Allandale Tarn re-opens with new facilities for anglers

Allandale Tarn at West Calder has re-opened after being closed to build a new toilet block and best methods so far, according to owner Iona Allan, have been a floating line with a single, small fly.

Diawl bachs have been a favourite with small flies working best in the clear, spring-fed water but most anglers have been fishing static. Trout have also been tempted by black rabbit patterns and Ronnie Weir landed 27 trout on a yellow dancer paired with a diawl bach on the dropper.

Allandale also has a bait pool where worm or powerbait from a float has attracted handsome trout in the 2.5lb to 3lb.

Access to the fishery is only via Polbeth for the next six weeks because of road works. Turn off the A71 at the Scotmid shop and follow the road down over a wee bridge. There are currently traffic lights at the bridge to aid traffic.

The fishery is open Wednesday to Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday until Easter. Fishing is from 9am to 4:30pm. Gates are open at 8am.

Across the Forth, John Callison has confirmed the dates for the popular Kingdom Fly Championship at Stenhouse Trout Fishery near Burntisland.

The first heat is on Saturday, May 2, the second on Sunday, May 10 and the third on Saturday, May 16 with the final and BBQ set for Saturday, June 6.

Ten boats are available per heat – that’s 20 anglers – and fishing is from 9am to 4.30pm and eight anglers qualify from each heat. The cost for each heat is £35 per angler which covers a day’s fishing on a three fish kill then catch and release.

First prize overall is £200 plus a prize, the runner-up takes £120 plus a prize and the third £80 plus a prize. John can be contacted on 07801 884 811.

Elsewhere, the fundraiser for the Scottish Youth fly fishing team at Drumtassie on Sunday, March 8 has attracted a lot of interest. The cost is £30 including lunch and there are prizes for first, second and third. Arrive at 8.15am.

Drumtassie boss Leeanne Aitchison confirmed there are still places for the Over 50s event at the fishery near Blackridge on Sunday, March 15.

The following Sunday, March 22, the fishery is hosting an under-18 open day from (8am). Entry is £15 with prizes for first, second and third and fishing is from 9am to 3pm with lunch included.

Glasgow Angling Centre host their open weekend from March 6 to 8 (Friday 8am to 5.30pm, Saturday, 8am to 5.30pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm) and it is one of the biggest events of its type in Scotland.

Star names from fly tying including Barry Ord Clarke of Veniard, plus world champion fly caster, Hywelll Morgan of Daiwa, and Phil Dixon of Scierra (Phil runs the Scierra Pairs, one of Britain’s biggest fly fishing events). The RNLI are providing free lifejacket checks and visitors can also try a new rod in the casting pool.

Fly casting tuition is available from instructors and guests can also watch and learn from the finest single and double-hand fly casters.

There are also bait preparation and other workshops. Free parking at Unit 1, The Point Retail Park, 29 Saracen Street, Glasgow G22 5HT.