Freezing times - but hopefully warmer weather is coming!

Soon after the first frosts we have now had some freezing weather and this always affects coarse fish at this time of year. However there are still fish to be being caught, but you have to be canny about how the weather conditions impact on the fish.  In general the cold start to the day means all the waters (and the fish) can take a while to warm up and afternoon is often the best time.  The wind also has a big effect and can stir the fish into action ... if you fish in the right place at the right time!

Look for spells of settled weather.  The fish know the Winter is coming and when the weather is consistent for a few days they can feed very well leading to big catches.  The best thing to do is take advice from Ronnie at the fishery as to where to go and how to fish.

Top Pond

Has turned very clear because of hard frosts. Still giving lots of bites but they can be finicky and hard to hit.  Carp are still feeding with the odd fish over 1lb but he best time is late afternoon and early evening.  With the colder weather it often pays to cut back on the amount of feed and keep it as accurate as possible, use a pole cup if possible.  Natural baits like pinkies, maggots and worms and  are coming into their own. 

Main Loch

Still holding good colour which has helped sport for pleasure anglers but can be a struggle in matches in the cold conditions.
Roach are showing more than anything else at the moment and often can be caught on a swimfeeder 15-20 yards out on maggot. Worm has been a successful bait but be sure to experiment with hookbaits, often maggot is better.  Ide are not coming up as shallow as before so it's important to find the right depth.  Check with Ronnie for the latest tactics.  Bream are heading into deeper water, pole is still good but swimfeeder and slider are becoming more prominent.

Island Pond

Again recovering after a difficult period and more Carp are showing now for pleasure anglers, the biggest around 4lb.  Successful tactics are pretty much as for the top pond.  More fish being caught in deeper water away from the island.

Previous Reports

7 October 2003

29 July 2003