Fishing: Cooler temperatures bring rising fish to feeding frenzy

Oct 22 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

ANGLING on Beecraigs Loch during September has been outstanding with many limit baskets recorded.

The cooler weather has had a big effect on the fishing as it brings the water temperature down.

This change brought the fish to a feeding frenzy as they rose all day long and anglers had great top-of-the-water sport, fishing with floating lines or just below the surface.

Best flies have been Yellow Owl (Dry), Daddies, Daiwl Bach, Damsels; also Black and Green lures and Boobies.

The best areas has been in front of Dagger Island and along the north wooded shore.

Fish of the month went to Edward McPhilips from Bathgate with a rainbow of 9lb 5oz caught on a Daiwl Bach.

Eddie wins for himself a tackle voucher to the value of £50 courtesy of sponsor Coulam Boats.

Eddie still holds the Beecraigs Loch record basket with his limit basket of 12 in those days weighing in at a phenomenal 108lbs 14ozs.

The water level at Beecraigs reservoir is currently being lowered to allow the condition of the valve tower below the water line to be inspected and to grout the masonry to reduce seepage within the tower.

There will be a controlled discharge into the Riccarton Burn and the level will be dropped in stages throughout September and October.

The lowered levels will have implications for those fishing on Beecraigs Loch and customers who have booked fishing sessions will be notified and kept up to date regarding the progress of the works.

For bookings and up-to-date information please contact the park centre on 01506 844516.