Anglers enjoy fair weather for season

Nov 17 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

ANGLERS on Beecraigs Loch had excellent sport during October with many limit baskets recorded.

The weather has been very wet and the water temperatures have dropped considerably.

With the cooler water, the fish are forming tighter shoals and are feeding in the top three to five feet of water.

There are also some nice fish feeding on the fry around the boat jetty and along the dam wall.

Mike Westoby came in with five Fry Feeders for 14lb 12oz with his best fish of 3lb 14oz. These were all taken from the North East corner of the dam on a Minkie.

As often happens around this time of the year, the infamous Booby in its many forms has taken a lot of fish.

J. Thomson and A. Muirhead from Bathgate weighed in 10 Rainbows for 25lb 11oz all on the Booby.

Alex Marshall from Armadale also fished the Booby to great effect with five fish for 13lb 12oz.

Father and son pairing, Graham and Greig Adamson from Falkirk had 10 fish for 26lb 10oz all on a pink Booby.

Other successful flies have been the Dancer, Black and Green Fritz, Cats Whiskers and the Minkie.

Fish caught during October have averaged a healthy 2lb 8oz.

Bob Rintoul from Bathgate had best fish during the month with a good Bow of 6lb 8oz.

The newly introduced Catch and Release ticket is proving to be very popular among many of anglers as not everyone wants to take their catch home.

On the club front, the Border Bears AC had five boats and weighed in 27 fish for 79lb 12oz.

Best bag was by D. Old with five fish for 14lb 9oz which included a good one of 5lb 12oz.

Scottish Fire and Rescue had a good days sport and came in with 33 fish for 78lb 14oz. W. McDonagh had the best fish on the day a Rainbow of 5lb 8oz.

Bank of Scotland East AC enjoyed a late October outing on the Loch and their four boats recorded 27 fish for 68lb 3oz.

Booking forms for season 2012/2013 are now available from the Lodge or at Beecraigs Visitor Centre. Some permits are still available for November and the loch is well worth a visit. All inquiries can be made at the Park Centre on 01506 844516 or www.beecraigs.com.