Allandale Tarn angling news

Jul 15 2010 West Lothian Courier

ALLANDALE Tarn’s spring-fed water is still Gin clear, in spite of the heat wave of the past few weeks.

Floating lines are recommended throughout the day, even during the flat calm sunny intervals.

This week saw strong, blustery winds blowing during the day session.

In these conditions, High Rider Dry flies (big and bushy) have gave some tremendous sport, bouncing along in the wave as has emerged Dry Flies like the Yellow Owl and other Shuttle Cock CDC’s.

Those fishing lures have had their best results with slimmer old favourites like the Yellow Dancer and Cats Whisker.

In the afternoons, the Diawl Bach nymph or Cormorants have proved a trout favourite fished on a dropper along with slim Damsel on point.

The takes can be a bit softer later in the afternoons, so smaller nymphs and dries are recommended.

But it should be mentioned that it has been worth it, for the few who’ve tried, stripping a floating fry along through the wave as the takes then are anything but soft.

A usual, the fish tend to mostly go off around dinner time for a while.

There’s been some superb top of the water action on and off throughout the evenings particularly when it clouds over with the shuttle cock Yellow Owl.

However on the nights where the temperature has plummeted later on towards dusk, it can end up a pulling night with slim lures and nymphs.

Anglers should remember July is classically a fickle month in fishing as waters tend to be warmer and natural feeding is in such abundance but also the weather of late has been changing quickly.

So the option of an intermediate line to increase the rate of decent is worth having, particularly as this is the month for nymph fishing in particular.

Allandale Tarn have also revealed plans for an online shop and new tips and advice information pages at www.allandaletarn.co.uk

Brand new ‘Match The Hatch’ fly packs complete with a guide on how to best fish them will also be available soon.