The unsettled weather during the past week has meant fluctuating catches and very varied tactics. Air temperature has not been above 12c all week and the water temperature is also now just about 12c. With a strong south west wind on Monday and Tuesday most boats were pulling wets on intermediates. With better weather on Wednesday Messrs. Riach and Millar had great sport on Wednesday fishing wee dries but on Thursday, Friday and Saturday conditions were quite breezy again. At last Sunday was much milder and great conditions were enjoyed for most of the day. We have seen early small hatches of Mayfly’s mainly in Lendrick, Grahavie and Milton bays. Numerous large brownies have been hooked and lost this week at the very western end of the loch. These larger fish seem to visit this area at this time of year where they feed on pike eggs and fry. Bill King from the Butcher Boys, landed a cracking 2lb 4oz fish and Colin Riach, Edinburgh, returned a superbly conditioned fish in excess of 2lbs 12oz.The clubs were out in force with Callander AC, 3 boats, taking 5 fish for 5lbs 8oz with 1 returned – best rod was Sammy Mathieson with 4 fish weighing 3lbs 9oz. Scottish & Southern Electric Board AC, 9 boats, 14 fish for 17lb – top rods Ian MacLean and Brian Ferguson – 4 fish each and the The ABCD AC, 4 boats, 11 fish for 17lb 3oz - best rod G Dickson 3 fish for 3lb 10oz. The Butcher Boys AC, 10 boats, 21 fish for 21lbs 6oz, St Serf’s Ladies AC, 5 boats, 7 fish for 7lbs - best rod Maggie Norrie 3 fish returned and Ferry Fly Fishers, 5 boats, 14 fish returned – top rod R. MacGregor 5 fish returned. Winchburgh AC, 4 boats, 40 fish for 39lb 1oz – best rod Jock Cowan 7 for 7lb 4oz.The best taking flies have been wee dries and traditional patterns like the Kate McLaren, Claret Dabbler, Clan Chief, Loch Ordy, Golden Olive Bumble and the Invicta. The best drifts have been Grahavie Bay, Boathouse Bay, Submarine and Otter Islands.