Fishing: Finding the most tempting lure at Allandale was tricky

Published on Saturday 21 November 2009 10:19

GALE force winds and driving rain were forecast, so it was a case of looking for a fishery with shelter, writes STUART FRASER.

Allandale Tarn in Polbeth was just what the weatherman ordered, so we set off early doors just in case.

It was fairly quiet to begin with and conditions were nigh on perfect, with fish dimpling all over the lochan. I started out on a floating line with a single Yellow Owl on a longish leader. Although the fish were looking and turning on it, they would not take it.

Moving round after half an hour or so it soon became apparent they were not interested.

There are not any real hotspots on the Tarn but the calm area in front of the lodge always holds some nice fish if you can tempt them. Changing to a Midge Tip line and a Damsel saw a lot of tail nipping but still I could not get the fish to stay on.

Eventually I got something to work and it was a Yellow Dancer inched slowly along the bottom. The lily pads at the top end seem to attract fish so I concentrated in that area. It is hard to understand why the fish were showing on the surface but not taking unless fished deep.

Once I found a method that worked, the fish were taking all day which was great fun. However, anglers who were fishing Blobs a few feet below the bung were having more success and rods were consistently bending.

It was a good day's sport and the bad weather that was forecast never materialised.