Anglers learn the wisdom of reeling-in as season ends

Nov 6 2008 by Margaret Shaw, Hamilton Advertiser

THE trout season drew to a close early in October, although most anglers had already decided that these fish should be left alone long before then. The wisdom of this was demonstrated when there was a sudden drop in the temperature. In fact, there were night frosts in the middle of October.

It is thought that frost is what prompts trout to run into the burns to spawn. A fish taken at the start of last month might have been just weeks away from spawning. Any fish that is coming into spawning condition is extremely vulnerable to handling, which is why most of us do our utmost to avoid them.

Frosty weather might also bring grayling into good sporting condition. Although the Lady of the Stream has been increasingly showing up in catches during the summer, it is thought they are not at their best until they have experienced the effects of frost.

It would appear that this has been the best salmon season since we were first allowed to fish for the King of Fish in the Clyde. They arrived earlier than normal and were being caught right through the summer.

There were hopes that October could see a spectacular end to the season. Things started to go wrong when, instead of a pleasant change from summer into autumn, we had more rain in October than the month had seen since records began to be kept.

Instead of having to consider whether the use of spinning tactics would be permissible, anglers had to consider whether even approaching the water was safe.

What I have heard is that October was not quite as disappointing as I had feared. Anglers were able to get to the water - and they were able to catch fish.

The United Clyde Angling Protective Association hope to let anglers know there are openings for anyone who would like to get more involved and help with some of the projects which are underway. Some of these involve clearing streams to make it easier for trout and salmon to run into these smaller waters to spawn. Another physical task involves building and repairing fences.

Even with the help of enthusiastic volunteers this kind of work costs money and the only source of funding comes from the sale of permits.

This year, with the introduction of permits which require a photograph of the authorised angler, there is likely to be an increased need for river wardens and crown bailiffs.

At one time there was quite a convoluted route to be followed if an ordinary angler wanted to get involved. Since the new permit does not have the tear off strip that used to be the starting point, the secretary, Joe Quigley, says he should be contacted directly by anyone with both time and interest.

The Avon Angling Club would appear to have fewer problems in attracting volunteers. This small river has had a very good year.

A lot of fine trout have been caught, including one of over 7lbs which was taken in September. Just as in the Clyde, Avon anglers have been catching grayling all summer long. In case anyone did not realise this, the Avon annual permit is valid for grayling right through to the middle of March.

At the start of the season, the club stocked with over 1000 trout all around 1lb in weight. Perhaps more sustainable is the fact that they also released 20,000 fingerlings hatched from locally-obtained eggs.

Visitors are welcome to learn how to tie flies in the clubroom. The Fly-Tying Club meet on Tuesdays from 7pm.

Encouraging young anglers has always been a big part of the work of the Avon. Part of this is seen in their Junior Competition. This year’s winner was Calum Falconer, from Larkhall. Gordon Kelly, from Uddingston, was the loch champion.

To find out more about what is involved in running a club like that on the Avon, members should attend the annual general meeting on Thursday, November 13. It starts at 7.30pm in Stonehouse Institute.