Don’t be too concerned over the next wee while if folks in white lab coats are dotting about the fishery as they’re not coming to take you away – they are our very own Carbeth boffins!

Over the next wee while some university students will be conducting experiments in our waters.

They will be removing samples of pond life as part of a study of our waters.

The pond scum they intend to leave well alone – so most of us off the hook there eh?!

And don’t worry, they’ll not be taking anything bigger than a stickleback; so plenty of the bigger slabs left for those specimen hunters!

In the long term this will help us map the entomology of the water which in the long run will help all the anglers.  Keep looking at the site for details of their findings.

I’m already salavating at the prospect of a mayfly hatch which could happen anytime over the next few weeks.

The ponds are alive with other life at the moment too: today I witnessed a pair of frogs in the ‘natural way’ – and against the wind, which more than impressed me I have to say!

With the winter now officially over, natuals and imitative patterns will come more and more into play and I managed today to connect with six fine rainbows today, wind in the face and close in.

The nice aspect of the days success was using traditional patterns – 3 where on an old Clyde style fly – the magpie and silver, with the rest falling to a pheasant tailed nymph.

The fish are superb at the moment and i hope you get a chance to wet a line soon.

Don’t forget our end of the month competition – register either online or in the lodge. Also let me know if you’re interested in a fly-tying night. I’d be happy to run one over the next few weeks.

All the best and tight lines (no’ upa tree!).

Paul