Fishing: Easter Balado offers escape from the continuing freeze

Travelling up towards Kinross, I could see that Loch Leven is still like an ice rink and decided to look in on Easter Balado. It did not look good as I drove in the entrance to see the burn feeder completely ice bound. Pulling into the car park I was amazed that it was completely ice-free and, more importantly, fish head and tailing on the surface.

Several anglers were out, although it was apparent that not much was being caught but it was fishable and that is all that matters.

Setting up with a midge tip line and a small lure was my first preference but to no avail. Local knowledge told me that the fish had been shoaling in the corner for the past couple of weeks but it was nigh on impossible to get anywhere near it.

I made for the top end of the oval-shaped fishery and had only a handful of offers. Changing to a dry fly brought some interest but although they were turning all around it I could not get a lock on. I watched as some anglers had success pulling in the corner and the chap in the boat connected into a nice fish. It was not big by any means but it led the angler a merry dance all around the boat. I persevered for a few hours but on this occasion it was not to be and gave up.

The weather was bright but the water was really cold and I feel the fish were very lethargic and not really in the mood. Still, it was an unexpected day's fishing and, although blanking, it was great to just get out.