Lake of Menteith Report

22/3/16

6ft Water Temp 6 C , Clarity (Secchi disc) 2.2m.
The Lake celebrated its 50th season and at the same time
celebrated 50 years of commitment from Boat
Controller Elma Nisbet (below with cake) who was
presented with a locally engraved crystal bowl.
Catriona Scott composed and wrote a memorable song, Menteith Gold, for the
opening - assisted by musicians Nick Hanley on Guitar
are Seona Glen on violin.

A superb film of the Opening was made by Craig
Summerville of Angling Active.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8irPth9x0Wk&feature=youtu.be)
To complete the musical theme Stewart Marshall gave us some great tunes on the pipes. The
season was officially opened by MSP Bruce Crawford (left) who commented on the rich history
of the area and the contribution of the business to outdoor recreation since its opening in 1966.
It was a bright day but despite this the 36 boats netted 489 fish and 83 of these were kept for the
table. The biggest trout on the day was 6lbs 8oz caught by Kevin McCabe who won a case of the
Beer of Menteith. The Lake has commissioned 1000 bottles of this tasty Light Ale (2.7%ABV) to
commemorate the 50th anniversary and as prizes at angling events. Catches have remained at
around 11-13 fish per boat on the days since opening with the best areas being Hotel Bay, the
Road Shore, “Out in the Middle” and Reedy and Shear Points. Tactics have been intermediate
lines and blobs and boobies, washing line and buzzers on a floater – or hanging the buzzers
vertically. The dry fly has also been successful. The biggest weighed in so far was an 8lb 5oz fish
by Tom Dallas of Glasgow. Also shown here is a picture of Jim Litster’s big un-weighed brown
caught during the close season  (a lake record?) while pike fishing.
Kevin McCabe receives his case of beer for
the biggest opening day fish (6lb 8oz).

Besides the beer the Lake has produced 
memorabilia to mark it’s 50th (T-shirts, Beanie
Hats, Mugs, Hand Towels and Swing Top Engraved Half Bottles – available for sale in the shop).
After the fishing anglers were treated to a hog roast and cake, washed down with some more
music and light refreshments.
The Lake Fisheries would also like to thank Photographer Paul Barr for his photographs on the
day and for setting up the slide show of photos old and new
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27bFNutnMOo  and for the lovely opening song sung by
Catriona Scott and Friends as well as all the other individuals who helped make the day a success.
Perhaps most thanks on the day were attributable to the fine weather and to Elma’s amazing
contribution to the Lake of Menteith Fisheries’ 50 years.