Good and bad news for local anglers. First, the good news. Allandale Tarn is free of ice and, all going well overnight, the popular fishery near West Calder will re-open on Wednesday, January 28.
Iona Allan, the fishery owner, said: “We will have the fire lit and the kettle on.”
According to the BBC weather forecast, anglers will be welcomed to sunshine, a slight breeze and temperatures peaking around 6C. Iona added: “Rods crossed.”
Gates will open at 8am and fishing starts at 9am. Closing time is 4pm.
Now, the bad news, prices are going up at Drumtassie near Blackridge. Leeanne Aitchison, fishery manager, in a social media post, said fish prices are going up to around £6 for a 2lb trout from a fish farm.
She added: “It is getting to the stage where small businesses are not coping.”
The four-hour catch and release permit for fly fishing will be £20 and a full day £25. Kids £15 catch and release all day.
The bait pond has a four hour permit costing £25 for one fish, six hours £30 for two fish and eight hours £35 for three fish. Kids are £18 one fish, £25 two fish then catch and release. Spinning is allowed on the bait pond.
She added: “If I don’t do this unfortunately I can’t keep the doors open. I do apologise but not much we can do.”
MAIN FOCUS: An angler playing a fish on popular Allandale Tarn in warmer weather. Picture by Nigel Duncan
SMILING THROUGH: Leeanne Aitchison casts a line at Drumtassie. Picture Nigel Duncan
