Big trout catches were no surprise
A phonecall from Dave Clements who manages the fishings at Craigosheena to Millden brought back many memories of stories from the glen, (Glen Esk) of monster trout and days spent in this the loveliest of all Scottish glens.
He was excited as one of his visiting anglers had landed a trout of over five pounds from Dalforth, (probably the best trout pool on the Northie) and another two of over three pounds had been grassed lately.
I think Dave was a bit surprised at its size but if you can remember I told you last year of his dives into the pools of Glen Esk and his stories of big trout and salmon as seen from underwater.
I told Dave of the escape of hundreds of Loch Leven strain trout from a wee artificial loch at Millden. I think in the fifties (if it was not the fifties, please let me know) and that since then the river in the Millden area had produced many big trout and they are pink fleshed as Loch Leven trout are.
I can remember seeing fish from such anglers as Bill Hampton, both the Bill Clarks and Jack Wood, all stalwarts of Brechin Angling Club in their time. I am also told by Roy Bagnell from Gannochy Lodge of very big trout coming from his stretch of the river, especially the Witches pool, an area famed for massive trout in the past.
No it does not surprise me to hear of such captures in Glen Esk, but perhaps all the new owners are surprised, but gentlemen this is no new event and I know you will cherish this surprise for the future.
I know one great angler now alas not now with us who would be pleased at such news. I speak of Hugh Ferrier, ex of Cuttlehaugh and once Head Keeper at Invermark.
Hugh spent many of his years of retirement on the banks of the Esk and I was lucky enough to listen to his many stories of his exploits and of the battles he had with the fine brownies of this beautiful glen. All is well Hugh.
Brechin Angling Club held their third boat competition at the weekend at Lintrathen but it was to turn out a difficult evening with a cold S.E. wind spoiling any chance of a rise. Trout were well spread out throughout the loch and moving just under the surface.
Many were caught by thinking that the fish would be deep however that was their downfall and those on floating lines were the successful people on the night.
The winner once again was Gordon Armstrong with five Rainbows followed closely by Eck Ewart and myself with five and four, my bag containing a very good brownie.It is sad however to see the lack of maintenance on the boats and motors at this first class venue and much was being said after boats once again were having to be pulled in again.
Surely the Lintrathen Club should be looking to invest in some new machinery if they are to be able to justify their not inconsiderable charges.
Lastly, the Esks continue to disappoint with very little sign of salmon and grilse entering the rivers. It is most worrying.
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Weather for Brechin
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
