Fishing The Fly Scotland

Index => Rivers & Lochs => Topic started by: Hamish Young on 27/06/2012 at 11:38

Title: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Hamish Young on 27/06/2012 at 11:38
This year’s trip to Assynt is brought to you by the expressions ‘is it :?’ and ‘what’s the plan :?’.

Apologies to my compatriots from this trip if I’ve borrowed any of your photos from the trip; many are better than mine or have stuff I’ve missed when a camera wasn’t handy. With that out of the way.... let the story telling begin.

Once again we headed north to Assynt for the annual June gathering. After heading off from my place near Beauly on the Saturday morning we headed initially for Ullapool. A cooked breakfast at the Frigate Cafe & Bistro in Ullapool set us up for the day. If you’re in the area its really well worth a visit http://www.ullapoolcatering.co.uk/ Following some supplies shopping we headed for Lochinver and picked up our weekly tickets at the Tourist Office. Heading off to the harbour we came across windknot where (Michael) was already terrifying the yachties with his back casts as he scoured the harbour area for some fish.

It was damn cold and windy when we arrived in Lochinver and by the time we got to the cottage in Drumbeg it wasn’t much better. Undeterred, cars were unpacked and float tubes assembled for a short session on Loch Drumbeg where plenty of free rising trout of the three to the pound size are to be found. Well, usually. I fished hard and managed a dozen wee trout before deciding a nice warm coffee and a dram were more appealing than the prospect of frozen hands and man vegetables. It wasn’t warm out.

Decision was made to hit the salt on the Sunday so we all headed off to bed nice and early without touching a drop of alcohol. Pure dead honest we did.

On Sunday at the ‘Bay of Pigs’, our nickname for one of the better Pollock marks on that bit of coast, the motley crew started fishing whilst trying to get over Lee’s unusual dress sense......

(http://i48.tinypic.com/vigtc4.jpg)

Lee was the first to hook into a Pollock and what a belter it was for his first Pollock on the fly.

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2hphfle.jpg)

(http://i49.tinypic.com/2l8dqn8.jpg)

(http://i45.tinypic.com/hwyhyd.jpg)

Sport was unusually slow; a few picked up here and there but not the usual fast action with rod benders.

Deciding that it just ‘had to be done’ our Kev (in his honorary role as the Robson Green extreme fishing lookalike) made for the salt in his float tube for some extreme fly fishing. Certainly he looked pretty comfortable out there and very shortly he was into a Pollock that ran him pretty ragged in the kelp beds.

(http://i46.tinypic.com/aelllh.jpg)

(http://i45.tinypic.com/34exno0.jpg)

Successfully returned I wondered if it was the first Pollock to be caught from a tube with a fly rod in the UK? I don’t know of it being done before.

(http://i49.tinypic.com/2zjfeb9.jpg)

Not to be outdone, our equally intrepid dresser windknot got out there in his inflatable kayak and got into a fish too. I though he looked a wee bit like a floating advert for Burberry wading jackets..... But, then again, he was pretty visible in case the worst happened.... Our Kev kept him under control whilst the wind picked up:

(http://i46.tinypic.com/5oe6pu.jpg)

Monday we had three boats booked out on Loch Assynt. The Assynt Angling Group now has three boats on the loch following the loss of Loch Ailsh from their fishings. Seems likely that the proprietor of the Ailsh fishings may also withdraw from the protection order too, which is a great shame for all visitors as Ailsh is a superb water and undoubtedly my favourite loch in the area. Anyway, Euan and I had the ‘new’ boat based at the Lochinver end of the Loch. Things got off to a bad start.
My nice new downrigger didn’t fit the boats gunnels which really pissed me off something chronic as I really wanted to (finally) get to use it. The sun climbed further and brighter into the sky which didn’t help, and with the wind chopping and changing direction faster than many a member of the fairer sex changes their minds when out shopping my mood got worse. Things didn't improve as the day progressed, but I did try to smile.....

(http://i45.tinypic.com/331keno.jpg)

Conditions were, quite simply, shit. It was a struggle to catch even a small trout on the fly and whilst the boats offered on the Loch are very stable they’re a pain in the arse to get a consistent drift in differing (or any) wind conditions. You must have a drogue and know how to use it. Eventually, Euan and I made the right decision and beat a retreat off the water. A good decision only ruined by our landing just in time to meet the world’s best angler on the shoreline. Well, that’s what he said he was.
Despite his undoubted ability as a tempter of great fish with nothing but a pin, some string and a cane I was in such a foul mood that I was having very uncharitable thoughts about making the world a better place by chucking him in the Loch with some stones attached to him for good measure when... oddly enough...he legged it. Probably just as well.

I’ll leave the others to add their two cents about their day on Assynt, couple of cracking stories in there I believe.

Tuesday dawned and we hit the salt again. Sport was still slow. I caught naff all.
But Euan beat his personal best Pollock on the fly twice. Git.

(http://i45.tinypic.com/amozfl.jpg)

(http://i48.tinypic.com/1zmfdrn.jpg)

Wednesday.... salt again for me and Euan whilst others headed to the hills. I nipped into Lochinver and cancelled two out of three boats booked on Assynt for Thursday as the Monday had been such a shit day. Euan and I decided we would still give it a go and retained the Inchnadamph boat. After visiting the Lochinver Pie Shop (you just have to go there) we made it to the ‘Bay of Pigs’ and this time I actually managed to get a fish or two!

(http://i46.tinypic.com/a0beh0.jpg)

(http://i49.tinypic.com/2yoti89.jpg)

My nice new Orvis Access 9’ #9wt proved to be very effective and the Encounter plastic reel more than ‘man enough’ for the job. Honour satisfied, Euan and I headed back for dinner at the hotel in Drumbeg and worked that indulgence off with an evening of tubing on Drumbeg which was great fun with loads of nice wee fish going nuts on olives.

Thursday dawned windy, although we had reservations about the wind direction and its strength we headed out onto Assynt with hopes high. After I got my head around getting that damn boat to drift ‘properly’ Euan and I had some great fun with brownies up to just under a pound in a ‘proper’ big wave. Unusually, we turned no big fish.
As it was a tad 'breezy' we stopped at the castle for lunch and had a chuck at the trout rising in the bay:

(http://i47.tinypic.com/10mrjh5.jpg)

There are worse places to have a bite to eat:

(http://i48.tinypic.com/69nmts.jpg)

Friday was ear-marked as a ‘tubing day for Euan and I, initially the plan was to ‘hit’ a couple of lochs other than Loch Cul Fraoich – but we ended up fishing the biggest loch on the Stoer peninsula. That wind we had on the previous day came back with a vengeance and much ‘flippering’ was needed to just hold station at times. The others joined us early afternoon after another wee adventure they’re better placed to tell the story off than I, but at one point there was five of us ‘tubing Cul Fraoich with mixed results. Euan had a belter of around 17 inches and I managed three to about a pound – but all early on in the day. I had to cut my session short as I got a really bad cramp in my right leg. The short 100 yards back to the shore were utter torture so I did the honourable thing after making it back to the shore... I sat down and took in the scenery and had a chat with another angler who was shore fishing. He had caught nothing and had been there since dawn. He hadn’t seen a float tube before – I got the feeling he had been out in the hills for a very long time – and was curious about how they worked. Euan made his way back, beaming from ear to ear having had a decent trout on Cul Fraoich for the first time.

(http://i46.tinypic.com/2zez0p3.jpg)

Tired, we beat a retreat back to the cottage did some cleaning and tidying and reluctantly packed the Alfa ready for a last days fishing on Staurday on Loch Awe before heading home.

Saturday dawned with almost perfect conditions, the first time all week. A gentle warm breeze with a nicely overcast sky was properly promising and when Euan and I arrived at the Loch more Mayfly than you could believe were on the ‘wing’. I haven’t seen that many Mayfly for years.
With a gentle breeze dapping was out, so we gently drifted down the loch pulling wets and in some cases fishing them as ‘dries’.
In a nutshell I could wax lyrical about that day, it was fabulous. I’ll let the photos tell the story.

(http://i47.tinypic.com/34guhrb.jpg)

(http://i48.tinypic.com/2mw9h04.jpg)

(http://i49.tinypic.com/k3xfl.jpg)

A perfect way to end what was, in many ways, an often character building but enjoyable week.
Cheers boys - it was a blast :cool:

H :z3
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/06/2012 at 13:49
Hi Hamish ........ excellent stuff "is it?" :z16

Thanks for the great report and photos ..... simply awesome!

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Allan Liddle on 27/06/2012 at 13:59
Cracking report Hamish, looking to head up there very soon for a blast at the mayfly feeders on Cama, or Veyatie.
Was hoping to meet up with you guys but couldn't gat an answer from Kevin who has become harder to contact than the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Allan L
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Euan Innes on 27/06/2012 at 18:42
OK , so here's my tuppence...
H is right - it was really cold when we got there on the Saturday and even the brekky in Ullapool (yes, seriously good!) couldn't keep the shivers from reaching my pickled kidneys. Windknot was at the Lochinver crack house early and was back having a repeat prescription for all the days he was up north. I swear his feet were glued to the "Windknot Bridge" for the times that he wasn't out in his blow up lilo  :z4

We headed straight for the cottage, dumped the gear, tubed and then cracked the Old Pultney. This was not because we are drunks, well not entirely. It was for the cold and the shear bliss that another year had passed and we were back in paradise. Much laughter ensued, much curry was eaten (sorry chaps, couldn't fit any more in the huge pot that I always take). Even Michael put aside the delights of kettle based food and scoffed a plateful. I am honoured Sir!

Loch Drumbeg was perfect on the Sunday but the minister frowns on us unholy types wetting a line on the sabbath. Should have just let Ben loose, but the bay of pigs was calling. As this was still early on in the week, spirits were still high.
(http://i48.tinypic.com/2e4dbnc.jpg)

But as a foretaste of things to come, the fishing was hard. As H mentioned, I broke my Pollock record twice. Last year I had a four pounder. This year my first fish was a five pounder.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/2m79fh2.jpg)

As you have seen by some of the other photos, I caught another one at around six pounds, plus another two at around the three pound mark. Didn't seem much at the time but times were hard in the bay of pigs last week and if your name isn't Lee then four Pollock is a good tally.

Loch Drumbeg that night revealed her best. Not the fishing but the splendour of the sun going down.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/357r71l.jpg)

(http://i46.tinypic.com/263dh21.jpg)

(http://i49.tinypic.com/70hvlj.jpg)

Monday had us on Assynt and for the reasons already mentioned not all the boats had smiles. Lee was seemingly terrified at Bens boatmanship, so much so that a rod ended up broken. If frowns were broken rods then the Lochinver end boat would have had a serious insurance claim. Trolling rods over the side and scenery like this should have been a great day,

(http://i45.tinypic.com/30iuwxc.jpg)

But if you are in a pig boat that spins like a top, won't drift, a swirling wind and sun that gets brighter the longer the day gets then you get this.

(http://i46.tinypic.com/dfby9t.jpg)

If you listen real hard you can hear his teeth grind... :z4

Food was important all week. Top marks to Lee who produced this excellent chicken dinner.

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2s928u1.jpg)

The food at the Drumbeg Hotel is excellent and thoroughly recommended. I also recommend tubing after a three course meal, drifting, nodding off and waking up with a trout on the line.

The trout fishing was poor and the Pollock was the go to option, a reversal of last year. However, when the back drop contains five corbetts there are worse places to fish.

(http://i50.tinypic.com/wvxu2p.jpg)

Finally by Thursday Hamish and I had had enough and wanted trout. Loch Assynt was "lumpy" but there is a good reason that I will only go out on a big loch with H and pretty much nobody else. We managed a drift all the way from the carpark down to castle bay, no mean feat I assure you. You have a gift sir! To coin a phrase from our Welsh pal, the fishing was "bitty". When it was on though, it was ace!

(http://i47.tinypic.com/33erdpx.jpg)

Friday was Loch Cul Fraioch, at last. Last year it beat me, twice, the second time making me walk back fro the far end carrying the Red Oktober. This year was almost no better, with two pulls before the bottom bay and naff all else. The swell at the bottom end was reaching three feet as it compressed into the bay. The Oktober rode it all easily and I was well chuffed.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/30sheop.jpg)

As much as I'd like to white lie about my big trout it was only 15" not 17". It was the only fish that stayed stuck, fought hard and came to hand in a spray of spotted gold and silver water. I was laughing like a child when I let it go. Just perfect!

The last day was just magic as Hamish said. Mayflies the size of 747 jets and fat, greedy trout, coupled with a boat that drifted properly (is it too much to ask??) and perfect weather just made the week.
See the difference?

(http://i48.tinypic.com/2415kav.jpg)

All in all, the week was good fun. The craik was it's usual self, the company brilliant, the abuse flowing. The drink also flowed but not in an out of order way. We ate well, fished hard and laughed until the chuckle muscles ached.

Lochinver pies rock, so do Brown trout when you can get a hold of them.
Lee's dress sense is practical but eccentric.
Michael has a chav wading jacket.
Float tubes attract seals when you take them across a channel to an island.
They get closer on the way back...
Kayaks cannot be propelled when you are playing a Pollock.
International Rescue use float tubes.
Plastic boats don't drift.
June is a month behind in Assynt.
Always take a fleece, even in June.

Thanks chaps, truly memorable. It's a pleasure fishing with you.  :z16

To next year  :z18

 :z1

Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Hamish Young on 27/06/2012 at 19:30
Nice post chap :z13

H :z3
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/06/2012 at 19:42
Great stuff Soundmannie :z16

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Jim Eddie on 27/06/2012 at 19:57
Some great photo's , sound and looks like you had a blast , well done lads  :z16

 :z18

Jim
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: bothylad on 28/06/2012 at 06:03
Now that's what you call a fishing report!
Great read, thanks.
Bothylad
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Noel Kelly on 28/06/2012 at 08:49
Excellent reports guys :z16
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Iain Cameron on 28/06/2012 at 13:11
hi Hamish

thanks for sharing, excellent report, enjoyed reading it.
not so sure about the superman style pants over the top of leggings look... but hey, this is fishin, not fashion!
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Allan Liddle on 28/06/2012 at 13:12
Crackin report Soundmixer.  One question, why is thon guy wearing a linnen basket on his heid in the dinner table photie?  :z4
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/06/2012 at 13:16
(http://i48.tinypic.com/357r71l.jpg)

Nice one! :z16
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/06/2012 at 15:31
 :z16 :z16

Looked an amazing trip!!!

Hamish,

There was a chap that used to tube around Cove, not sure if he still does, but he had pollock and cod on the fly. I wonder if he is the same chap on the ADAA board who now kayaks off of Cove?
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Euan Innes on 28/06/2012 at 15:35
Quote
One question, why is thon guy wearing a linnen basket on his heid in the dinner table photie?

It's a Welsh thing boy-yo  :z7
Is it...

 :z1
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Dutchfly on 28/06/2012 at 19:29
Great report guys :z16 thanks for this.
Good to see Foinaven in all its beauty  :z14 Brings back some really good memories.

Cheers,

Jeroen
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Allan Liddle on 28/06/2012 at 20:43
Not sure it's Fionaven, think it's Quinag Dutchfly.

Beautiful photos guys.

Allan L
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Iain Goolager on 28/06/2012 at 22:04
Nice reports guys.

Been busy and in Norge so here's a taster.

http://youtu.be/COfuB4vp4rQ

Iain
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Hamish Young on 28/06/2012 at 22:21
Top tunes Iain - nice production  :z14

H :z3
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Mike Barrio on 29/06/2012 at 00:37
Awesome stuff Iain ..... looking forward to part 2 :z16

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COfuB4vp4rQ
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Michael Buchan on 29/06/2012 at 08:27
Great reports and video  :z16

I had a great trip, fishing and food were great company was ok  :z7 shame they have no style the chav jacket is just plain sexy.
For me assynt is about sea trout in the salt was awesome to watch them following the fly. Other highlights were kyacking for pollock which was cool would have been a bit twitchy if kevin wasnt there to control the drift. 

Cant wait to get back

Michael

   
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Euan Innes on 29/06/2012 at 08:48
Man that was a lot of walking on a hot day!
Bring on part two Dude. Good work  :z16

 :z1
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Barry Robertson on 29/06/2012 at 13:44
looks like you all had a blast! Great video also Iain!  :z14
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Ben Dixon on 29/06/2012 at 16:12
shame they have no style the chav jacket is just plain sexy.   

Maybe if worn with some Kappa trousers & Fila boots it may look different!

I'll get some pics up later on.


Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Allan Liddle on 30/06/2012 at 20:10
Excellent roll on part two
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Iain Goolager on 01/07/2012 at 00:18
http://youtu.be/CJF1YPcbX5o
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/07/2012 at 00:26
Great stuff Iain ..... another great wee video :z16

Cheers
Mike

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJF1YPcbX5o
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Jim Eddie on 01/07/2012 at 07:12
Nice reports guys.

Been busy and in Norge so here's a taster.

http://youtu.be/COfuB4vp4rQ

Iain

Great stuff Iain , makes me fair homescik  :cry
 :z18

Jim
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Euan Innes on 01/07/2012 at 12:21
Best sport in the world!
Good job Iain. I think that video just sums up the whole float tube / Highland loch thing perfectly.
Tell us more about the rod holder on the tube please.

 :z1
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Ben Dixon on 02/07/2012 at 21:43
Few days later than planned but a few pictures from our trip....
(http://i46.tinypic.com/28r2p9k.jpg)

(http://i49.tinypic.com/30j4k8y.jpg)

First and only really decent pollock of the trip, for Jimmy.  I reckon it saw the outfit through its window & took pity.  Nice socks, isit.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/1zleywm.jpg)
Kev goes whale spotting

(http://i47.tinypic.com/2i03i39.jpg)


(http://i50.tinypic.com/2ec2mbl.jpg)
First pollock from the tube, much fun to watch
(http://i49.tinypic.com/2it1ocx.jpg)

(http://i45.tinypic.com/s25dfa.jpg)
Not a huge fish but, from the bend in the rod, a strong one.

(http://i47.tinypic.com/15wt8j.jpg)
Kev tries to communicate with the passing Variety Club Sunshine boat to hitch a ride back to shore

(http://i46.tinypic.com/2hi9hs0.jpg)
One from the kayak, held by Kev as the fish had ambitions of taking Michael to Ireland  :z4

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2e0liky.jpg)
Going back

(http://i49.tinypic.com/e04n0n.jpg)
Another one looking for a ride back to shore from the special water taxi.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/jshsoh.jpg)

(http://i48.tinypic.com/2dtvypk.jpg)
Nice Assynt trout, not a bad catch for the day which was not a good one to be out trout fishing.  Fishing was "bitty isit"apparently!

(http://i46.tinypic.com/1z6t94o.jpg)
A cast (one of many) from Wind Knot Bridge, any longer on there mate and you'd have been getting charged a mooring fee.

(http://i46.tinypic.com/c2cmt.jpg)
Extreme drinking with Kevin Muir :z4

(http://i49.tinypic.com/sfjshw.jpg)
Fat Bastard

(http://i50.tinypic.com/32zoq48.jpg)
Heading for the hills.

(http://i45.tinypic.com/35bi4qv.jpg)
Fat Bastard, down in one.

(http://i49.tinypic.com/vhswg3.jpg)

(http://i49.tinypic.com/2ngseir.jpg)
Afloat on Cul Fraioch, not the best days fishing but good fun all the same

(http://i47.tinypic.com/fn8gg7.jpg)
"The fishing is shit, I know there is at least one 18"er in here, I caught it once about 4 years ago, WTF?"

(http://i50.tinypic.com/6s5mcx.jpg)
The pie monster tells Muir where he is going wrong.

Without doubt, the worst fishing I have had up there but good company and we learned a few things too.  Seals don't like bricks, and Orcas may come in close enough to eat float tubers thirdly and quite importantly, some peat tracks are not suitable for Fords.  Video to follow (sorry Kev)!!

Ben
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Mike Barrio on 02/07/2012 at 22:43
FIRST CLASS BEN ......... :z16

Great photos and descriptions!

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Euan Innes on 02/07/2012 at 22:54
Quote
Another one looking for a ride back to shore from the special water taxi.

Dude, my bourbon just came out my nose!  :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4

I love Jimmy's radical dress sense in the boat on Assynt. Flat cap, red AAPGAI fleece and combats, with shades and a "would you like to see my fishy little boy" look.
Priceless!

Roll on the video  :z16

 :z1
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Peter McCallum on 03/07/2012 at 08:36
Kev looks like he's constipated and trying for a bowel movement in that first pic Ben. :z12

FAT BASTARD IAIN......your my hero!!  :z14
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Allan Liddle on 03/07/2012 at 14:34
Dude, my bourbon just came out my nose

Dunk them in yer tea it disnae hurt as much.  :z4  Oops sorry i thought you sadi Bourbon.  :wink
Single Malt country here all proper whisky disnae have an 'e' in it.

Videos are great guys, keep em comin.  Assynt's a wonderful place and scenery amazin.  Even better with chaotic skies and big waves on the lochs.  Excitin stuff.

Allan L
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Euan Innes on 03/07/2012 at 15:14
Quote
Single Malt country here all proper whisky disnae have an 'e' in it.

Allan,

I was careful not to call it whiskey, just Bourbon.  :z7 There was plenty of "real" whisky drunk on that trip too. The Old Pultney got a real skelp, I can tell you  :z18

Dramatic skies and big waves eventually made an appearance, so I'll check my photos when I get home tonight and see if I have any.

 :z1
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Euan Innes on 03/07/2012 at 22:25
Quote
Even better with chaotic skies and big waves on the lochs.

This is the best I could do from the trip Allan.

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2exxbno.jpg)

The day the waves got bigger I was catching fish and not taking pictures! The boat was catching up on my line too quickly too.

Happy times!

 :z1
Title: Re: Assynt adventures 2012
Post by: Allan Liddle on 04/07/2012 at 00:51
Allan,

I was careful not to call it whiskey, just Bourbon.  :z7 There was plenty of "real" whisky drunk on that trip too. The Old Pultney got a real skelp, I can tell you   :z18

Dramatic skies and big waves eventually made an appearance, so I'll check my photos when I get home tonight and see if I have any.

 :z1

Why were you washin the windaes?  :z4

Nice pics, thanks.  It's more excitin when it'd windy, especially when yer castin fur rabbits  :wink  Ask Noel what it's like close to the shore in a big wave, all action stuff.  Brilliant.