Despite 20mph winds and a very cold water temperature of 5c at the three feet mark, opening day at Scotland’s premier brown trout water was a big success with 130 fish being caught with an average weight of 1lb 3oz.

The best fishing drifts have been the South Shore, which was sheltered from the strong southwesterly wind but Boat House Bay gave the best sport with most fish taking just under the surface. The Invertrossachs and Otter Island drifts also performed well, as did Grahavie Bay especially on opening day. Jim Devine from Aberdour took the honour of the heaviest fish – a cracking over wintered brown of 2lbs taken on a size 12 Dunkeld. Jim Milne and John Jarvis had the best boat from the Thistle AC taking 10 fish to 1lb 12oz. Messrs. Simpson and Watson from Aberdour also had 10 good trout.The bulk of the catches were taken on intermediate or ghost tip lines teamed up with size 12 flies like the Bibio, Clan Chief, Zulu, mini Ace of Spades and the Dunkeld.

There are still available spaces for the Venachar Brown Trout League that kicks off in May.

The cost of entry is £20 with fishery rules and prices applying but as the number of competitors will be limited to 50 it is advisable for interested parties to register an interest now. Further information, click here.