Stocking

Ten thousand brown trout were stocked in the 2010 fishing season averaging between 11ozs and 15ozs almost 3½ tonnes in total weight.

Stockings took place on 31st March, 13th April, 28th April, 15th June and the 30th July.

The average weight stocked in 2010 was much lower at 12¼ ozs. The normal average would be in the region of 1lb to 1¼lbs. The reason for this was because of the severe winter conditions and much lower water temperatures resulting in poorer growth over the winter months. The first two deliveries of fish were five weeks behind schedule and 23% lighter in weight!

Loch Earn in season 2010 experienced its lowest water temperatures in twenty six years with the opening day temperature on the 15th March only 2½C (normally this would be 5C). This is why the season took such a long time to get going as many of you will be aware. At one point the temperature of Loch Earn was eight weeks behind the norm. According to the Met Office this winter has been the coldest since records began over 100 years ago so I would suspect it could be another slow start to the new fishing season.

From the information returned by one associate member season ticket holder, a new record was achieved during 2010 with an average of 11.2 fish per visit. For comparison the previous eight years averages are as follows:- 9.0 fish per visit in 2009, 7.5 fish per visit in 2008, 8.5 fish per visit in 2007, 5.7 fish in 2006, 4.8 fish in 2005, 3.2 fish in 2004 and 3.0 fish in 2003 and 2.4 fish in 2002.

Catch Returns Show Catch Return Data  

Catch return numbers this season were the lowest ever recorded 0.6% compared to 3.7% in 2009, 6.4% in 2008, 6.7% in 2007, 3.9% in 2006, 4.9% in 2005, 8.4% in 2004, 9.3% in 2003 and 11% in 2002.

Please try to spend a few minutes after each trip and log in what you have taken and also returned.

The format of the return form now allows you to enter the number and weight of each species of fish killed and also to enter the number, species and approximate weight of fish returned, as well as what they were taken on. This will give us more meaningful data as quite a number of anglers return all their fish, whilst others keep one or two and return the remainder and some will take their limit and return none.

The information you supply is important, so please as many returns back before 31st October 2011and you will be entered into our prize draw.

This years information represented 21 days fishing effort where a total of 236 fish were landed giving an average catch per visit of 11.23 fish compared to 9.04 fish in 2009, 7.5 fish in 2008, 8.5 fish in 2007, 5.7 fish for 2006, 4.8fish for 2005, 3.19 fish for 2004, 2.99 fish in 2003 and 2.4 fish for 2002.

By species, 198 brown trout and 38 rainbow trout made up the total numbers taken.

The total weight caught was 100 lbs 8ozs giving an average of 6.6ozs.

All the fish were returned to the loch including a 6½lbs brown trout taken from the south shore near to the Ardvorlich gatehouse on March 18th. All these fish were taken on bait, mainly maggot and from the average weight it would suggest that the majority of these fish were wild brownies.

Other News

Thirty five new and updated information signs have been put around the lochside to let visitors know where they can buy daily and weekly fishing permits.

Drummond Estates will be purchasing three new boats and outboard engines in 2011 as part of the continuing replacement programme of its fleet of hire boats and engines. During 2010/ 2011 three ex hire boats will become available for sale. Please note these boats will not be supplied with a trailer. If you wish to register an interest please telephone 01567 830400

The restocking programme will start again at the beginning of March and the first two stockings will see about 4,000 browns at about 1¼ lbs put into Loch Earn.

Wishing you all an enjoyable and successful season in 2011.