Fishing Season Report 2016 Mar 26, 2017
Stocking
Ten thousand brown trout were stocked in the 2016 fishing season averaging between 16ozs and 32ozs almost 6 tonnes in total weight. Stockings took place on 9th March, 18th March, 20th April, 23 rd June and the 11th July.
The average weight stocked in 2016 was 1lb 4ozs. The table below shows the average catches per visit to Loch Earn over the past ten years.
This is information supplied by Associate Member Season Ticket holders and includes all fish caught. This table also gives the % of returns we receive back from our Associate Member Season Ticket holders.
Catch Returns
| Year | Average catch | % returned |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2.9 | 2.7% |
| 2017 | 6.1 | 4.5% |
| 2016 | 5.1 | 2.5% |
| 2015 | 5.2 | 6.4% |
| 2014 | 4.3 | 3.6% |
| 2013 | 6.5 | 4.4% |
| 2012 | 4.5 | 5.6% |
| 2011 | 6.8 | 7.2% |
| 2010 | 11.2 | 0.6% |
| 2009 | 9.0 | 3.7% |
| 2008 | 7.5 | 6.4% |
| 2007 | 8.5 | 6.7% |
| 2006 | 5.7 | 3.9% |
| 2005 | 4.8 | 4.9% |
| 2004 | 3.2 | 8.4% |
| 2003 | 3.0 | 9.3% |
| 2002 | 2.4 | 11% |
Catch returns this year were very poor at 2.5% compared to 6.4% in 2015. We still need more.
This year’s information represented 37 days fishing effort where a total of 189 fish were landed giving an average catch per visit of 5.1 fish compared to 5.2 fish in 2015, 4.3 fish in 2014, 6.5 fish in 2013, 4.5 fish in 2012, 6.8 fish in 2011, 11.2 fish in 2010, 9 fish in 2009, 7.5 fish in 2008 and 8.5 fish in 2007.
By species, 187 brown trout and 2 rainbow trout made up the total numbers taken.
The total weight caught was 272lbs 12ozs giving an average of 1lb 7oz.
Breaking these numbers down further:
- 48 brownies were killed for a total weight of 92lbs 12ozs. Average weight 1lbs 15ozs.
- 139 brownies were returned for a total Weight of 166lbs (av wt 1lb 3oz)
- 2 rainbow trout were killed for a total weight of 14lbs (ave weight 7lbs)
- No char were registered on 2016 returns.
- No eels were registered this season.
Total fish killed 50 (27% of total) and fish returned 139 (73% of total) which indicates 10% more fish being returned in comparison to the 2015 figures. Another interesting statistic for this past season is the percentage catch per species with brown trout 99% and rainbow trout 1%.
For the avoidance of any doubt Loch Earn Fishings only stocks Loch Earn with triploid Brown Trout.
Angling Clubs
Angling Clubs also had their fair share of success.
| Date | Club | Browns | Rainbow | Killed | Returned | Total Weight | Boats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17th May | West of Scotland AC | 13 | 13 | 0 | 12lbs 9ozs | 5 | |
| 11th June | St. Mungo AC | 33 | 23 | 10 | 27lbs | 5 | |
| 18th June | Laurencekirk & District AC | 42 | 4 | 38 | 3lbs 8ozs | 3 | |
| 16th July | St. Mungo AC | 10 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 12lbs 15ozs | 3 |
| 27th July | Loch Inch AC | 21 | 9 | 12 | 16lbs 8ozs | 3 | |
| 13th Aug | St. Mungo AC | 13 | 9 | 4 | 10lbs 14ozs | 3 |
Other News
Wild Brown Trout Spawning
These photos show wild Loch Earn Brown trout moving up one of the feeder streams to spawn in the gravel beds on the 9th December 16, 2016 and judging from the numbers seen there is a very healthy stock.
Slipway
As many of you are aware we were behind schedule at the start of the fishing season in putting our new slipway in ironically because the water was too high!!!
However it’s in now and has been a tremendous success and especially at times of low water. A 250 tonne crane was brought in to lift the assembled sections into position on the 17th March 2016. The photos below show the JCB doing preparatory work before the new sections were put into position, as well as the old slipway being removed.
Car Park
After the new slipway was put into position we were then able to extend the Car Park and as a result we can now accommodate up to 45 boats on a Launching & Storage basis as well as providing a launching facility for the many day boats that use Loch Earn during the season.
At present we have twenty boats on site as more people go for the Annual Launching & Storage option so if you want Seasonal Launching & Storage make sure you request this promptly in the New Year as we were booked out in a very short space of time last year.
Caravan Park
During the early spring we completed a small extension to our caravan park which increases our capacity to ten pitches.
We still have our original CL but now have an additional five pitches. You still need to be members of the Caravan Club to use the site and at certain times of the year especially peak periods it might not be possible to guarantee a pitch on the original CL. Having said that all pitches have commanding views.
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park (By Laws)
We are still not certain of the detailed arrangements for implementation of the camping bylaws, which come into force on 1 st March 2017.
We do know that there will be a number of camping pitches on the North and South shores which will be available to book at a cost of £3 per night per tent. The charge will cover up to 4 adults and any number of children. Booking will be via an on-line booking system and pitches can be booked ahead, which is advised for busy periods.
Updates will be posted on the website when further details become clear.
Competition Winner
This years recipient of the 10yr old Glenturret Malt Whisky goes to George Gilfillan from Bathgate. Congratulations, George!
Heaviest Catches of the Season
Heaviest Rainbow Trout
This is the heaviest trout ever caught by rod and line in the UK and weighed in at an incredible 34lbs 12ozs.
It was taken on the 2 nd October 2016 by Coatbridge painter and decorator Michael Mitchell fishing in the shallows at the western end of Ardveich Bay. Fishing from his own boat which he shares with his brother in law Ian Devine also from Coatbridge, the massive fish took his float fished maggots on a size 14 hook about five feet from the surface and after a fifteen minute battle where two landing nets were totally trashed it was eventually hauled into the boat after Ian managed to get his hand in behind its gills and over the gunnels of the boat.
View in Gallery
Heaviest Brown Trout
This huge brownie at 26lbs in weight capped off an amazing five days fishing a weekly ticket in the 4th week in May for John Robertson from Ballingry.
Fishing from his own boat "The Fin Reaper" he produced no fewer than nine brown trout in excess of 10lbs in weight.
He killed five for 78lbs 15ozs and returned four for 82lbs 9ozs including the 26 pounder.
Nine fish for 161½lbs weight giving an average just short of eighteen pounds.
Heaviest Char
This super char, weighing in at 1 1/2 lbs was taken by Robert Brocx from Seattle out in a Drummond Estate Boat on the 24th May and was taken on ledgered worm in around 35 feet of water.
These fish and other catches are available to view in the Gallery. If you do catch a decent fish or a nice basket of fish or something unusual let us know and we will put your pictures into the gallery on our website along with details of weights, numbers, how you caught your fish and where about.