In this guest article, we have Angling Active regular and 2 times Fario Menteith Boat League champion Robert Gibson breakdown the iconic Lake of Menteith throughout the 4 seasons. Robert, provides a breakdown of some of the key drifts, fly patterns and tactics to help you put more fish in the boat.
Background
The Lake of Menteith, affectionately known as ‘the lake’, is a lowland lake covering roughly 700 acres. The fish are reared on-site, and their quality is well-known in fishing circles. With a rich history and scenic beauty, it’s arguably one of the most picturesque fisheries in the UK. This article explores effective fishing approaches for each season at the lake.
Approach
The approach you take and the areas you choose to fish depend greatly on the time of year. While the lake is ideal for surface methods, certain times call for sinking lines, especially in warmer spells.
Early Season (March/April)
In early season, fresh fish tend to stay close to structure and the bank. Key areas include Hotel Bay, Sam’s Point, International Bay, and The Butts, which are shallow and have established buzzer beds. Buzzers are highly effective now, so focusing on the right combinations and depth is crucial for success. Calm days may reveal many rising fish in the middle, but these fish are generally experienced, requiring subtle techniques.
Suggested Flies: Black Muskins, Gold Vicar, Wicked White, Al Owen’s Buzzer. Use patterns in sizes 10, 12, and 14. Adding a bright pattern like a FAB or booby on the point can help attract fish and keep flies higher in shallow water.
Fly Recommendations
Late Spring/Early Summer
As we transition into late spring and early summer, fish behavior shifts, with a greater variety of flies appearing. The mayfly hatch offers exceptional dry fly fishing opportunities. Key flies include Grunters, Yellow Owls, and Double Deckers. Observing where mayflies hatch and targeting those areas is effective.
Washing line methods, such as Diawl Bachs and Cormorants, are also successful for mimicking pin fry. Productive areas shift to places like Malling Shore, Plantation, and The Cages during this season.
Fly Recommendations
Mid/Late Summer
Mid-to-late summer can be challenging, especially if water temperatures reach 20°C. Sinking lines are essential to reach the thermocline, with the Cages and open waters near Inchmahome and Inch Talla offering ideal locations. Two recommended approaches are:
- Using buzzers on a DI7 or booby basher, maintaining line contact.
- Fishing two boobies with a cormorant in between on a DI5, down to a booby basher.
Timing is key to catch fish at deeper levels, so consider using a stopwatch. Hang markers, such as fluorescent thread at 10 and 20 feet, help track depths visually. Location, depth, and retrieval are paramount to success during this time.
Fly Recommendations
Autumn
As water temperatures drop, early season areas become productive again. Strong autumn winds "stir" up the fish, creating favorable conditions for various methods. Washing line tactics or dry flies, like small black CDCs or crippled midges, are effective for matching the autumn buzzer hatch.
In colder spells, the "bung" technique can be effective. Patterns like squirmies, eggs, and cat bugs perform well on calm days when fish prefer flies on the drop or static.
Fly Recommendations
Author Profile
Robert Gibson, Angling Active Regular & 2 x Fario Menteith Boat League Winner.
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Name: Robert Gibson |
| Expertise: Competitive Fly Fishing | |
| Specialisation: Rainbow and Brown Trout Fly Fishing | |
| Favourite Brands: Sage, RIO, Airflo, Vision, Seaguar, Fario |
