Harold's Grouse & Claret

Hope you enjoy this video I put together of the fly pattern "Harolds Grouse and Claret" 

I came across this pattern in a lovely wee book about flyfishing in the Outer Hebrides by Eddie Young called "A Fisher in the west" which then led me to the book "Fly-Tying with Harold Holsworth"

Two great books well worth getting.

The pattern here is a slight variation as explained in the video.

Pleas click the link below....

Harold's Grouse & Claret.

The Cobbie

My latest flytying video. Hope you like it! The Cobbie

The Clan Chief

Ive been asked by a flytying club in Shropshire England to do a flytying  demonstration via the social media platrorm of zoom next month.

Ive never did such a thing before but I accepted the invite and very much look forward to the experience 

By way of a trial I'm going to be uploading a few tying videos to You tube over tfe next few weeks to test out my equipment etc. 

Find attached a link to a video I uploaded today: I hope you like it.

Click the link below.

The Clan Chief

My Angling Library

As an enthusiastic Flyfisher, Flytyer and book collector of the aforementioned pastimes, I often find myself immersed in the vast world of angling literature. 

Over the years, my collection has grown to include a wide range of angling novels, essays, reference guides and a few how - to books. However, despite the assumption of some people that I've read every page of every book in my library, the reality is quite different.

Many people are surprised at this  and some may even question, why not?

But to truly understand the essence of my passion for angling literature, one must grasp the multifaceted nature of this genre.

First and foremost, my collection serves as a valuable resource of knowledge and inspiration for me.

My library also serves as practical guide that I can refer to whenever I encounter a new challenge.

Moreover, angling literature encompasses more than just instructional manuals. It delves into the rich history, culture and traditions surrounding flyfishing and flytying. 

From the timeless wisdom of legendary anglers to the captivating narratives of fishing adventures, angling novels offer a unique glimpse into the soul of the angler.

While I may not have read every  book in the how - too section from cover to cover, each one holds significance in its own right.

Some books even serve as cherished mementos of past fishing trips, others represent a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the rich social history and traditions of angling.

For those who question why I collect books I haven't read, they fail to grasp the true essence of my passion.

It's not just about consuming every word on every page; it's about embracing the diversity and depth of the angling experience. Whether it's discovering old and new fly patterns, learning new techniques, gaining insight into the history of the sport, or simply finding inspiration in the words of fellow anglers, each book in my collection adds value in its own unique way.

Understanding why I collect angling books goes beyond just reading; it's about experiencing the journey and inspiration they offer me one page at a time.

Fishing a Perthshire Loch

Situated within the picturesque grounds of Drummond Castle, south of Crieff in Perthshire, lies the scenic Drummond Loch. This small freshwater loch has a rich history and offers a very attractive environment in which to fish for trout. Drummond Loch’s origins trace back to the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising with the flooding of an area which was planned for the site and construction of a village to house veterans and their families who had supported the Government during the uprising. Over time, the loch has evolved into a haven for wildlife and is now designated as a site of special scientific interest, showcasing its ecological significance. Managed by the Crieff Angling Club, the loch attracts anglers drawn to its trout fishing and lovely surroundings. I've had the pleasure of visiting Drummond several times in recent years. The loch's shallow waters hold numerous brown trout, presenting anglers with a delightful challenge. These trout come in various hues, from buttery yellow to a shimmering silver, hinting at their diverse origins. I was informed by the Club Secretary that the silvery trout date back to a stocking over 30 years ago of Loch Leven trout.

The club are always happy to hear from you if you encounter any of these as they like to know that this strain continue to thrive in the loch. During a recent visit to Drummond Loch with three fellow anglers, we were greeted by a brisk north-easterly wind, less than ideal for fishing. However, after patiently making various drifts in various areas, we discovered an area where the trout were very obliging. Between the four of us a good number of trout were caught, missed and lost, all fooled by various traditional wet fly patterns. Despite the chilly weather and the  looming threat of rain it was a grand day to be out drifting around in a boat fooling trout. In closing I have one slight criticism of Drummond Loch and Crieff Angling Club and that is that it’s getting rather pricy to fish the loch. As fees increase, there's a risk of alienating anglers. It's essential to strike a balance between maintaining the loch's conservation efforts and ensuring that its affordable for all anglers.