The open day at Cobbinshaw Angling Association went ahead despite driving rain and a strong west wind so the organisers had to extol the virtues of the fishery – described as ‘a hidden gem’ – on land as they punted for new members.
Club officials must, however, be wondering what they have done to the weather Gods as it is the second year running that their open day has been marred by bad weather. In 2019 it was strong winds.
Looking out over the vast expanse of water, around 300-acres, one was struck by the barren nature of the surrounding landscape.
Cobbinshaw is, however, 1,000 feet up on the moors a few miles on a twisty, tight road from the popular Lang Whang and a short distance from the villages of Woolfords, Auchingray and Tarbrax. The fishery is not signposted and the access road can be easily missed. The post code for satellite navigation is EH55 8LQ.
The water was build around 1820 by civil engineer James Jardine (he also built Glencorse, Harlaw and Threipmuir) to provide water to the Union Canal. The reservoir is also a site of special scientific interest.
The members only club was formed over 100 years ago and fishing is by fly only. Cobbinshaw say they stock around 13,000 fish a year.
Bosses claim they have some of the best facilities in Scotland and membership allows access to 16 boats, all with 4HP motors, nets and drogues. The extensive pontoon and harbour offer easy access for anglers.
Membership is open and there is an “entrance fee, a one-off payment of £450 on entry” plus an annual subscription of £296 which allows fishing seven days a week throughout the year, although there are some restrictions over the winter.
There are additional boat charges for each outing and the catch limit is four fish per visit. Full details and forms are on the club website.
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