Dounreay Fly Fishing Association completed its 2021 competition season with a bank fishing event on Loch Caluim last Saturday, by kind permission of the RSPB.
Signing on took place at the end of the tarmac road at Dorrery with a disappointing entry of only seven anglers appearing – some were possibly put off by the forecast of heavy rain, with memories of the 2019 deluge still remaining strong!
Thanks to members with 4×4 vehicles, the hardy seven were ferried the five miles to the loch where they found the water level very low following the dry summer. The light breeze was from west-north-west, the rain was not as heavy as expected and there was even occasional dry spells, but the wind rose as it veered to north-east and the rain was heavier later in the day.
After six-and-a-half hours fishing, the weigh-in took place at the parking area where all the anglers brought trout forward with the best basket of 17 for 9 lbs 4 ozs presented by an elated Ian Cannop. He had concentrated on the east bank and around the island at the north end.
Ian secured the Ken Macleod Memorial Trophy and seven Bank League points using a Midge Tip line with Loch Ordie Muddler, Blue Zulu, Black Zulu and Clan Chief flies.
Alex Donald fished the west bank for most of his 14 for 8 lbs 8.5 oz bag with a few from the north end giving him second place and five points. He had also used a Midge Tip line with White Head Brown Hog, orange and red Half Hogs and Black Pearly Hopper flies.
For third place (three points), Toby Bracey put 12 trout on the scales for 7 lbs 9.5 ozs. His bag also contained the best fish of the day at 1 lb 2.5 ozs, giving him the bonus point.
He had fished the west bank with Black Half Hog and Red Tag flies on Floating or Fast Sink Tip lines bringing success.
Others weighing in were Kevin lmlach, Neil Clyne, Tony Chalmers and Aivis Kreslins.
When competitors best four of five results were counted, Alex Donald was announced as the Bank League Champion with 32 points with Neil Clyne second on 27 and Ian Cannop third with 24. Toby Bracey 23, James Simpson 23 and Jan Hughes 21 completed the top six.
Alex Donald was also confirmed as overall DFFA Club Champion on 112 points and Toby Bracey runner up on 105.
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