Loch journey is an experience in itself for Dounreay Fly Fishing Association

Twelve anglers ventured into the Flow Country for the final competition of the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association at Loch Caluim. The off-road drive and cross-country walk, just to reach the bank side, was an experience on its own. A north-north-west wind proved the hardiest of the season, while overcast heavy cloud for most of the day coupled with light rain showers and the odd heavy downpour offered little salvation. The average height of the waves, cresting around eight inches to a foot non-stop, made the conditions far from ideal. Heavily coloured water, dark brown to black in places, was also a challenge. However, with 10 of the 12 bringing fish to the weigh-in, 182 trout in all were brought to the scales. All anglers were spread throughout the loch from the start – some seeking shelter from the wind, others taking it head on, often receiving the impact of a larger wave. First place went to Alex Donald with 37 for a weight of 19 lb 13½ oz. Using a floating line, Alex was armed with the set-up of a black and a brown Daddy Long Legs, Dennis the Menace pattern and Green-Tailed Loch Ordie pattern, wading out at the south-west corner and moving along the south bank towards the eastern corner. Second-placed Aivis Kreslins had 30 fish for a weight of 18 lb 10 oz. Fishing in the south-western corner, wading at a fair distance, Aivis was using a full floating line and his patterns were described as black with a sparkle. Aivis reported that he returned a few fish that could have been keepers, but the conditions would have made them difficult to measure. In third place, Kevin Porteous had 30 fish for a weight of 18 lb 5 oz. Kevin was also using a full floating line and all his flies were described as Black Hopper patterns. Kevin reported that his catch rate increased as the day went on. Willie Plank was fourth, Kevin Imlach fifth and Toby Bracey sixth. The biggest fish went to Alex Donald, a trout of 1 lb 4 oz.