As we near the end of 2009, we can look back to an good years fishing. Those who appreciate natural Brown Trout fishing in stunning surroundings have been well rewarded with some lovely fish. The breeding streams remain in excellent condition so we anticipate fine trout fishing in 2010.

Pike angling is now the major sport on Loch Venachar having overtaken trout for the first time. The word has spread about the great catches throughout the year. As recently as early December, fish over 20lb were recorded and many in the teens. In anticipation of a big year for pike, we are closing the western half of the water during the spawning season for a few weeks. depending on the water temperature, that will probably be in the latter part of February. We feel sure that regular anglers will appreciate the need to protect our stock during this period.

We are finalising our prices for 2010 and these will be published shortly. Costs have risen but we shall be attempting to keep as closly as possible to the 2009 prices.

Finally all of us here wish all our angling friends a Happy Christmas and a great 2010.

An interesting fact is big increase in pike fishing on Venachar with course anglers outnumbering the game fishers for the first time.

Quite a steady week with the trout fishing reviving. There were quite consistent results from the popular drifts at Lendrick and Milton Bays. On the windier days, those on the more sheltered south bank were most successful near the sailing club and towards Beetle Bay. Quite a number of visitors to the area from the EU this year and it was a Dutch pair who registered the best boat with 7 fish averaging 1.4lb and best of 2.1lb. They used homemade flies that were of their own traditional design and most like Kate McLaren and Dunkeld. They were alternating floating and intermediate lines and catching on both. Don’t miss the last few weeks of the season as they usually fish well.

Another steady week for pike. With the higher water level, the west end of the water has been impressive with a best of 25lb and lots near the 20lb. The East end was disappointing. Best fishing still from the boats although lots on the banks.

The last few weeks have seen us coming into the rather quiet July and August period when the fishing on Venachar is not at its best. In spite of that, there are still consistent pike returns. the last week has seen only smaller fish (under 20lb) reported but the earlier part of July saw some excellent landings with several over 20lb.

Brown trout landings are definately not great during July and August and this year is no exception. Most boats have reported no more than a couple per rod. the last few days were better with some nice fish on the South shore but the unsettled weather pattern makes it hard to read the water right now. Best flies are the usual Kate McLaren, Bibio and Dunkeld.

Quite a good week on Venachar. Consistent catches all over the water. Sundays outing for the Good Companions club gave 31 fish for12 rods. Total weight - 29lb 13oz biggest fish - 1lb 15oz. Best rod - Tam McGarry - 5 fish for 5lb 9oz. Others on the water has similar results with 1-3 fish per rod the norm all week. Wester and Easter Dullater drifts were proving good but Lendrick and Milton Bay are getting results right too.

Pike results were patchy last week with only one report of catches over 20lb

Over the last two weeks, we have had teams from Croatia, Germany, USA, Poland, France, Italy,  Czechoslovakia and Australia practicing for the world fly fishing championships. They are rather secretive about their flies and indeed their catches and all fish caught were returned. We did however get enough feedback to know that there were some excellent bags. Aside from the teams, fishing has been very busy with excellent brown trout catches. Best bags for trout reported to us by John McGill from Balloch whose two man boat landed 10 fish with a best of those kept weighing in at just over 2lb and two lads from Glasgow who landed 9 fish on the boat and returned 3 more. Best weight was just under 2lb.

Overall, an excellent time for the brownies. The West end of the water was performing best. This might have been influenced by the persistent easterly wind. Floating lines were working well with the usual range of traditional flies. Grouse and Claret was the favourite on the best boat.

Some excellent pike returns too this week. Best boat claimed 7 fish with he best a shade under 20lb. We understand that some bank fishers landed some fine fish but we did not receive direct reports of this.

Venachar is at its best right now.

A week of steady but unexciting results. Pike anglers were recording a good number of fish but we have not been notified of any sizable specimens. The brown trout results have also been steady with the poor weather giving the boat anglers a hard time. Best bag reported was relatively low at just 5 fish for two anglers reported by Jon Edgar and Richard Mulhall visiting from Ireland. With the water warming, floating lines are starting to work. Clan Chief and Dunkeld were claiming success. Interestingly a complete beginner on his first solo trip landed a brownie of nearly 2lbs

Things are really getting going with the brownies now. An excellent week generated some great bags. The best was landed by Norman Radcliffe from Fife. A fine bag of 4 brownies with one at 1.5lb, 2 at 1.75lb and a beauty at 2.25lb. In addition he returned a further 2 at an estimated 1lb each. The southern drifts were showing results but the best was still the Lendrick Bay area. Dunkelds were doing well as were Kate McLaren and Clan Chief.

A much better week for pike too with 2 at 23lb and many in the high teens. As usual, boats to the west of the water were finding the fish.

At last the brownies are on the move. This week has seen some much better fishing with some excellent results at the weekend. Best fish was an beautiful 2.5lb native Brown caught in the Lendrick Bay using a size 12 Clan Chief. Others had some fine bags in the same area. This week also saw the first Sea Trout caught in the Boathouse Bay and generally good signs of activity all over the Loch.

Pike results were varied and a fine 25lb fish was landed from the bank below the farm at the west end of the Loch. Again, activity was on the increase and results picking up following the spawning season.

Boat demand is increasing and on Saturday several were turned away so book early for the weekends.

At last the brownies are on the move. This week has seen some much better fishing with some excellent results at the weekend. Best fish was an beautiful 2.5lb native Brown caught in the Lendrick Bay using a size 12 Clan Chief. Others had some fine bags in the same area. This week also saw the first Sea Trout caught in the Boathouse Bay and generally good signs of activity all over the Loch.

Pike results were varied and a fine 25lb fish was landed from the bank below the farm at the west end of the Loch. Again, activity was on the increase and results picking up following the spawning season.

Boat demand is increasing and on Saturday several were turned away so book early for the weekends.