Scottish national fly fishing league (SNFFL) 2022
SANA's Scottish National Fly Fishing League is the official mechanism allowing anglers resident in Scotland to pursue qualification for team places in FIPS-Mouche World, European and Masters Fly Fishing Championships. Following cancellation of 2020 and 2021 SNFFL competitions, preparations are ongoing for 2022. A small number of vacancies are anticipated. Anglers interested in competing, or seeking more information, should contact Neil Sinclair via this email link.
latest SNffl news
Following consultation, the Competitions Committee has decided that, with two events already cancelled and further events in doubt, this year’s Scottish National Fly Fisher's League (SNFFL) competition will be abandoned. We have circulated an email to all members, and further details are below.
Existing members will be invited to take up equivalent positions in the two Leagues to comprise SNFFL 2021.
Scottish Team places for 2021 WFFC and 5N competitions (and Masters if it is also subsequently deferred) will be offered in the first instance to the members of the prospective 2020 teams. Any declined places will be offered in accordance with SNFFL 2019 ranking. Depending on level of interest, the Committee may also consider entering a team for EFFC 2021, selection again being based on SNFFL 2019 ranking.
For administrative purposes, the Committee would greatly appreciate if, where their circumstances permit, existing members would leave their 2020 subscription payments in SNFFL funds to cover their SNFFL 2021 entry fees. Members who wish to be reimbursed, however, should make a request to, and arrangements with, the Treasurer (Donald Forbes). Notwithstanding the 2020 £50 deposit being deemed non-returnable, a full reimbursement of £130 will be available (the £20 deduction being for 2020 SANA Individual membership). Members who do not request reimbursement, however, will be given complimentary 2021 SANA Individual membership and, provided there is no increase in the entry fee itself, will have nothing else to pay next year.
Pandemic developments permitting, the Committee may try to arrange one or two ‘extra-curricular’ events for members in the latter part of the year, perhaps on the competition beats on Tweed / Tummel. Details would be given a couple of weeks in advance, and would be dependent on sufficient uptake. Participation would be entirely voluntary and have no bearing on SNFFL 2021 mainstream activity.
As in previous years, all members will have the opportunity in a Post-Season meeting to express their opinions on all aspects of the operation of SNFFL. Hopefully we'll all be able to fish again soon! In the meantime, SANA recommends adherence to Scottish Government Covid-19 guidelines.
Neil Sinclair
Chair, SANA Competitions Committee
Existing members will be invited to take up equivalent positions in the two Leagues to comprise SNFFL 2021.
Scottish Team places for 2021 WFFC and 5N competitions (and Masters if it is also subsequently deferred) will be offered in the first instance to the members of the prospective 2020 teams. Any declined places will be offered in accordance with SNFFL 2019 ranking. Depending on level of interest, the Committee may also consider entering a team for EFFC 2021, selection again being based on SNFFL 2019 ranking.
For administrative purposes, the Committee would greatly appreciate if, where their circumstances permit, existing members would leave their 2020 subscription payments in SNFFL funds to cover their SNFFL 2021 entry fees. Members who wish to be reimbursed, however, should make a request to, and arrangements with, the Treasurer (Donald Forbes). Notwithstanding the 2020 £50 deposit being deemed non-returnable, a full reimbursement of £130 will be available (the £20 deduction being for 2020 SANA Individual membership). Members who do not request reimbursement, however, will be given complimentary 2021 SANA Individual membership and, provided there is no increase in the entry fee itself, will have nothing else to pay next year.
Pandemic developments permitting, the Committee may try to arrange one or two ‘extra-curricular’ events for members in the latter part of the year, perhaps on the competition beats on Tweed / Tummel. Details would be given a couple of weeks in advance, and would be dependent on sufficient uptake. Participation would be entirely voluntary and have no bearing on SNFFL 2021 mainstream activity.
As in previous years, all members will have the opportunity in a Post-Season meeting to express their opinions on all aspects of the operation of SNFFL. Hopefully we'll all be able to fish again soon! In the meantime, SANA recommends adherence to Scottish Government Covid-19 guidelines.
Neil Sinclair
Chair, SANA Competitions Committee
Snffl news
SNFFL web content is currently undergoing an extensive revision. Meantime, a small number of vacancies are expected to arise in the 2020 First Division. Further information and application forms are available from SANA Competitions Committee Chairman Neil Sinclair, by email here.
SNFFL 2019 Premier League Final Event River Tummel Sunday 8th September
The final event of 2019 for the Premier League of the Scottish National Fly Fishing League was held on the Pitlochry Angling Club's stretch of the River Tummel on Sunday 8th September. The area fished was from Aldour Road Bridge downstream to Ballinluig Road Bridge.
As was the case with the First Division event, the river was running a little higher than we might have liked, but weather conditions were much more amenable. Water height made it difficult to reach the most productive areas in some beats, but only one beat failed to produce a fish for either morning or afternoon angler (beat 18 Ballinluig Bridge).
The full range of techniques were employed, and the 94 fish were caught on dry-fly and the various nymphing methods, but wet-fly spider patterns probably accounted for the most fish.
The winner on the day was Cuillin Rae with an excellent 5 place points and 10 fish, followed by Kenny Riddell with 9 fish and 7 place points. Third was Keith Renton with 8 fish and 8 place points.
Congratulations to Dick Logan who produced a stunning card with 15 fish for his three-hour morning session, a remarkable achievement on this river. Jake Harvey also had a fine catch of 9 fish, again in his morning session.
94 fish were caught (13 grayling and 81 brown trout) and released by 15 anglers. The largest grayling was caught by today's winner Cuillin Rae - a fine 41.2cm fish. Special mention to keith Renton who had TWO grayling of 41cm!! The largest brown trout (that was the largest fish of the day) was caught by Steve Corsar - a belter at 42.5cm. Well done guys.
Many congratulations to Hugh Skeoch who wins the SNFFL 2019 Premier League, narrowly pipping Steve Corsar by 1 place point. Special mention must be given to Hugh, Steve, Colin, Keith and Kenny who didn't have a blank session in SNFFL 2019 - top effort guys.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the final Premier League leaderboard after 5 events. The leaderboard shows the lowest scoring session that was removed from the each anglers' overall score.
Many thanks to all the controllers that accompanied our anglers, many who travelled a long way, and to Neil Sinclair, Jason McPhee and other helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Angling Club for allowing us onto their lovely river. Also thanks to Kathleen Shepherd who fished as a guest rod.
Please check below for photographs of the Tummel event (more will be appearing here shortly) - please visit regularly to see the updates. Many thanks to Jason McPhee who sent in these pictures.
As was the case with the First Division event, the river was running a little higher than we might have liked, but weather conditions were much more amenable. Water height made it difficult to reach the most productive areas in some beats, but only one beat failed to produce a fish for either morning or afternoon angler (beat 18 Ballinluig Bridge).
The full range of techniques were employed, and the 94 fish were caught on dry-fly and the various nymphing methods, but wet-fly spider patterns probably accounted for the most fish.
The winner on the day was Cuillin Rae with an excellent 5 place points and 10 fish, followed by Kenny Riddell with 9 fish and 7 place points. Third was Keith Renton with 8 fish and 8 place points.
Congratulations to Dick Logan who produced a stunning card with 15 fish for his three-hour morning session, a remarkable achievement on this river. Jake Harvey also had a fine catch of 9 fish, again in his morning session.
94 fish were caught (13 grayling and 81 brown trout) and released by 15 anglers. The largest grayling was caught by today's winner Cuillin Rae - a fine 41.2cm fish. Special mention to keith Renton who had TWO grayling of 41cm!! The largest brown trout (that was the largest fish of the day) was caught by Steve Corsar - a belter at 42.5cm. Well done guys.
Many congratulations to Hugh Skeoch who wins the SNFFL 2019 Premier League, narrowly pipping Steve Corsar by 1 place point. Special mention must be given to Hugh, Steve, Colin, Keith and Kenny who didn't have a blank session in SNFFL 2019 - top effort guys.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the final Premier League leaderboard after 5 events. The leaderboard shows the lowest scoring session that was removed from the each anglers' overall score.
Many thanks to all the controllers that accompanied our anglers, many who travelled a long way, and to Neil Sinclair, Jason McPhee and other helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Angling Club for allowing us onto their lovely river. Also thanks to Kathleen Shepherd who fished as a guest rod.
Please check below for photographs of the Tummel event (more will be appearing here shortly) - please visit regularly to see the updates. Many thanks to Jason McPhee who sent in these pictures.
SNFFL 2019 First Division Final Event River Tweed Sunday 1st September
The final event of 2019 for the First Division of the Scottish National Fly Fishing League was held on the St Boswells and Newton Districts Angling Association's stretch of the River Tweed on Sunday 1st September. The river was holding a good height and conditions were excellent for fly fishing.
The winner on the day was Rab Maxwell with an excellent 3 place points and 10 fish, followed by Craig Brown with 9 fish and 7 place points. Third was Steven Livingstone, also with 9 fish and 7 place points (and just 200 fish points less than Craig).
59 fish were caught (20 grayling and 39 brown trout) and released by 12 anglers. The largest brown trout was caught by today's winner Rab Maxwell - a fine 36.1cm fish. The largest grayling was also caught by today's winner Rab Maxwell - a hefty 42.8cm fish.
Many congratulations to Rab Maxwell who wins the SNFFL 2019 First Division in style with that performance and special mention must be made of the fact that he is the only angler in the division that did not blank in any of the ten sessions. What a perfect season Rab, very well done.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the final First Division leaderboard after 5 events. The leaderboard shows the lowest scoring session that was removed from the each anglers' overall score.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their efforts over the day's competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to Neil Sinclair and Jake Harvey and helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells & Newtown Districts Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
We now look forward to the final Premier League event on the River Tummel on Sunday 8th September. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Please check below for photographs of the Tweed event (more will be appearing here shortly) - please visit regularly to see the updates. Many thanks to Gordon Whyte who sent in pictures of his angler (Ian Runcie) on beats 5 and 9.
The winner on the day was Rab Maxwell with an excellent 3 place points and 10 fish, followed by Craig Brown with 9 fish and 7 place points. Third was Steven Livingstone, also with 9 fish and 7 place points (and just 200 fish points less than Craig).
59 fish were caught (20 grayling and 39 brown trout) and released by 12 anglers. The largest brown trout was caught by today's winner Rab Maxwell - a fine 36.1cm fish. The largest grayling was also caught by today's winner Rab Maxwell - a hefty 42.8cm fish.
Many congratulations to Rab Maxwell who wins the SNFFL 2019 First Division in style with that performance and special mention must be made of the fact that he is the only angler in the division that did not blank in any of the ten sessions. What a perfect season Rab, very well done.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the final First Division leaderboard after 5 events. The leaderboard shows the lowest scoring session that was removed from the each anglers' overall score.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their efforts over the day's competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to Neil Sinclair and Jake Harvey and helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells & Newtown Districts Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
We now look forward to the final Premier League event on the River Tummel on Sunday 8th September. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Please check below for photographs of the Tweed event (more will be appearing here shortly) - please visit regularly to see the updates. Many thanks to Gordon Whyte who sent in pictures of his angler (Ian Runcie) on beats 5 and 9.
SNFFL 2019 F4 - River Tummel Sunday 11th August
The sixth SNFFL event of 2019 (the SNFFL First Division's fourth event) took place on the Pitlochry Angling Club's stretch of the River Tummel on Sunday 11th August. The area fished was from Aldour Road Bridge downstream to Ballinluig Road Bridge.
The river level leading up to the event was pretty high and the event was seriously at risk until the evening before. However, the water clarity remained good and fish were caught from all beats used for the event.
On the day, session 1 was fished in quite pleasant conditions but the weather quickly deteriorated and it rained steadily for the rest of the day.
39 fish were caught (8 grayling and 31 brown trout) for 10 anglers competing. 5 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Rab Maxwell with a notable 4 place points and 6 fish, followed by Kathleen Shepherd with 5 place points and also with 6 fish. In third was Scott Robertson with 6 place points and a brilliant 10 fish catch.
Largest fish of the day was Rab Maxwell's lovely 47.7 cm brown trout and the largest grayling of the day was caught by Fred MacDonald and went 39.5 cm - well done guys.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the First Division leaderboard after 4 events.
Many thanks to all the controllers that accompanied our anglers, many who travelled a long way, and to Neil Sinclair, Andy Walker and other helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Angling Club for allowing us onto their lovely river.
We now look forward to the final First Division event on the River Tweed on Sunday 1st September. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Please check below for photographs of the Tummel event (more will be appearing here shortly) - many thanks to Andy Walker for these. Please visit regularly to see the updates.
The river level leading up to the event was pretty high and the event was seriously at risk until the evening before. However, the water clarity remained good and fish were caught from all beats used for the event.
On the day, session 1 was fished in quite pleasant conditions but the weather quickly deteriorated and it rained steadily for the rest of the day.
39 fish were caught (8 grayling and 31 brown trout) for 10 anglers competing. 5 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Rab Maxwell with a notable 4 place points and 6 fish, followed by Kathleen Shepherd with 5 place points and also with 6 fish. In third was Scott Robertson with 6 place points and a brilliant 10 fish catch.
Largest fish of the day was Rab Maxwell's lovely 47.7 cm brown trout and the largest grayling of the day was caught by Fred MacDonald and went 39.5 cm - well done guys.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the First Division leaderboard after 4 events.
Many thanks to all the controllers that accompanied our anglers, many who travelled a long way, and to Neil Sinclair, Andy Walker and other helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Angling Club for allowing us onto their lovely river.
We now look forward to the final First Division event on the River Tweed on Sunday 1st September. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Please check below for photographs of the Tummel event (more will be appearing here shortly) - many thanks to Andy Walker for these. Please visit regularly to see the updates.
SNFFL 2019 P4 - River Tweed Sunday 4th August
The fifth Scottish National Fly Fishing League event of 2019 was held on the St Boswells and Newton Districts Angling Association's stretch of the River Tweed and was purely a Premier League event.
The winner on the day was local angler Dick Logan with an excellent 6 place points and 16 fish, followed by Steve Corsar with 9 fish and 8 place points. Third was local angler Jake Harvey with 6 fish and 11 place points. 82 fish were caught (split evenly between grayling and brown trout) and released by 15 Premier League anglers. Matthew Skeoch had the biggest fish of the day at 44cm, a magnificent grayling. The largest brown trout was caught by today's winner Dick Logan - a fine 33cm fish.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the Premier League leaderboard after 4 events.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their morning soaking and exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane, Jake Harvey and helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells & Newtown Districts Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
We now look forward to the final Premier League event on the River Tummel on Sunday 8th September. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Please check below for photographs of the Tweed event (they will be appearing here shortly) - please visit regularly to see the updates.
The winner on the day was local angler Dick Logan with an excellent 6 place points and 16 fish, followed by Steve Corsar with 9 fish and 8 place points. Third was local angler Jake Harvey with 6 fish and 11 place points. 82 fish were caught (split evenly between grayling and brown trout) and released by 15 Premier League anglers. Matthew Skeoch had the biggest fish of the day at 44cm, a magnificent grayling. The largest brown trout was caught by today's winner Dick Logan - a fine 33cm fish.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the Premier League leaderboard after 4 events.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their morning soaking and exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane, Jake Harvey and helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells & Newtown Districts Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
We now look forward to the final Premier League event on the River Tummel on Sunday 8th September. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Please check below for photographs of the Tweed event (they will be appearing here shortly) - please visit regularly to see the updates.
SNFFL 2019 F3 - River Don & River Urie Sunday 23rd June
The fourth Scottish National Fly Fishing League event of 2019 was held at Inverurie on the River Don and River Urie and was purely a First Division event.
Many thanks for your patience during the delay in getting these results published - Paul Buchanan came off his MTB and has broken his shoulder blade. Thankfully he could still type enough to cover this short web report. Neil Sinclair was also on holiday so we don't have too much additional information other than the result. As we get photos and more detail, we'll add it here.
The winner on the day was Steven Livingstone with a solid 3 place points and 6 fish, followed by Craig Brown also with 3 place points and one less fish. Third was Rab Maxwell with 7 place points and 4 fish. 32 fish (all brown trout) were caught and released by 12 First Division anglers. Steven Livingstone had the biggest fish of the day at 34.5cm.
Click here for detailed event results. Click here for the First Division leaderboard after 3 events.
Many thanks to Inverurie AA for allowing us to stage this event on their pristine water and to Steve Corsar for all his help in both securing the water for us and for his help in all local logistical issues, especially since this was a new venue for SNFFL. A huge shout out to local angler (and SNFFL Premier Division angler) Mike Cordiner for running the event on the day. A big thanks goes to the Hopeville Social Club Inverurie for their hospitality at the end of the event and their very welcome soup and sandwiches.
We now look forward to our next event on Sunday 4th August, the Premier League's visit to the River Tweed. The First Division will fish the week after that on the River Tummel. Good luck to everyone taking part in these.
Photographs of the event will appear here shortly - please visit regularly to see the updates.
Many thanks for your patience during the delay in getting these results published - Paul Buchanan came off his MTB and has broken his shoulder blade. Thankfully he could still type enough to cover this short web report. Neil Sinclair was also on holiday so we don't have too much additional information other than the result. As we get photos and more detail, we'll add it here.
The winner on the day was Steven Livingstone with a solid 3 place points and 6 fish, followed by Craig Brown also with 3 place points and one less fish. Third was Rab Maxwell with 7 place points and 4 fish. 32 fish (all brown trout) were caught and released by 12 First Division anglers. Steven Livingstone had the biggest fish of the day at 34.5cm.
Click here for detailed event results. Click here for the First Division leaderboard after 3 events.
Many thanks to Inverurie AA for allowing us to stage this event on their pristine water and to Steve Corsar for all his help in both securing the water for us and for his help in all local logistical issues, especially since this was a new venue for SNFFL. A huge shout out to local angler (and SNFFL Premier Division angler) Mike Cordiner for running the event on the day. A big thanks goes to the Hopeville Social Club Inverurie for their hospitality at the end of the event and their very welcome soup and sandwiches.
We now look forward to our next event on Sunday 4th August, the Premier League's visit to the River Tweed. The First Division will fish the week after that on the River Tummel. Good luck to everyone taking part in these.
Photographs of the event will appear here shortly - please visit regularly to see the updates.
SNFFL 2019 P3 - River Don & River Urie Sunday 19th May
The third Scottish National Fly Fishing League event of 2019 was held at Inverurie on the River Don and River Urie and was purely a Premier League event.
The Southerly wind kept things reasonably mild and overhead conditions started murky but improved as the day went on.
The winner on the day was local angler Mike Cordiner with an excellent 9 place points and 10 fish, followed by Jake Harvey with 11 fish and 10 place points. Third was Alan Hill also with 10 place points and 11 fish. 109 fish (all brown trout) were caught and released by 15 Premier League anglers. Jake Harvey had the biggest fish of the day at 50.2cm. Jake and his magnificent wild brown trout are pictured below.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the Premier League leaderboard after 3 events.
Many thanks to Inverurie AA for allowing us to stage this event on their pristine water and to Steve Corsar for all his help in both securing the water for us and for his help in all local logistical issues, especially since this was a new venue for us. A huge shout out to local angler Sandy Nelson for fishing as a guest angler to keep the numbers even. A big thanks goes to the Hopeville Social Club Inverurie for their hospitality at the end of the event and their very welcome soup and sandwiches.
Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicator Neil Sinclair who gave up most of his weekend to run a flawless event and ensure all our anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next event on the River Don and River Urie, the second of the separate division events. The First Division will fish on Sunday 23rd June. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Please check below for photographs of Sunday's event - more will appear here shortly - please visit regularly to see the updates.
The Southerly wind kept things reasonably mild and overhead conditions started murky but improved as the day went on.
The winner on the day was local angler Mike Cordiner with an excellent 9 place points and 10 fish, followed by Jake Harvey with 11 fish and 10 place points. Third was Alan Hill also with 10 place points and 11 fish. 109 fish (all brown trout) were caught and released by 15 Premier League anglers. Jake Harvey had the biggest fish of the day at 50.2cm. Jake and his magnificent wild brown trout are pictured below.
Click here for detailed (currently provisional) event results. Click here for the Premier League leaderboard after 3 events.
Many thanks to Inverurie AA for allowing us to stage this event on their pristine water and to Steve Corsar for all his help in both securing the water for us and for his help in all local logistical issues, especially since this was a new venue for us. A huge shout out to local angler Sandy Nelson for fishing as a guest angler to keep the numbers even. A big thanks goes to the Hopeville Social Club Inverurie for their hospitality at the end of the event and their very welcome soup and sandwiches.
Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicator Neil Sinclair who gave up most of his weekend to run a flawless event and ensure all our anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next event on the River Don and River Urie, the second of the separate division events. The First Division will fish on Sunday 23rd June. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Please check below for photographs of Sunday's event - more will appear here shortly - please visit regularly to see the updates.
SNFFL 2019 PF2 - Carron Valley Fishery Sunday 28th April
The second Scottish National Fly Fishing League event of 2019 was held at Carron Valley Reservoir and as per the previous event, this was a combined Premier League and First Division event (each boat having an angler from each league).
Winds were very light and overhead conditions were almost perfect.
This fishery has seen a bit of action over the past few weeks with national heats, some club competitions and a decent helping of anglers practicing for their respective comps. However, as always, Carron didn't disappoint and the catches were excellent.
The recent mild spell had switched on the brown trout population, and browns outnumbered rainbows 297 to 100.
Although the insect life has become active, and fish could be seen feeding on the surface, anglers fishing deeper with a variety of sinking lines scored the highest numbers.
In the Premier League, the winner was Hugh Skeoch with an excellent 4 place points and 22 fish, followed by Mike Cordiner with 28 fish and 7 place points. Third was David Chalmers also with 7 place points but with 20 fish. 208 fish (157 browns and 51 rainbows) were caught (and released) by 17 Premier League anglers. Click here for detailed (and now corrected) event results. Click here for the Premier League leader board after 2 events.
In the First Division, the winner was Paul Boyle with 2 place points and 28 fish, followed by Michael Ward with 5 place points and 19 fish. In third was Stewart McCabe with 6 place points and 21 fish. 189 fish (140 browns and 49 rainbows) were caught (and released) by 17 First Division anglers. Click here for full detailed (but still provisional) event results. Click here for the First Division leader board after 2 events.
Many thanks to Jimmy Feeney and his team for having us. Carron Valley is just coming into season now with the best of the fishing just about to kick off and the buzzer fishing and dry fly sport is second to none. Give the gang a call on 01324 823698 or visit their website if you want more information.
Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicator Neil Sinclair and the invaluable assistance provided to Neil by Douglas Graham throughout the day. Both gave up their whole day to run a flawless event and ensure all our anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next events on the River Don, the first of the separate division events. The Premier League will fish on the 19th May and the First Division on the 23rd June. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Photographs of the Carron Valley event will appear here shortly - please visit regularly to see the updates.
Winds were very light and overhead conditions were almost perfect.
This fishery has seen a bit of action over the past few weeks with national heats, some club competitions and a decent helping of anglers practicing for their respective comps. However, as always, Carron didn't disappoint and the catches were excellent.
The recent mild spell had switched on the brown trout population, and browns outnumbered rainbows 297 to 100.
Although the insect life has become active, and fish could be seen feeding on the surface, anglers fishing deeper with a variety of sinking lines scored the highest numbers.
In the Premier League, the winner was Hugh Skeoch with an excellent 4 place points and 22 fish, followed by Mike Cordiner with 28 fish and 7 place points. Third was David Chalmers also with 7 place points but with 20 fish. 208 fish (157 browns and 51 rainbows) were caught (and released) by 17 Premier League anglers. Click here for detailed (and now corrected) event results. Click here for the Premier League leader board after 2 events.
In the First Division, the winner was Paul Boyle with 2 place points and 28 fish, followed by Michael Ward with 5 place points and 19 fish. In third was Stewart McCabe with 6 place points and 21 fish. 189 fish (140 browns and 49 rainbows) were caught (and released) by 17 First Division anglers. Click here for full detailed (but still provisional) event results. Click here for the First Division leader board after 2 events.
Many thanks to Jimmy Feeney and his team for having us. Carron Valley is just coming into season now with the best of the fishing just about to kick off and the buzzer fishing and dry fly sport is second to none. Give the gang a call on 01324 823698 or visit their website if you want more information.
Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicator Neil Sinclair and the invaluable assistance provided to Neil by Douglas Graham throughout the day. Both gave up their whole day to run a flawless event and ensure all our anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next events on the River Don, the first of the separate division events. The Premier League will fish on the 19th May and the First Division on the 23rd June. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
Photographs of the Carron Valley event will appear here shortly - please visit regularly to see the updates.
SNFFL 2019 PF1 - Ledyatt Trout Fishery Saturday 23rd March
SNFFL 2019 opened on Saturday, 23rd March with the Bank Stillwater event, the format of which allows two scoring sessions to be fished by each of the Premier and First Division leagues on the one day. This event was held on the Ledyatt Trout Fishery, an attractive small loch situated in the hills between Dundee and Coupar Angus.
Although the weather was dry throughout the day, a chilly and gusty west wind blew down the length of the length of the loch and, as a forecast abatement later in the day did not materialise, the anglers were faced with difficult casting and demanding fishing in both morning and afternoon sessions.
18 Premier and 16 First Division members fished on 34 of Ledyatt’s 39 platforms. A draw was made for morning start pegs (odds numbers to Premier, evens to First Division), and the a.m. session comprised of 6 half-hour fishing intervals with five minute breaks to allow for a progression of six pegs, taking each angler right around the loch. A similar p.m. session commenced from a start peg approximately halfway round from the morning one, with the direction of rotation also being reversed to ensure that all competitors followed different anglers onto their pegs than they had previously.
The first session finished about 1pm, and a very welcome lunch of hot pies and soup was provided by David Duff, the Fishery owner, for all competitors and officials. Everyone was back in action by 2pm.
Over the course of the day, the 34 anglers caught 222 trout, giving a rod average of just over 6.5. Several anglers achieved 5-fish maximum scores from single pegs, and catches included an impressive number of double-figure fish. Although a few anglers recorded blank sessions, everyone caught at least one fish.
Many different methods were tried throughout the day, including dry flies, buzzers, damsels, lures and worm patterns. A wide variety of line densities, retrieve speeds and indicator techniques were used with varying degrees of success. It was clear that at different times of day, distinct areas of the loch tended to produce fish when others didn’t, but the competition format ensured that everyone had their share of opportunities.
Congratulations to the Premier League's session winners Keith Renton and Colin MacDonald. Click for full detailed Premier League results. Please note that the results now published here differ from the original `provisional' results posted earlier.
Congratulations to the First Division's session winners Rab Maxwell and Stevie Stuart. Click for full detailed First Division results.
Where the ‘First Fish’ time is not shown, it was either not recorded by the competitor, or had no bearing on the ‘Place’ points scored for the relevant session.
Thanks are due to John Brown from SANA’s Stillwater Section who provided invaluable assistance with officiating, and David Duff, who welcomed hosting the event with great enthusiasm, and for whom nothing was too much trouble.
We now look forward to our next event, another combined one, on Sunday 28th April on Carron Valley Reservoir. Good luck to everyone taking part.
A selection of photos from the day (many thanks to David Duff for these). Click thumbnail image to see full size:
Although the weather was dry throughout the day, a chilly and gusty west wind blew down the length of the length of the loch and, as a forecast abatement later in the day did not materialise, the anglers were faced with difficult casting and demanding fishing in both morning and afternoon sessions.
18 Premier and 16 First Division members fished on 34 of Ledyatt’s 39 platforms. A draw was made for morning start pegs (odds numbers to Premier, evens to First Division), and the a.m. session comprised of 6 half-hour fishing intervals with five minute breaks to allow for a progression of six pegs, taking each angler right around the loch. A similar p.m. session commenced from a start peg approximately halfway round from the morning one, with the direction of rotation also being reversed to ensure that all competitors followed different anglers onto their pegs than they had previously.
The first session finished about 1pm, and a very welcome lunch of hot pies and soup was provided by David Duff, the Fishery owner, for all competitors and officials. Everyone was back in action by 2pm.
Over the course of the day, the 34 anglers caught 222 trout, giving a rod average of just over 6.5. Several anglers achieved 5-fish maximum scores from single pegs, and catches included an impressive number of double-figure fish. Although a few anglers recorded blank sessions, everyone caught at least one fish.
Many different methods were tried throughout the day, including dry flies, buzzers, damsels, lures and worm patterns. A wide variety of line densities, retrieve speeds and indicator techniques were used with varying degrees of success. It was clear that at different times of day, distinct areas of the loch tended to produce fish when others didn’t, but the competition format ensured that everyone had their share of opportunities.
Congratulations to the Premier League's session winners Keith Renton and Colin MacDonald. Click for full detailed Premier League results. Please note that the results now published here differ from the original `provisional' results posted earlier.
Congratulations to the First Division's session winners Rab Maxwell and Stevie Stuart. Click for full detailed First Division results.
Where the ‘First Fish’ time is not shown, it was either not recorded by the competitor, or had no bearing on the ‘Place’ points scored for the relevant session.
Thanks are due to John Brown from SANA’s Stillwater Section who provided invaluable assistance with officiating, and David Duff, who welcomed hosting the event with great enthusiasm, and for whom nothing was too much trouble.
We now look forward to our next event, another combined one, on Sunday 28th April on Carron Valley Reservoir. Good luck to everyone taking part.
A selection of photos from the day (many thanks to David Duff for these). Click thumbnail image to see full size:
SNFFL 2018 Event 6 - First Division River Tummel Sunday 9th September
The sixth SNFFL event of 2018 (the SNFFL First Division's final event) took place on the Pitlochry Angling Club's stretch of the River Tummel on Sunday 9th September 2018. The area fished was from Aldour Footbridge to Ballinluig Road Bridge.
The river level on the week leading up to the event was quite erratic but it stayed pretty constant throughout the event (as can be seen on the Pitlochry SEPA gauge). For many of the anglers though, this is the lowest they have seen the Tummel for many a year.
There was an Autumnal feel to the weather with a fresh, chill in the air and the weather stayed changeable all day. Early showers were followed by a stiff upstream wind, making delicate nymphing difficult on the many exposed beats. Just to make things even more challenging, the final hours were fished under bright sunshine! Fly hatches were restricted to a sprinkling of small olives - but not enough to interest the fish.
As per last week's Premier League event, deep fished nymphs fared best on the day with beaded caddis patterns proving the most consistent.
28 fish were caught (15 grayling and 13 brown trout) for 13 anglers competing. 6 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Radoslaw Garbarz with a perfect 2 place points (two first places) and 11 fish, followed by Paul Boyle with 6 place points and 3 fish. In third was Fred MacDonald with 7 place points and also with 3 fish.
Largest fish of the day was Fred MacDonald's lovely 45.5 cm brown trout and the largest grayling of the day was caught by Radoslaw Garbarz and went 37.8 cm - well done guys. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results (provisional)
In keeping with the new rule for 2018, all anglers could discount their worst session. The 2018 First Division Champion is Radoslaw Garbarz, with Matthew Skeoch in the silver medal position and David "Chaff" Chalmers in bronze medal position. I'm sure you will all congratulate them on a very worthy and consistent performance over the 2018 season on fishery, boat and river. The three medal winners, along with Greg Forrest will be promoted to the Premier League for 2019.
CLICK HERE to view the final SNFFL 2018 First Division Leaderboard after 4 events.
Many thanks to all the controllers that accompanied our anglers, many who travelled a long way, and to David Deane, Neil Sinclair and other helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Angling Club for allowing us onto their lovely river.
SNFFL now look forward to arranging our end of year prize-giving, preparing our teams for the 2019 FIPS Mouche events (World, European and Masters championships) with time left to recharge the batteries and set the leagues up for 2019 season. If you would like to join the Scottish National Fly Fishing League or would like to know more, please contact David Deane.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane, Gordon Whyte and Rab Maxwell (click each picture to see in full size and hover over any image for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
The river level on the week leading up to the event was quite erratic but it stayed pretty constant throughout the event (as can be seen on the Pitlochry SEPA gauge). For many of the anglers though, this is the lowest they have seen the Tummel for many a year.
There was an Autumnal feel to the weather with a fresh, chill in the air and the weather stayed changeable all day. Early showers were followed by a stiff upstream wind, making delicate nymphing difficult on the many exposed beats. Just to make things even more challenging, the final hours were fished under bright sunshine! Fly hatches were restricted to a sprinkling of small olives - but not enough to interest the fish.
As per last week's Premier League event, deep fished nymphs fared best on the day with beaded caddis patterns proving the most consistent.
28 fish were caught (15 grayling and 13 brown trout) for 13 anglers competing. 6 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Radoslaw Garbarz with a perfect 2 place points (two first places) and 11 fish, followed by Paul Boyle with 6 place points and 3 fish. In third was Fred MacDonald with 7 place points and also with 3 fish.
Largest fish of the day was Fred MacDonald's lovely 45.5 cm brown trout and the largest grayling of the day was caught by Radoslaw Garbarz and went 37.8 cm - well done guys. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results (provisional)
In keeping with the new rule for 2018, all anglers could discount their worst session. The 2018 First Division Champion is Radoslaw Garbarz, with Matthew Skeoch in the silver medal position and David "Chaff" Chalmers in bronze medal position. I'm sure you will all congratulate them on a very worthy and consistent performance over the 2018 season on fishery, boat and river. The three medal winners, along with Greg Forrest will be promoted to the Premier League for 2019.
CLICK HERE to view the final SNFFL 2018 First Division Leaderboard after 4 events.
Many thanks to all the controllers that accompanied our anglers, many who travelled a long way, and to David Deane, Neil Sinclair and other helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Angling Club for allowing us onto their lovely river.
SNFFL now look forward to arranging our end of year prize-giving, preparing our teams for the 2019 FIPS Mouche events (World, European and Masters championships) with time left to recharge the batteries and set the leagues up for 2019 season. If you would like to join the Scottish National Fly Fishing League or would like to know more, please contact David Deane.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane, Gordon Whyte and Rab Maxwell (click each picture to see in full size and hover over any image for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
SNFFL 2018 Event 5 - Premier League River Tummel Sunday 2nd September
The fifth SNFFL event of 2018 (the SNFFL Premier League's final event) took place on the Pitlochry Angling Club's stretch of the River Tummel on Sunday 2nd September 2018. The area fished was from Aldour Footbridge to Ballinluig Road Bridge.
On the week leading up to the event, the river level showed many `spikes' due to dam maintenance and electricity generation. However, on the day the level stayed almost static (as can be seen on the Pitlochry SEPA gauge).
Most of the beats had to share their water with a couple of paddle-boarders. Thankfully it is a big river and the impact was minimal. Fly hatches were very sparse with just a sprinkling of Pale Wateries and the odd Yellow May Dun. A sedge hatch threatened to happen jst after lunch but it petered out as quickly as it started.
The Tummel is famous for its population of fish that are normally `looking up', whatever the conditions. They were not so much in the mood for blind fished dries on the day though with many fish splashing at the dries and not taking in their normal positive fashion. Deep fished nymphs and the Trio/Duo rigs fared very well on the day and wet fly tactics added a decent amount of fish to the overall catch.
73 fish were caught (53 brown trout and 20 grayling) for a full house of 18 anglers competing. 12 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The top three spots were all taken by the Borders contingent. The winner on the day was Dick Logan with a noteworthy 3 place points and 11 fish, followed by Cuillin Rae with 6 place points and 8 fish. In third was Jake Harvey with 7 place points and 6 fish.
Largest fish of the day was Donald Forbes' 38.2 cm brown trout and the largest grayling of the day was caught by Hugh Skeoch and went 37cm - well done guys. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results (provisional)
In keeping with the new rule for 2018, all anglers could discount their worst session. The 2018 Premier League Champion is Alan Hill, with Dick Logan in the silver medal position and Donald Forbes in bronze medal position. I'm sure you will all congratulate them on a very worthy and consistent performance over the 2018 season on fishery, boat and river.
CLICK HERE to view the final SNFFL 2018 Premier League Leaderboard after 4 events.
Many thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane, Neil Sinclair, Derek Wilson and other helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Angling Club for allowing us onto their lovely river.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tummel on Sunday 9th September - the final SNFFL First Division event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2019?), please contact David Deane for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tummel event and also carrying a wading staff. The Tummel is a big, powerful river and can easily rise a foot or so with slight rain in the very large catchment area or sudden hydro electricity generation.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane, John Watson, Steven Livingstone, Gordon Whyte and Ian Goodlet (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
On the week leading up to the event, the river level showed many `spikes' due to dam maintenance and electricity generation. However, on the day the level stayed almost static (as can be seen on the Pitlochry SEPA gauge).
Most of the beats had to share their water with a couple of paddle-boarders. Thankfully it is a big river and the impact was minimal. Fly hatches were very sparse with just a sprinkling of Pale Wateries and the odd Yellow May Dun. A sedge hatch threatened to happen jst after lunch but it petered out as quickly as it started.
The Tummel is famous for its population of fish that are normally `looking up', whatever the conditions. They were not so much in the mood for blind fished dries on the day though with many fish splashing at the dries and not taking in their normal positive fashion. Deep fished nymphs and the Trio/Duo rigs fared very well on the day and wet fly tactics added a decent amount of fish to the overall catch.
73 fish were caught (53 brown trout and 20 grayling) for a full house of 18 anglers competing. 12 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The top three spots were all taken by the Borders contingent. The winner on the day was Dick Logan with a noteworthy 3 place points and 11 fish, followed by Cuillin Rae with 6 place points and 8 fish. In third was Jake Harvey with 7 place points and 6 fish.
Largest fish of the day was Donald Forbes' 38.2 cm brown trout and the largest grayling of the day was caught by Hugh Skeoch and went 37cm - well done guys. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results (provisional)
In keeping with the new rule for 2018, all anglers could discount their worst session. The 2018 Premier League Champion is Alan Hill, with Dick Logan in the silver medal position and Donald Forbes in bronze medal position. I'm sure you will all congratulate them on a very worthy and consistent performance over the 2018 season on fishery, boat and river.
CLICK HERE to view the final SNFFL 2018 Premier League Leaderboard after 4 events.
Many thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane, Neil Sinclair, Derek Wilson and other helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Angling Club for allowing us onto their lovely river.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tummel on Sunday 9th September - the final SNFFL First Division event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2019?), please contact David Deane for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tummel event and also carrying a wading staff. The Tummel is a big, powerful river and can easily rise a foot or so with slight rain in the very large catchment area or sudden hydro electricity generation.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane, John Watson, Steven Livingstone, Gordon Whyte and Ian Goodlet (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
SNFFL 2018 Event 4 - First Division River Tweed Sunday 19th August 2018
The fourth SNFFL event of 2018 (the SNFFL First Division's first river event) took place on the St Boswells and Newton Districts Angling Association's stretch of the River Tweed on Sunday 19th August 2018. The beats fished were from Ravenswood down to Lower Mertoun.
Heavy rain from the night before right up until lunchtime on the day resulted in a rising river, never a good thing. Over the course of the event, the river climbed about 10 inches, as can be seen on the Boleside gauge.
As per the Premier League event the week before, dry fly wasn't such a good option and deep nymph and wet tactics won what was a very difficult day.
24 fish were caught (17 brown trout and 7 grayling) for 16 anglers competing. 2 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Matthew Skeoch with a noteworthy 5 place points and 4 fish, followed by David Chalmers with 10 place points and 4 fish. In third was Radoslow Garbarz with 17 place points and 5 fish (all caught in the morning session).
CLICK HERE to view detailed event results (provisional) and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Leaderboard after 3 events.
Largest fish of the day was Matthew Skeoch's 50.3 cm grayling. The Tweed is famous for these big grayling.
The largest Brown Trout of the day was caught by Jimmy Feeney and went 36cm - well done.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their morning soaking and exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to Neil Sinclair and helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tummel on Sunday 2nd September - the final SNFFL Premier League event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2019?), please contact David Deane for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tweed event and also carrying a wading staff. The Tweed is a big, powerful river and can easily rise a foot or so with slight rain in the very large catchment area.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane, John Watson and Gordon Whyte (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
Heavy rain from the night before right up until lunchtime on the day resulted in a rising river, never a good thing. Over the course of the event, the river climbed about 10 inches, as can be seen on the Boleside gauge.
As per the Premier League event the week before, dry fly wasn't such a good option and deep nymph and wet tactics won what was a very difficult day.
24 fish were caught (17 brown trout and 7 grayling) for 16 anglers competing. 2 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Matthew Skeoch with a noteworthy 5 place points and 4 fish, followed by David Chalmers with 10 place points and 4 fish. In third was Radoslow Garbarz with 17 place points and 5 fish (all caught in the morning session).
CLICK HERE to view detailed event results (provisional) and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Leaderboard after 3 events.
Largest fish of the day was Matthew Skeoch's 50.3 cm grayling. The Tweed is famous for these big grayling.
The largest Brown Trout of the day was caught by Jimmy Feeney and went 36cm - well done.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their morning soaking and exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to Neil Sinclair and helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tummel on Sunday 2nd September - the final SNFFL Premier League event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2019?), please contact David Deane for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tweed event and also carrying a wading staff. The Tweed is a big, powerful river and can easily rise a foot or so with slight rain in the very large catchment area.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane, John Watson and Gordon Whyte (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
SNFFL 2018 Event 3 - Premier League River Tweed Sunday 12th August 2018
The third SNFFL event of 2018 (the SNFFL Premier League's first river event) took place on the St Boswells and Newton Districts Angling Association's stretch of the River Tweed on Sunday 12th August 2018. The beats fished were from Ravenswood down to Lower Mertoun.
The heavy rain that greeted the event caused many concerned anglers but thankfully the river only climbed 3 centimetres on the Boleside gauge over the course of the event.
Due to the incessant rain, fly hatches never really materialised past the odd Summer Dun and the ever present small aquatic midge. With the fish sensing fresh water for the first time in a while, I'm not so sure they would have switched on had anything hatched in numbers.
84 fish were caught (56 brown trout and 28 grayling) for 17 anglers competing. 12 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was local angler (and newly crowned Scottish Rivers Champion) Dick Logan with a noteworthy 5 place points and 12 fish, followed by Kenny Riddell with 9 place points and 7 fish. In third was Jim Kyle with 10 place points and 8 fish.
CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Leaderboard after 3 events.
Largest fish of the day was Alan Hill's 48cm grayling. The Tweed is famous for these big grayling and in addition to Alan's fish, a number of large grayling were caught.
The largest Brown Trout of the day was caught by Colin MacDonald and went 38cm - well done.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their morning soaking and exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to Neil Sinclair and helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tweed on Sunday 19th August - the SNFFL First Division event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2019?), please contact David Deane for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tweed event and also carrying a wading staff. The Tweed is a big, powerful river and can easily rise a foot or so with slight rain in the very large catchment area.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of SNFFL First Division angler John Watson, who controlled for Jake Harvey (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
The heavy rain that greeted the event caused many concerned anglers but thankfully the river only climbed 3 centimetres on the Boleside gauge over the course of the event.
Due to the incessant rain, fly hatches never really materialised past the odd Summer Dun and the ever present small aquatic midge. With the fish sensing fresh water for the first time in a while, I'm not so sure they would have switched on had anything hatched in numbers.
84 fish were caught (56 brown trout and 28 grayling) for 17 anglers competing. 12 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was local angler (and newly crowned Scottish Rivers Champion) Dick Logan with a noteworthy 5 place points and 12 fish, followed by Kenny Riddell with 9 place points and 7 fish. In third was Jim Kyle with 10 place points and 8 fish.
CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Leaderboard after 3 events.
Largest fish of the day was Alan Hill's 48cm grayling. The Tweed is famous for these big grayling and in addition to Alan's fish, a number of large grayling were caught.
The largest Brown Trout of the day was caught by Colin MacDonald and went 38cm - well done.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their morning soaking and exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to Neil Sinclair and helpers who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tweed on Sunday 19th August - the SNFFL First Division event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2019?), please contact David Deane for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tweed event and also carrying a wading staff. The Tweed is a big, powerful river and can easily rise a foot or so with slight rain in the very large catchment area.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of SNFFL First Division angler John Watson, who controlled for Jake Harvey (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
SNFFL 2018 Event 2 - Carron Valley Reservoir Saturday 5th May 2018
The second Scottish National Fly Fishing League event of 2018 was held at Carron Valley Reservoir and has become the norm, was a combined Premier League and First Division event (each boat having an angler from each league).
For once, conditions were almost perfect with a mild breeze creating a welcome ripple. In the southern bays, the wind couldn't make its mind up and was swirly; on the road shore, drifts were more consistent. Overhead conditions were really good - not too bright. Right from the off, there were many fish rising to the early hatch of the day - buzzers and lots of them.
This fishery has seen a lot of action over the past few weeks with two national heats, a good few club competitions and more than a sprinkling of anglers practicing for their respective comps. However, as always, Carron didn't disappoint and the catches were excellent.
Many anglers set up for capturing rainbows from pods they had found in their reccies and although many were still there, the prolific spring buzzer hatches have tempted them to spread out. The resident brownies need no encouragement to surface feed when these buzzers are in evidence and they figured highly in the catches too.
Fish were caught on a whole host of flies and tactics and from almost everywhere in the reservoir. The three main bays: Burnhouse, Bin and Carron accounted for the bulk of them though.
In the Premier League, the winner (again!) was Alan Hill with an excellent 4 place points and 17 fish, followed by well known stillwater angler Hugh Skeoch with 1 fish less and also 4 place points. Third was Rab Maxwell making up for his early Kingennie exit with 9 place points and 14 fish. 148 fish were caught (and released) by 18 Premier League anglers. Click for full detailed event results. Click for the 2018 Premier League leader board after 2 events.
In the First Division, the winner was Jim Doyle with 7 place points and 8 fish, followed by Fred MacDonald with 8 place points and 11 fish. In third was John Watson with 9 place points and 7 fish. 77 fish were caught (and released) by 14 First Division anglers. Click for full detailed event results. Click for the 2018 First Division leader board after 2 events. First Division (only) results were corrected on 10th May 2018!
Many thanks to Jimmy Feeney, Michelle and the team for having us, for being so welcoming during the past wee reccy period and for laying on a very welcome spread at the end. We have never had catering at Carron before but we should do it every time. Carron Valley is just coming into season now with the best of the fishing just about to kick off and the buzzer fishing and dry fly sport is second to none. Give the gang a call on 01324 823698 or visit their website if you want more.
Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicators David Deane, Neil Sinclair and Derek Wilson who gave up their whole day to run a flawless event and ensured the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. As a footnote, Davie Deane in a short break from photographing and watching the anglers managed to catch a brownie, a rainbow, a blue and a powan (his first ever)! Please also spare a thought for our very own Greg Forrest who broke his beloved Sage Method in a very short argument with his outboard.
We now look forward to our next round of events on the River Tweed in August, the first of the separate division events. The Premier League will fish on the 12th August and the First Division on the 19th August. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
If you have any photos of the Carron Valley event (mobile pics work great!), please email to Paul Buchanan or David Deane and we can add them to this report. Please also take a few minutes to knock up a brief report of your day and distribute to all the anglers in the SNFFL email distribution list. We all benefit by passing on the wisdom gained on the day.
Many thanks to David Deane, Greg Forrest and Rodoslaw Garbarz for the following selection of photos from the event. Hover over each individual pic for more information and click the photo to see it in a larger size. Enjoy.
For once, conditions were almost perfect with a mild breeze creating a welcome ripple. In the southern bays, the wind couldn't make its mind up and was swirly; on the road shore, drifts were more consistent. Overhead conditions were really good - not too bright. Right from the off, there were many fish rising to the early hatch of the day - buzzers and lots of them.
This fishery has seen a lot of action over the past few weeks with two national heats, a good few club competitions and more than a sprinkling of anglers practicing for their respective comps. However, as always, Carron didn't disappoint and the catches were excellent.
Many anglers set up for capturing rainbows from pods they had found in their reccies and although many were still there, the prolific spring buzzer hatches have tempted them to spread out. The resident brownies need no encouragement to surface feed when these buzzers are in evidence and they figured highly in the catches too.
Fish were caught on a whole host of flies and tactics and from almost everywhere in the reservoir. The three main bays: Burnhouse, Bin and Carron accounted for the bulk of them though.
In the Premier League, the winner (again!) was Alan Hill with an excellent 4 place points and 17 fish, followed by well known stillwater angler Hugh Skeoch with 1 fish less and also 4 place points. Third was Rab Maxwell making up for his early Kingennie exit with 9 place points and 14 fish. 148 fish were caught (and released) by 18 Premier League anglers. Click for full detailed event results. Click for the 2018 Premier League leader board after 2 events.
In the First Division, the winner was Jim Doyle with 7 place points and 8 fish, followed by Fred MacDonald with 8 place points and 11 fish. In third was John Watson with 9 place points and 7 fish. 77 fish were caught (and released) by 14 First Division anglers. Click for full detailed event results. Click for the 2018 First Division leader board after 2 events. First Division (only) results were corrected on 10th May 2018!
Many thanks to Jimmy Feeney, Michelle and the team for having us, for being so welcoming during the past wee reccy period and for laying on a very welcome spread at the end. We have never had catering at Carron before but we should do it every time. Carron Valley is just coming into season now with the best of the fishing just about to kick off and the buzzer fishing and dry fly sport is second to none. Give the gang a call on 01324 823698 or visit their website if you want more.
Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicators David Deane, Neil Sinclair and Derek Wilson who gave up their whole day to run a flawless event and ensured the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. As a footnote, Davie Deane in a short break from photographing and watching the anglers managed to catch a brownie, a rainbow, a blue and a powan (his first ever)! Please also spare a thought for our very own Greg Forrest who broke his beloved Sage Method in a very short argument with his outboard.
We now look forward to our next round of events on the River Tweed in August, the first of the separate division events. The Premier League will fish on the 12th August and the First Division on the 19th August. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
If you have any photos of the Carron Valley event (mobile pics work great!), please email to Paul Buchanan or David Deane and we can add them to this report. Please also take a few minutes to knock up a brief report of your day and distribute to all the anglers in the SNFFL email distribution list. We all benefit by passing on the wisdom gained on the day.
Many thanks to David Deane, Greg Forrest and Rodoslaw Garbarz for the following selection of photos from the event. Hover over each individual pic for more information and click the photo to see it in a larger size. Enjoy.
SNFFL 2018 Event 1 - Kingennie Fishery Sunday 8th April 2018
The first SNFFL event of 2018 was held yesterday (Sunday 8th April) at the Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort and has become the norm, was a combined Premier League and First Division event.
Premier anglers fished the larger Bankside pool in the morning with the First Division being spread between the Burnside and Boathouse pools. Both leagues swapped around at lunchtime.
The weather that greeted the anglers was so much better than we've been getting of late with double figure temperatures and a lovely light wind to warm the surface. There were many fish in evidence in most of the pools, especially Bankside and Boathouse, but they were concentrating on sunbathing - not eating! Catching them proved a little more difficult than many thought.
Unsurprisingly for this time of year, fish were quite sluggish and not exactly sipping small flies off the surface, but success was had on a variety of fly lines - not all deep sinking. Come the end of the event, the surface had warmed quite considerably and many fish were dimpling in open water and taking up position in the warmer windward shores.
There were no complete stand-out methods or fly patterns but damsel based patterns did well and various bugs and buzzers pulled and hung under an indicator worked for many.
In the Premier League, the winner was Alan Hill with an excellent 3 place points and 10 fish, followed by Colin MacDonald with 5 place points and 9 fish and in third was Kenny Riddell with 8 place points and 6 fish. 80 fish were caught (and released) by 18 Premier League anglers. Click for full detailed results (now revised to take into account first fish times).
In the First Division, the winner was Radoslaw Garbarz with 6 place points and 9 fish, followed by Kathleen Shepherd with 7 place points and 7 fish and in third was Stevie Stuart with 8 place points and 5 fish. 65 fish were caught (and released) by 16 First Division anglers (and one guest). Click for full detailed results (now revised to take into account first fish times).
Many thanks to Grant Osler and his team for having us, for organising the pegging and for laying on a very welcome lunch (have SNFFL ever lunched in such luxury?). Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicators David Deane and Derek Wilson who gave up their whole day to run a flawless event and ensured the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Also thanks to Gordon, Ian and Lawrence who helped keep the event fair by fishing unused pegs - dirty job but someone has to do it eh?
We now look forward to our next event, another combined one, on Saturday 5th May on Carron Valley Reservoir. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
If you have any photos of the Kingennie event, please email to David Deane and we can add them to this report.
Here is a selection of photos from the day (many thanks to Davie Deane for these). Hover over each individual pic for more information and click to see in larger size. Enjoy.
Premier anglers fished the larger Bankside pool in the morning with the First Division being spread between the Burnside and Boathouse pools. Both leagues swapped around at lunchtime.
The weather that greeted the anglers was so much better than we've been getting of late with double figure temperatures and a lovely light wind to warm the surface. There were many fish in evidence in most of the pools, especially Bankside and Boathouse, but they were concentrating on sunbathing - not eating! Catching them proved a little more difficult than many thought.
Unsurprisingly for this time of year, fish were quite sluggish and not exactly sipping small flies off the surface, but success was had on a variety of fly lines - not all deep sinking. Come the end of the event, the surface had warmed quite considerably and many fish were dimpling in open water and taking up position in the warmer windward shores.
There were no complete stand-out methods or fly patterns but damsel based patterns did well and various bugs and buzzers pulled and hung under an indicator worked for many.
In the Premier League, the winner was Alan Hill with an excellent 3 place points and 10 fish, followed by Colin MacDonald with 5 place points and 9 fish and in third was Kenny Riddell with 8 place points and 6 fish. 80 fish were caught (and released) by 18 Premier League anglers. Click for full detailed results (now revised to take into account first fish times).
In the First Division, the winner was Radoslaw Garbarz with 6 place points and 9 fish, followed by Kathleen Shepherd with 7 place points and 7 fish and in third was Stevie Stuart with 8 place points and 5 fish. 65 fish were caught (and released) by 16 First Division anglers (and one guest). Click for full detailed results (now revised to take into account first fish times).
Many thanks to Grant Osler and his team for having us, for organising the pegging and for laying on a very welcome lunch (have SNFFL ever lunched in such luxury?). Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicators David Deane and Derek Wilson who gave up their whole day to run a flawless event and ensured the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Also thanks to Gordon, Ian and Lawrence who helped keep the event fair by fishing unused pegs - dirty job but someone has to do it eh?
We now look forward to our next event, another combined one, on Saturday 5th May on Carron Valley Reservoir. Good luck to everyone taking part in that.
If you have any photos of the Kingennie event, please email to David Deane and we can add them to this report.
Here is a selection of photos from the day (many thanks to Davie Deane for these). Hover over each individual pic for more information and click to see in larger size. Enjoy.
SNFFL are recruiting a small number of anglers for 2018
SNFFL are looking to boost numbers and would like to hear from all interested stillwater and river anglers (including previous SNFFL members). Membership of SNFFL will provide access to fly fishing skills workshops & masterclasses, with the goal of preparing anglers for World, European, Masters and 5 Nations events.
SNFFL leagues fish 5 events per year, consisting of 2 stillwaters (1 bank, 1 boat) & three river venues. All events are catch & release and fished to FIPS rules.
The 2018 programme (still provisional) will be comprised of five events as follows:
1. Bank Stillwater (Combined) – Sunday, 8th April, Kingennie Trout Fishery (Lunch included)
2. Boat Stillwater (Combined) – Saturday, 5th May, Carron Valley Reservoir
3. River (Premier League) – Sunday, 17th June, River Don
River (First Division) – Sunday, 24th June, River Don
4. River (Premier League) – Sunday, 12th August, River Tweed
River (First Division) – Sunday, 19th August, River Tweed
5. River (Premier League) – Sunday, 2nd September, River Tummel
River (First Division) – Sunday, 9th September, River Tummel
The entry criteria for joining SNFFL:
- Be over the age of 18 years old
- Be a competent fly fisher
- Must be in a position to supply a controller for each of the 3 river events
- Show commitment & willingness to attend team events & improve skills
- Have a positive and constructive attitude towards teamwork
- Be a team player, with disregard for individual gratification
New entries for 2018 will be taken on a first come basis and enquiries received after December 31st cannot be guaranteed a place in any 2018 events.
CLICK HERE to read the full 2018 information package.
If you would like to join us or know someone who might, or need more information, please contact David Deane on biggarfish@gmail.com
Fly Fishing Skills Improvement Workshop
On Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November an angling workshop will be taking place in the King Robert Hotel Stirling. It is primarily aimed at anglers who wish to improve various aspects of their range of competitive fishing skills. However, no matter your preference or style in angling, whether you are a river or stillwater angler or whether you are a coach or competitive angler, there will be something for everybody in this workshop.
The cost of the two day programme will be £40 for adults and £20 for juniors. This includes morning and afternoon tea with biscuits, but does not include lunch. Numbers are limited to 20 and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Overnight accommodation is available in the hotel if required (depending on availability). The cost of dinner, bed and breakfast is £45 per person per night based on two people sharing, and £55 for a single room. All hotel reservations should be made directly with the hotel (call 01786 811 666) stating you will be attending the angling workshops. These prices are reduced so if you book online you may be required to pay full price.
The workshops will be delivered by Jim Kyle and Donald Forbes as well as few special guests. The majority of the workshops will be approx 1 hour long and cover the following topics:
- Team Work
- Psychology
- Physiology
- Stillwater Bank Fishing
- Boat Fishing and Boat Handling
- Depth Control
- Leader Construction
- River Nymph Techniques
- River Dry Fly Techniques
- River Wet Fly Techniques
- Stillwater and River Fly tying
Anyone wishing to book a place or enquire about the workshops should contact Jim Kyle on Jameskyle963@gmail.com stating your name and telephone number. Your call will be returned ASAP to confirm your place.
The cost of the two day programme will be £40 for adults and £20 for juniors. This includes morning and afternoon tea with biscuits, but does not include lunch. Numbers are limited to 20 and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Overnight accommodation is available in the hotel if required (depending on availability). The cost of dinner, bed and breakfast is £45 per person per night based on two people sharing, and £55 for a single room. All hotel reservations should be made directly with the hotel (call 01786 811 666) stating you will be attending the angling workshops. These prices are reduced so if you book online you may be required to pay full price.
The workshops will be delivered by Jim Kyle and Donald Forbes as well as few special guests. The majority of the workshops will be approx 1 hour long and cover the following topics:
- Team Work
- Psychology
- Physiology
- Stillwater Bank Fishing
- Boat Fishing and Boat Handling
- Depth Control
- Leader Construction
- River Nymph Techniques
- River Dry Fly Techniques
- River Wet Fly Techniques
- Stillwater and River Fly tying
Anyone wishing to book a place or enquire about the workshops should contact Jim Kyle on Jameskyle963@gmail.com stating your name and telephone number. Your call will be returned ASAP to confirm your place.
SNFFL Event 8 - River Tweed Sunday 20th August 2017 (First Division)
The eighth and final SNFFL event of 2017 (also the SNFFL First Division's final event) took place on the St Boswells and Newton Districts Angling Association's amazing River Tweed on Sunday 20th August 2017. The beats fished were from Ravenswood down to Mertoun Suspension Bridge. We had a fair bit of rain throughout the week and although the river level was well up mid-week, it came down to just over a foot on the Boleside gauge by competition time. This gave the organisers a bit of a headache as many of the beats lose a lot of fishable water at this height. It was decided that with 10 anglers fishing, the upper beats fished would be 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and the lower beats would be 11, 12, 14, 15, 16.
Fly hatches were restricted to a trickle of Pale Wateries throughout the day and few fish were tempted to rise by them. The weather was mixed with a few sunny intervals but it stayed dry and the wind stayed light until the last hour where it picked up considerably.
49 fish were caught (39 brown trout and 10 grayling) for 10 anglers competing. 7 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions. The best methods on the day were deep nymphs and swung nymphs/wets.
The winner on the day was Hugh Skeoch with a creditable 3 place points (a first and a second place!) and 13 fish, followed by Alan Hill with 7 place points and 9 fish. In third was Colin McDonald with 8 place points and 6 fish.
CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Final Leaderboard after all 5 events.
Congratulations to the new 2017 SNFFL First Division champion Alan Hill who adds his name to the Riddell McHattie trophy for the second time - he also won it in 2014. Seriously consistent fishing Alan. More on this later as a detailed web article will appear soon to summarise the SNFFL First Division's 2017 campaign.
Largest fish of the day was Ian Wilson's 48cm Brown Trout - well done Ian.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane, Jake Harvey and Rab Maxwell who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells Angling Association for allowing us onto their very special river, especially on a Sunday.
SNFFL now look forward to supporting our anglers in the World Championships in Slovakia from September 5th to 11th. The five competition sessions are on the 7th, 8th and 9th.
If you would like to join the SNFFL First Division for 2018, please contact David Deane for further information. We currently have a few spaces available but cannot guarantee how long they will be available for, so hurry!
We hope you enjoy our large selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
Fly hatches were restricted to a trickle of Pale Wateries throughout the day and few fish were tempted to rise by them. The weather was mixed with a few sunny intervals but it stayed dry and the wind stayed light until the last hour where it picked up considerably.
49 fish were caught (39 brown trout and 10 grayling) for 10 anglers competing. 7 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions. The best methods on the day were deep nymphs and swung nymphs/wets.
The winner on the day was Hugh Skeoch with a creditable 3 place points (a first and a second place!) and 13 fish, followed by Alan Hill with 7 place points and 9 fish. In third was Colin McDonald with 8 place points and 6 fish.
CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Final Leaderboard after all 5 events.
Congratulations to the new 2017 SNFFL First Division champion Alan Hill who adds his name to the Riddell McHattie trophy for the second time - he also won it in 2014. Seriously consistent fishing Alan. More on this later as a detailed web article will appear soon to summarise the SNFFL First Division's 2017 campaign.
Largest fish of the day was Ian Wilson's 48cm Brown Trout - well done Ian.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane, Jake Harvey and Rab Maxwell who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells Angling Association for allowing us onto their very special river, especially on a Sunday.
SNFFL now look forward to supporting our anglers in the World Championships in Slovakia from September 5th to 11th. The five competition sessions are on the 7th, 8th and 9th.
If you would like to join the SNFFL First Division for 2018, please contact David Deane for further information. We currently have a few spaces available but cannot guarantee how long they will be available for, so hurry!
We hope you enjoy our large selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
SNFFL Event 7 - River Tweed Sunday 13th August 2017 (Premier League)
The seventh SNFFL event of 2017 (the SNFFL Premier League's final event) took place on the St Boswells and Newton Districts Angling Association's famous River Tweed on Sunday 13th August 2017. The beats fished were from Ravenswood down to Lower Mertoun. The rain late last week thankfully did not affect the river that was running low and clear at 5 inches on the Boleside gauge.
Fly hatches were kept quiet in the morning due to dazzling sun and a stiff northerly breeze. However, once the bright sunshine of morning had been replaced with more cloudy conditions from lunchtime onward, a trickle hatch of small, pale olives and lots of small egg-laying sedge could be seen throughout the rest of the day.
75 fish were caught (58 brown trout and 17 grayling) for 18 anglers competing. 11 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was local angler Jake Harvey with a creditable 2 place points (two first places!) and 14 fish, followed by another local angler Derick Logan with 9 place points and 7 fish. In third was Kenny Riddell with 10 place points and 8 fish.
CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Final Leaderboard after all 5 events.
Congratulations to the new 2017 SNFFL Premier League champion Mike Low who retains his title from last year. Fantastic fishing Michael. More on this later as a detailed web article will appear soon to summarise the SNFFL Premier Division's 2017 campaign.
Largest fish of the day was Bill Eadie's 48.8cm grayling (pictured below). The Tweed is famous for these big grayling and in addition to Bill's fish, five other 40cm+ grayling were caught (Rab Maxwell 40.3 cm, Jim Kyle 41 cm & 46 cm, Paul Buchanan 41.5 cm and Donald Forbes 40.7 cm).
The largest Brown Trout of the day was caught by Brad Chalmers and went 36cm. Brad also had the second largest trout of the day at 35.2cm - well done.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to Neil Sinclair and Derek Wilson who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tweed on Sunday 20th August - the final SNFFL First Division event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2018?), please contact David Deane for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tweed event and also carrying a wading staff. The Tweed is a big, powerful river and can easily rise a foot or so with slight rain in the very large catchment area.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of John Watson, Jason Henry, Neil Sinclair, Greg Forrest, John Brown, Colin McDonald, David Deane, Stewart McCabe's and Rab Maxwell's controllers (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
Fly hatches were kept quiet in the morning due to dazzling sun and a stiff northerly breeze. However, once the bright sunshine of morning had been replaced with more cloudy conditions from lunchtime onward, a trickle hatch of small, pale olives and lots of small egg-laying sedge could be seen throughout the rest of the day.
75 fish were caught (58 brown trout and 17 grayling) for 18 anglers competing. 11 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was local angler Jake Harvey with a creditable 2 place points (two first places!) and 14 fish, followed by another local angler Derick Logan with 9 place points and 7 fish. In third was Kenny Riddell with 10 place points and 8 fish.
CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Final Leaderboard after all 5 events.
Congratulations to the new 2017 SNFFL Premier League champion Mike Low who retains his title from last year. Fantastic fishing Michael. More on this later as a detailed web article will appear soon to summarise the SNFFL Premier Division's 2017 campaign.
Largest fish of the day was Bill Eadie's 48.8cm grayling (pictured below). The Tweed is famous for these big grayling and in addition to Bill's fish, five other 40cm+ grayling were caught (Rab Maxwell 40.3 cm, Jim Kyle 41 cm & 46 cm, Paul Buchanan 41.5 cm and Donald Forbes 40.7 cm).
The largest Brown Trout of the day was caught by Brad Chalmers and went 36cm. Brad also had the second largest trout of the day at 35.2cm - well done.
Many thanks to the The Black Bull in Earlston for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome soup and rolls for our anglers and controllers after their exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers, many who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to Neil Sinclair and Derek Wilson who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the St Boswells Angling Association for allowing us onto their river, especially on a Sunday.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tweed on Sunday 20th August - the final SNFFL First Division event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2018?), please contact David Deane for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tweed event and also carrying a wading staff. The Tweed is a big, powerful river and can easily rise a foot or so with slight rain in the very large catchment area.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of John Watson, Jason Henry, Neil Sinclair, Greg Forrest, John Brown, Colin McDonald, David Deane, Stewart McCabe's and Rab Maxwell's controllers (click picture to see full size or hover over the pic for more information). If anyone present took other pictures, please send them on to us for upload. More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit this page regularly:
SNFFL Event 6 - River Don Sunday 2nd July 2017 (First Division)
The sixth SNFFL event of 2017 (the SNFFL First Division's fourth round) took place on the Aberdeen & District Angling Association's (ADAA) amazing River Don on Sunday 2nd July 2017. The beats fished were Upper and Lower Parkhill. Like last week, the weather was quite fresh with a strong downstream wind persisting throughout most of the day. The rain late in the week meant the river was a little higher than last week's Premier League event (by a few inches), running with a slight tinge of colour. Weed growth is very advanced at this time of year and provides a great place for fish to hide and a headache for anglers to avoid when locating and playing fish.
Fly hatches were very light and the best methods on the day were all sub-surface (nymphs and wets) but dries did tempt some.
53 fish were caught (all brown trout) for 11 anglers competing. 9 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Mark Straughen with a 2 place points (two first places!) and 12 fish, followed by Cuillin Rae with 6 place points and 8 fish and in third was Jason Henry with 10 place points and 6 fish. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Leaderboard after 4 events.
Largest fish of the day was Ian Wilson's 43.8cm brown trout. You don't see many of these fish feeding in daylight hours in the middle of the Scottish Summer. The story behind this fish needs told - and what a story. Ian was currently fishless on Beat 17 and saw a decent fish rise at the far bank. After a very hairy wade, he managed to get in position and caught it - the best fish of the day. While returning to Archie his controller, he went IN - RIGHT IN - breaking both his rods in the process. Miraculously, the fish was still in the net for Archie to measure! As you can imagine, he was totally soaked and for someone of 68 who'd suffered two heart attacks this year, that was a pretty brave (foolhardy some may say!) performance. Ian managed to borrow a rod for the afternoon session and while his clothes were drying on a fence, he managed another couple on dries. This my friends is a display of guts and determination - an attribute worthy of mention for a competitive fly fisherperson. It is also a very useful reminder that our big Scottish rivers can be killers and that wading sticks and life preservers should always be worn. The salmon anglers that fish these same rivers would never be without a stick.
Many thanks again to the The New Greentrees in Dyce for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome carvery meal for our anglers and controllers after their exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane, Neil Sinclair and Rab Maxwell who as always ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the ADAA for allowing us onto their river; it truly is one of Scotland's iconic trout streams and I'm sure all of our anglers would agree that we could not return soon enough.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tweed on Sunday 13th August - the final SNFFL Premier League event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2018?), please contact David Deane (mailto:biggarfish@gmail.com) for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tweed events and also carrying a wading staff. In last year's SNFFL events, the Tweed was 1ft 3 inches up on the gauge.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane, Rab Maxwell and Greg Forrest (hover over the pic for more information). More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit regularly:
Fly hatches were very light and the best methods on the day were all sub-surface (nymphs and wets) but dries did tempt some.
53 fish were caught (all brown trout) for 11 anglers competing. 9 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Mark Straughen with a 2 place points (two first places!) and 12 fish, followed by Cuillin Rae with 6 place points and 8 fish and in third was Jason Henry with 10 place points and 6 fish. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Leaderboard after 4 events.
Largest fish of the day was Ian Wilson's 43.8cm brown trout. You don't see many of these fish feeding in daylight hours in the middle of the Scottish Summer. The story behind this fish needs told - and what a story. Ian was currently fishless on Beat 17 and saw a decent fish rise at the far bank. After a very hairy wade, he managed to get in position and caught it - the best fish of the day. While returning to Archie his controller, he went IN - RIGHT IN - breaking both his rods in the process. Miraculously, the fish was still in the net for Archie to measure! As you can imagine, he was totally soaked and for someone of 68 who'd suffered two heart attacks this year, that was a pretty brave (foolhardy some may say!) performance. Ian managed to borrow a rod for the afternoon session and while his clothes were drying on a fence, he managed another couple on dries. This my friends is a display of guts and determination - an attribute worthy of mention for a competitive fly fisherperson. It is also a very useful reminder that our big Scottish rivers can be killers and that wading sticks and life preservers should always be worn. The salmon anglers that fish these same rivers would never be without a stick.
Many thanks again to the The New Greentrees in Dyce for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome carvery meal for our anglers and controllers after their exertions over the competitive sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane, Neil Sinclair and Rab Maxwell who as always ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the ADAA for allowing us onto their river; it truly is one of Scotland's iconic trout streams and I'm sure all of our anglers would agree that we could not return soon enough.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Tweed on Sunday 13th August - the final SNFFL Premier League event. If you would like to come along to assist (as a controller) or even come along to watch (as a potential competitor for 2018?), please contact David Deane (mailto:biggarfish@gmail.com) for further information. All anglers: please consider wearing a life preserver for the forthcoming River Tweed events and also carrying a wading staff. In last year's SNFFL events, the Tweed was 1ft 3 inches up on the gauge.
We hope you enjoy our selection of photos from the day, courtesy of David Deane, Rab Maxwell and Greg Forrest (hover over the pic for more information). More will be uploaded as we receive them so please visit regularly:
SNFFL Event 5 - River Don Sunday 25th June 2017 (Premier League)
The fifth SNFFL event of 2017 (the SNFFL Premier League's fourth round) took place on the Aberdeen & District Angling Association's beautiful River Don on Sunday 25th June 2017. At last an event where the much-travelled Grampian gang could have a long lie, fish the event and still be home in time for the six o'clock news.
The beats fished were Upper and Lower Parkhill (Dyce area). The weather was fresher than it's been of late and a very strong downstream wind persisted throughout most of the competition. The river was in great condition though, running almost clear and with a good height on the gauge for this time of year. Weed growth was quite advanced and this gave great refuge for the trout and made life interesting for the anglers.
Fly hatches were quite light (trickle hatch of Pale Wateries and BWO and some Sedge (Caddis). This is a very rich, rural valley so it was no surprise there were a good few terrestrials around. The bulk of the fish were not looking up hungrily but a few were tempted on dries. Many more were caught on nymphs from the weedy channels and a wets worked reasonably well in the slower areas.
An impressive 119 fish were caught (all brown trout) for 18 anglers competing. 14 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Steve Corsar with 3 place points and 15 fish, followed by Derick Logan with 11 place points and 10 fish and in third was Paul Buchanan with a 13 place points and 8 fish. Five other anglers had 8 fish also. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Leaderboard after 4 events.
Largest fish of the day was Steve Corsar's 43.5cm brown trout. An amazing wild fish to catch during the day in the middle of Summer.
Many thanks to the New Greentrees for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome carvery meal after expending all that energy over two 3 hour sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane and Neil Sinclair who as always ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the ADAA for allowing us onto this hallowed stream - it truly is a fantastic river in every way.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Don - the SNFFL First Division on Sunday 2nd July.
Here are a small selection of photos from the day (hover over the pic for more information):
The beats fished were Upper and Lower Parkhill (Dyce area). The weather was fresher than it's been of late and a very strong downstream wind persisted throughout most of the competition. The river was in great condition though, running almost clear and with a good height on the gauge for this time of year. Weed growth was quite advanced and this gave great refuge for the trout and made life interesting for the anglers.
Fly hatches were quite light (trickle hatch of Pale Wateries and BWO and some Sedge (Caddis). This is a very rich, rural valley so it was no surprise there were a good few terrestrials around. The bulk of the fish were not looking up hungrily but a few were tempted on dries. Many more were caught on nymphs from the weedy channels and a wets worked reasonably well in the slower areas.
An impressive 119 fish were caught (all brown trout) for 18 anglers competing. 14 anglers managed to catch fish in both sessions.
The winner on the day was Steve Corsar with 3 place points and 15 fish, followed by Derick Logan with 11 place points and 10 fish and in third was Paul Buchanan with a 13 place points and 8 fish. Five other anglers had 8 fish also. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Leaderboard after 4 events.
Largest fish of the day was Steve Corsar's 43.5cm brown trout. An amazing wild fish to catch during the day in the middle of Summer.
Many thanks to the New Greentrees for catering for us at the finish - a very welcome carvery meal after expending all that energy over two 3 hour sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to all the controllers who travelled a long way and accompanied our anglers and to David Deane and Neil Sinclair who as always ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing. Many thanks to the ADAA for allowing us onto this hallowed stream - it truly is a fantastic river in every way.
SNFFL now look forward to the next event on the River Don - the SNFFL First Division on Sunday 2nd July.
Here are a small selection of photos from the day (hover over the pic for more information):
SNFFL Event 4 - River Clyde Saturday 6th May 2017 (First Division)
The fourth SNFFL event of 2017 took place on the River Clyde on Saturday 6th May 2017 (UCAPA stretch) - the SNFFL First Division. Weather conditions hadn't improved much from the previous week and a very strong Easterly (blowing upstream on this stretch) made things very difficult and kept things cool for the anglers. Again, the water was desperately low and crystal clear.
Hatches of a range of spring olives were reported throughout most of the stretch but where some beats saw rising fish, others had no surface activity to speak of at all. This week, unlike for the Premier League the week before, some fish had moved into the streamier water.
Only 12 fish were caught (all brown trout) for 12 anglers. 7 anglers managed to catch fish and like last week, only the three top placed anglers managed to catch in both sessions. As difficult a day as the First Division are likely to experience this season.
The winner on the day was Alan Hill with a 2 place points (two 1st places) and 3 fish, followed by John Watson with 8 place points and 2 fish and in third was Jason Henry with 9 place points and also 2 fish. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Leaderboard after 3 events.
Largest fish of the day was Alan Hill's 53.8cm brown trout. An amazing fish given the conditions.
Many thanks to the Abington General Store for catering for us in the morning and at the finish - very welcome after being exposed to a chilly wind for two 3 hour sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to Neil Sinclair and Archie Ferguson who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next events on the River Don - Premier League on Sunday 25th June, First Division on Sunday 2nd July.
Here are a small selection of photos from the day (hover over pic for more information):
Hatches of a range of spring olives were reported throughout most of the stretch but where some beats saw rising fish, others had no surface activity to speak of at all. This week, unlike for the Premier League the week before, some fish had moved into the streamier water.
Only 12 fish were caught (all brown trout) for 12 anglers. 7 anglers managed to catch fish and like last week, only the three top placed anglers managed to catch in both sessions. As difficult a day as the First Division are likely to experience this season.
The winner on the day was Alan Hill with a 2 place points (two 1st places) and 3 fish, followed by John Watson with 8 place points and 2 fish and in third was Jason Henry with 9 place points and also 2 fish. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Leaderboard after 3 events.
Largest fish of the day was Alan Hill's 53.8cm brown trout. An amazing fish given the conditions.
Many thanks to the Abington General Store for catering for us in the morning and at the finish - very welcome after being exposed to a chilly wind for two 3 hour sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to Neil Sinclair and Archie Ferguson who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next events on the River Don - Premier League on Sunday 25th June, First Division on Sunday 2nd July.
Here are a small selection of photos from the day (hover over pic for more information):
SNFFL Event 3 - River Clyde Saturday 29th April 2017 (Premier League)
The third SNFFL event of 2017 took place on the River Clyde on Saturday 29th April 2017 (UCAPA stretch) and first up were the Premier League anglers. Temperatures have struggled throughout the season so far but because the Roberton to Elvanfoot stretch has a fair bit of altitude, this has made it even colder up there. The river on the day was very low and crystal clear - all the ingredients you need to sort out the men from the boys.
Localised hatches of a range of spring olives were reported throughout most of the stretch but fly density was varied and they were not present on every beat. Some beats saw fish feeding on hatching fly, others had no surface activity to speak of. Anglers struggled to find fish in the streamy water and it seemed to be the deeper or slacker stretches that held any fish that were found. A very awkward downstream wind made fishing with finesse very difficult and with long leaders and very small flies being needed, this added to the challenge on the day.
Only 15 fish were caught (13 brown trout and 2 grayling) for 17 anglers. 8 anglers managed to catch fish and only the three top placed anglers managed to catch in both sessions. A very difficult day indeed.
The winner on the day was Mike Low with a very creditable 4 place points (a 1st and 3rd place) and 3 fish, followed by Paul Buchanan with 7 place points and also 3 fish and in third was Steve Corsar with 7 place points and also 3 fish. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Leaderboard after 3 events.
Largest fish of the day was Paul Buchanan's 49.7cm grayling - he also had another of 48.1cm - he caught the only two grayling caught all day. Largest Brown trout was 46.4cm caught by Michael Low - who also had another of 46.1cm.
Many thanks to the Abington General Store for catering for us in the morning and at the finish - very welcome after being exposed to a chilly wind for two 3 hour sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to David Deane and Derek Wilson who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next event on the River Clyde, this time the turn of the First Division anglers on Saturday 6th May.
Here are a selection of photos from the day; many thanks to Davie Deane, John Watson and Mike Low's controller for these (hover over pic for more information):
Localised hatches of a range of spring olives were reported throughout most of the stretch but fly density was varied and they were not present on every beat. Some beats saw fish feeding on hatching fly, others had no surface activity to speak of. Anglers struggled to find fish in the streamy water and it seemed to be the deeper or slacker stretches that held any fish that were found. A very awkward downstream wind made fishing with finesse very difficult and with long leaders and very small flies being needed, this added to the challenge on the day.
Only 15 fish were caught (13 brown trout and 2 grayling) for 17 anglers. 8 anglers managed to catch fish and only the three top placed anglers managed to catch in both sessions. A very difficult day indeed.
The winner on the day was Mike Low with a very creditable 4 place points (a 1st and 3rd place) and 3 fish, followed by Paul Buchanan with 7 place points and also 3 fish and in third was Steve Corsar with 7 place points and also 3 fish. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Leaderboard after 3 events.
Largest fish of the day was Paul Buchanan's 49.7cm grayling - he also had another of 48.1cm - he caught the only two grayling caught all day. Largest Brown trout was 46.4cm caught by Michael Low - who also had another of 46.1cm.
Many thanks to the Abington General Store for catering for us in the morning and at the finish - very welcome after being exposed to a chilly wind for two 3 hour sessions. Once again, a huge thanks to David Deane and Derek Wilson who ran a flawless event to ensure the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next event on the River Clyde, this time the turn of the First Division anglers on Saturday 6th May.
Here are a selection of photos from the day; many thanks to Davie Deane, John Watson and Mike Low's controller for these (hover over pic for more information):
SNFFL Event 2 - Carron Valley Reservoir Saturday 8th April 2017
The second SNFFL event of 2017 took place on Carron Valley Reservoir (Saturday 8th April 2017) and was again a combined Premier League and First Division event. The weather that greeted the anglers was mostly somewhere between windless and a light breeze with temperatures struggling all day to get near double figures. The afternoon became even more challenging as the cloud cover wore off.
Localised buzzer hatches were witnessed in places although few anglers used this tactic in favour of more `traditional' methods that can be counted to deliver on Carron in early season. Brownies were found off-shore in slightly deeper water than normal and the rainbows were found everywhere, but especially in the bays.
In the Premier League, the winner was David Chalmers with a fantastic 3 place points (a 1st and a 2nd!) and 20 fish, followed by Donald Forbes with 8 place points and 14 fish and in third was Mike Low with 10 place points and 13 fish. 137 fish (57 brown, 80 rainbow) were caught (and released) by 16 Premier League anglers. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Leaderboard after 2 events.
In the First Division, the winner was AGAIN Alan Hill with 6 place points and 17 fish, followed AGAIN by Colin McDonald with 7 place points and 15 fish and in third was Ian Wilson with 8 place points and 14 fish. 122 fish (50 brown, 72 rainbow) were caught (and released) by 13 First Division anglers. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Leaderboard after 2 events.
Many thanks to Cameron and the crew at Carron Valley for having us. Once again, many thanks to David Deane who again gave up his whole day to almost single-handedly run a flawless event and ensured the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next round of events on the River Clyde; separated into each league from this point on. Saturday 29th April (Premier League) and Saturday 6th May (First Division).
Here are a selection of photos from the day; many thanks to Davie Deane and John Watson for these (hover over pic for more information):
Localised buzzer hatches were witnessed in places although few anglers used this tactic in favour of more `traditional' methods that can be counted to deliver on Carron in early season. Brownies were found off-shore in slightly deeper water than normal and the rainbows were found everywhere, but especially in the bays.
In the Premier League, the winner was David Chalmers with a fantastic 3 place points (a 1st and a 2nd!) and 20 fish, followed by Donald Forbes with 8 place points and 14 fish and in third was Mike Low with 10 place points and 13 fish. 137 fish (57 brown, 80 rainbow) were caught (and released) by 16 Premier League anglers. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL Premier League Leaderboard after 2 events.
In the First Division, the winner was AGAIN Alan Hill with 6 place points and 17 fish, followed AGAIN by Colin McDonald with 7 place points and 15 fish and in third was Ian Wilson with 8 place points and 14 fish. 122 fish (50 brown, 72 rainbow) were caught (and released) by 13 First Division anglers. CLICK HERE to view detailed event results and CLICK HERE to view the SNFFL First Division Leaderboard after 2 events.
Many thanks to Cameron and the crew at Carron Valley for having us. Once again, many thanks to David Deane who again gave up his whole day to almost single-handedly run a flawless event and ensured the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next round of events on the River Clyde; separated into each league from this point on. Saturday 29th April (Premier League) and Saturday 6th May (First Division).
Here are a selection of photos from the day; many thanks to Davie Deane and John Watson for these (hover over pic for more information):
And we're off!! Both SNFFL Leagues brave the sun at New Haylie Fishery
The first SNFFL event of 2017 took place on a gloriously sunny day at New Haylie Fishery (Sunday 26th March 2017) and was a combined Premier League and First Division event. The weather that greeted the anglers was largely cloudless and mostly windless. What breeze there was, came and went in different directions, and you could be forgiven for moaning that it always seemed to be coming straight at you.
Amazingly, given the dazzling bright conditions, a huge amount of fish were "up" for most of the day. However, many of these fish have seen it all before and proved to be nothing more than a frustrating distraction for many anglers. As the more successful anglers of the day found out, there were also large numbers of taking fish to be had sub-surface on a variety of tactics.
In the Premier League, the winner was 2015 First Division Champion Stewart McCabe with 5 place points and 15 fish, followed by Mike Cordiner with 9 place points and 13 fish and in third was Derick Logan with 11 place points and 10 fish. 124 fish were caught (and released) by 17 Premier League anglers. Click for full detailed results (still provisional).
In the First Division, the winner was Alan Hill with 2 place points and 21 fish, followed by Colin McDonald with 6 place points and 13 fish and in third was Jason Henry with 8 place points and 8 fish. 86 fish were caught (and released) by 11 First Division anglers. Click for full detailed results (still provisional).
Many thanks to George and Senga Murray for having us, for organising the pegging and landing nets, and for laying on a very welcome lunch. I can't think of another venue where so many pristine quality, feeding fish (210 of them) could have been caught in such cloudless conditions and a serious lack of a consistent breeze. Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicators David Deane and Neil Sinclair who gave up their whole day to run a flawless event and ensured the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next event, another combined one, on Saturday 8th April on Carron Valley Reservoir. Good luck to everyone taking part.
A selection of photos from the day; many thanks to Davie Deane for these (hover over pic for more information):
Amazingly, given the dazzling bright conditions, a huge amount of fish were "up" for most of the day. However, many of these fish have seen it all before and proved to be nothing more than a frustrating distraction for many anglers. As the more successful anglers of the day found out, there were also large numbers of taking fish to be had sub-surface on a variety of tactics.
In the Premier League, the winner was 2015 First Division Champion Stewart McCabe with 5 place points and 15 fish, followed by Mike Cordiner with 9 place points and 13 fish and in third was Derick Logan with 11 place points and 10 fish. 124 fish were caught (and released) by 17 Premier League anglers. Click for full detailed results (still provisional).
In the First Division, the winner was Alan Hill with 2 place points and 21 fish, followed by Colin McDonald with 6 place points and 13 fish and in third was Jason Henry with 8 place points and 8 fish. 86 fish were caught (and released) by 11 First Division anglers. Click for full detailed results (still provisional).
Many thanks to George and Senga Murray for having us, for organising the pegging and landing nets, and for laying on a very welcome lunch. I can't think of another venue where so many pristine quality, feeding fish (210 of them) could have been caught in such cloudless conditions and a serious lack of a consistent breeze. Once again, many thanks to today's adjudicators David Deane and Neil Sinclair who gave up their whole day to run a flawless event and ensured the anglers could fully concentrate on their fishing.
We now look forward to our next event, another combined one, on Saturday 8th April on Carron Valley Reservoir. Good luck to everyone taking part.
A selection of photos from the day; many thanks to Davie Deane for these (hover over pic for more information):
SNFFL are recruiting now for 2017 season
SNFFL recruitment does not happen every year and entry criteria used to be more stringent. However, we are looking to boost our numbers and would like to hear from all interested stillwater and river anglers (including previous SNFFL members).
Membership of SNFFL will provide access to some fly fishing skills workshops/masterclasses, with the ultimate goal of preparing anglers for World and European team involvement.
The SNFFL leagues fish 5 events per year, consisting of one stillwater venue from the bank and one from a boat. We also fish three river venues. All events are catch and release and fished to FIPS‐Mouche rules.
The entry criteria for joining SNFFL is described in detail here and in summary is:
If you would like to join us or know someone who might, or would like more information, please contact David Deane on:
biggarfish@gmail.com
Membership of SNFFL will provide access to some fly fishing skills workshops/masterclasses, with the ultimate goal of preparing anglers for World and European team involvement.
The SNFFL leagues fish 5 events per year, consisting of one stillwater venue from the bank and one from a boat. We also fish three river venues. All events are catch and release and fished to FIPS‐Mouche rules.
The entry criteria for joining SNFFL is described in detail here and in summary is:
- Be over the age of 18 years old
- Be a competent fly fisher
- Must be in a position to supply a controller at each venue
- Show commitment & willingness to attend team workshops and improve angling skills
- Have a positive and constructive attitude towards teamwork
- Be a team player, with disregard for individual gratification
If you would like to join us or know someone who might, or would like more information, please contact David Deane on:
biggarfish@gmail.com
2016 Premier League Results and Prizewinners
SNFFL Premier League Final Results - click the photos below for more information and to view full/large version
2016 First Division Results and Prizewinners
SNFFL First Division Final Results - click the photos below for more information and to view full/large version
SNFFL 2015 Premier League - Results
SNFFL Premier League Carron results;
SNFFL Premier League Don results and Leader Board after two events;
SNFFL Premier League Tummel results and Leader Board after three events;
SNFFL Premier League Clyde results and Final Leader Board;
SNFFL Premier League Don results and Leader Board after two events;
SNFFL Premier League Tummel results and Leader Board after three events;
SNFFL Premier League Clyde results and Final Leader Board;
SNFFL 2015 1st Division - Results
SNFFL 1st Division Carron results;
SNFFL 1st Division Don results and Leader Board after two events;
SNFFL 1st Division Tummel results and Leader Board after three events;
SNFFL 1st Division Clyde results and Final Leader Board;
SNFFL 1st Division Don results and Leader Board after two events;
SNFFL 1st Division Tummel results and Leader Board after three events;
SNFFL 1st Division Clyde results and Final Leader Board;
SNFFL 2014 Final Results
SNFFL Tweed Premier League Results
SNFFL Newsletter
The new SNFFL newsletter is here.
SNFFL Premier League Final Results 2013
Final league positions for 2013
SNFFL Premier League Results Tummel
The results of the final event on the 6th October are here.
SNFFL Hall of Fame
The prizewinners since 2010
SNFFL First Division Final results
Please see here for full details.
SNFFL First Division - Tummel 1st September
SNFFL Premier League Results and Leaderboard
SNFFL 2013 Dates
SNFFL dates here.
SNFFL 2013 - Premier League Clyde 8th June
SNFFL 2013 - First Division Clyde 1st June
Check out the results here.
Scottish National Fly Fishing League Premier Division -River Tweed results
The second event of the World and European qualification for 2014 teams was held on Sunday 21st on River Tweed. The full results for both sessions can be found here.
The Official Leaderboard after 2 events is available now.
The Official Leaderboard after 2 events is available now.
Scottish National Fly Fishing League -Premier Division- Results Carron Valley
The first event of the 2013 selection for the World and European teams for 2014 was held at a cold Carron Valley Reservoir on Saturday 6th April. Ice breakers were the order of the day before a prompt start and very encouraging results in this cold spell. 9 boats totalled 152 fish which over 2 three hour session was impressive.
The Provisional results are here.
Thanks to Jimmy and Ian at Carron for getting us out.
The Provisional results are here.
Thanks to Jimmy and Ian at Carron for getting us out.
Scottish National Fly Fishing League -Premier Division- Results Carron Valley
The first event of the 2013 selection for the World and European teams for 2014 was held at a cold Carron Valley Reservoir on Saturday 6th April. Ice breakers were the order of the day before a prompt start and very encouraging results in this cold spell. 9 boats totalled 152 fish which over 2 three hour session was impressive.
The results are here.
Thanks to Jimmy and Ian at Carron for getting us out.
The results are here.
Thanks to Jimmy and Ian at Carron for getting us out.
SNFFL Prizewinners 2012
Mike and Mark with their trophies.