We are now late into August and at last the rains have come, giving the River Devon some much needed fresher water and helping to begin to fill the reservoirs in Glendevon. Castlehill Reservoir is now full to the crest of the dam, which hopefully will create in the next weeks the opportunity for a few more clearing spates to improve the conditions for the closing weeks of the Trout season and hopefully encourage early runs of Salmon than we have had in recent years.

The Devon has been fishing very well with plenty of reports of decent fish being caught by all techniques. Of note the committee took the unprecedented decision to temporarily close the river to fishing due to the excessive water temperatures we considered was putting fish welfare at risk. Thankfully this was only a relatively short intervention, a quick change in temperature resulted in temperatures beginning to fall and conditions were further improved by the major storm system whcih bounced up and down the Ochils. The committee have reviewed the lessons learnt about this event decision and are drawing up procedures for the future. Hopefully this is a one of event!

There is no news of any migratory fish being caught but sea trout have been seen jumping at a few locations on the lower river

Up at Glenquey fishing has been improving over the summer with anglers catching plenty of fish varying from typical wee trout in the 6oz to 8oz range up to some regular reports of fish in the range of 1lb to 1.75lb:

March/April 2022 58 tickets returned – 152 fish caught – Avg. wt. 5.6oz [max 1lb & min 3.4 oz]
May 2022 58 tickets returned – 168 fish caught – Avg. wt. 6.4oz [max 1.75lb & min 2.08oz]
June 2022 46 tickets returned – 146 fish caught – Avg. wt. 7.4oz [max 1.5lb & min 2oz]
July 2022 26 tickets returned – 53 fish caught – Avg. wt. 9.6oz [max 1.5lb & min TBC]

The draw winners of returned permits for a free Glenquey ticket were:

March/April 2022 Louis Kirkwood of Blairingone                                   

May 2022         Donald McGregor of Alva

June 2022 Angus McPhail of Crossgates                                   

May 2022         Fergus MacGregor of Milnathort

Please remember to complete the catch return, leave in the ticket box by the car park (if it slips your mind just drop us an email) and you might get lucky!

A couple of other items to note:

1. RACKMILL – I had a wee bit of a senior moment early in the summer where I totally confused my north and south. For the avoidance of doubt, access to the path on the south bank of the Devon from the B913 (Dollar – Saline road) at Rackmill is restricted on the south and downstream bank, to allow and facilitate construction works. The south bank can be easily reached downstream at a number of locations by a shallow wade. There are no restrictions on the north bank downstream of the B913. The original post has been updated.

2. DEVONSIDE – We understand that Scottish Water’s contractor are going to be undertaking in scour protection works in the Devonside area (presumably on the north bank at sewage plant outfall) from 29th August 2022, which may restrict access in this area. Unfortunately we have no knowledge of what is involved as the company have not chosen to consult with the DAA. If we become aware of any restrictions we will endeavor to notify anglers with a post to the website.