The river eventually dropped
back to summer levels. Sport was particularly
slow. September can be a great month but is dependant
on when the first rains come. We had a small spate
at the beginning of the month. A small shoal of
grilse was seen in the second week, but these
fish had their skates on and headed for the loch
without stopping.
In the third week the heavens opened, first on
the west coast, sending the Dochart and Lochay
into spate which in turn drove up the Loch. Then
in the Kenmore area we had a cloud burst. The
Ardnavallach burn was a raging torrent for 2 days
and overflowed its banks onto the golf course.
The main river is still a tad high in this area
and on the lower beats there were reports of 15
feet of water over markers! Much or the river
was unfishable for the third week of the month.
Clive Booth from Highland
Lodges reports that summer sport on the Loch
has also been poor.
On a more positive note, the floods have brought
the fish up. In the last week there were reports
of fish going through Kinnaird and fish were also
taken from Farleyer.
At Taymouth there was a set of gabion baskets
which blocked access to a spawning burn. These
baskets acted like a strainer with most water
running through the baskets and making upstream
passage impossible. Three lorry loads of concrete
were poured over the baskets and a new standpipe
inserted into the pond. This means that running
fish can get over the obstacle.
The first autumn flush cleans out the river of
debris, so it is often the second flush that brings
the fish in. We have now just had that second
flush so we are optimistic for the last two weeks
of the season. Many beats are already booked up
by regular rods, but Jimmy Tritton from Upper
Kinnaird reports that he still has a few rods
available (Call 01796 482 331 or mobile 0789 999
0159). Alternatively come to Kenmore on the 15th
for the last day. We operate gentleman's rules
on the last day so that everyone can have a go.
Permits cost £30 with proceeds going to
the Hatchery Fund. |
