Sunday 10th May 2015,  Earlston Angling Clubs planned boat outing to the Watch was spoilt by very strong southerly winds. However they battled against the high winds fishing from the bank of the south shore. Although the conditions were difficult for casting there were good catches reported and a good day was had by all.  The winner with a total weight of 14lb 10 oz for 5 fish was Douglas Scott. 2nd place went to Ross Wilson with 14lb 8 oz. 3 rd place was  Douglas Ballantyne with 10lb 4 oz.  A total of 47 fish were taken by ten rods and in addition they released another thirty. 

The fishing catches in general have been  very good recently. Most anglers have caught fish.  Catches of 5-10 fish per rod are not uncommon. Most of the fish caught are on ghost tip, fast glass and intermediate lines. Floating lines have been less successfull due to the cold tempretures. The resevoir is well stocked and with the warmer weather coming, some good times will be had in the future

The past few weeks at the watch water has seen some tremendous top of the water sport. Good spells of warm weather have produced some magnificent fly hatches from Midge, Lake Olives, Caddis and the iconic Daddy Long Legs.
 
Tactics during the day have been straight Line Nymphing with Olive Damsels or Yellow Dancers on the point teamed up with buzzer imitations fished off floating lines. Moving on into mid day when there seems to be more fly life about, buzzer and dry fly tactics have been key. Dry flies such as Shuttlecock emergers, Daddies, Small Hoppers and black knat have all been working really well. 
 
Since our evening fishing has started, Caddis hatches at night have been second to none. Baloon Caddis and sedge patterns are getting smashed by our fish at the moment. Mark Straughen from Coldstream took advantage of this landing 8 Rainbows including this 9lbs Rainbow.

Also please remember that our Open Boat Sweep Competition is now on every Thursday evening. This is a relaxed and friendly competition with the chance to win a bob or two. There is no set time for this comp, all you have to do is pay a fiver into the eveing sweep and the heaviest bag of the night wins the sweep. if you need any more information please give me a call on our landline.

Tight Lines

Martin

Carolyne Shaftoe with a nice Rainbow

Invicta Ladies AC

The Royal British Legion sitting down for a meal after thier days fishing.

Lothian Buses with thier Annual Fly Fishing Trophy

Our Resident Geese with thier younglings

One of many cheeky chappies who tend to greet you on arrival at our superb fishery.

William Crombie out on the boat braving the elements

a fantastic photo of an adder taken at the Reservoir which was sent in by one of our regular anglers

Another fantastic photo of the Adder

One of the Large Caddis flies going about at the moment

The Corner on the reservoir entrance proves to be a popular area with our bank anglers

An army of Anglers on the dam Wall

Beginner Derek Smart with his first ever fly caught trout, Derek caught 6 fish during his days fishing. Well Done Derek!

Mark Straughen's Slab of a 9lbs Rainbow Trout caught during an evening rise.