The fishing over the last week has, up until the warm weather arrived, been excellent with most anglers catching fish. A fresh head of fish was introduced mid-week which livened up the resident fish. The new fish settled in quickly and were soon feeding on surface flies, nymphs, snails, sticklebacks and minnows.
Many anglers have been reporting double figure catches, with the highest recorded for week 14 in one morning session. This was before the stocking. Most anglers prefer to return fish caught which, as the season progresses, increases the head of fish in Harlaw.
Anglers who fish traditional flies have been successful with hoppers, small black dry flies, Bolton black sedge, Kate McLaren, Daddy long legs and dark sedges. Buzzers and small nymphs fished under an indicator or dry G&H sedge have also accounted for many fish with a high number of fish taking the sedge indicator.
Harlaw has a high number of sticklebacks and minnows with the fish at times locked onto this food. Small black lures such as a viva, cormorant with a bit of flash or yellow dancer all tied on a standard size ten hook should tempt fish. The yellow dancer can be deadly and seems to work better in bright conditions. The Egg fly/lure mostly yellow or lime green in colour has been the first choice for many anglers.
Most fish have been caught on the surface or in the top three feet of water, which means a floating line with a long leader should be adequate. In bright conditions a sink tip line may be required.
Fish being caught are on average 2 to 3 lb plus, with many fish in the 3 to 4 lb plus class. The Rainbow trout are in excellent condition, with also hard fighting, superb condition blues. A number of large brown trout over 4 lb in weight have been caught which, as Harlaw is primarily a Rainbow trout water, is either escaped fish from Threipmuir or grown on fish from a stocking two years ago. The water level remains clear with good visibility. Early morning and evening from 7 pm till dusk still remains the best time for fishing.
Permits must be purchased online before fishing.
Keep safe and conform to all Government regulation concerning Coronavirus.
Tight lines!
Robert Ross
