Bhac have reported good catches of rainbows.On Kinardochy two regular visiting anglers had an excellent day landing 16 brown trout the largest being 3lbs 8oz and all were safely returned to the water.Clan Chief and Greenwell were the flies doing the business that day.The weather forecast for next week shows daytime temperatures more consistently in double figures so all signs are very encouraging. IB

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DAM RETURNS UPDATE

Charlie Hammond with his brother Patrick's fish safely in the net prior to release.

Yesterday morning on Pitlochry bank Patrick Phelan caught two lovely fresh fish on Flying C both weighed in net at 16lb and 10lb. In the afternoon another fish estimated at 7lb was landed again on Pitlochry bank spinning.



Ross Gardiner releasing fish netted for him by Charlie Hammond

Today Pitlochry bank produced the first of our catches with a lovely fish of 15lb on a purple dressed tube for Patrick Hammond . In the afternoon Ross Gardiner had a fish of 11lb on Toby from Portnacraig. Ross has the best ratio of fish caught to hours fished I know. Tonight the usual suspects fished the Dam with Jim Fisher getting the biggest fish of the day estimated at 18lb on Pitlochry bank. Davy Stewart continued his good run with another fish from Portnacraig estimated at 10lb on a shrimp style pattern.    JK