The end of April 2026 and the first outing of the year. Venue: Glencorse

It was great to get on to the water again after what seemed a long winter. Fly tying keeps the angler going over the winter season but it is no substitute for a day out in the boat, fishing. 

The chosen venue was Glencorse Reservoir, situated just outside of Edinburgh, near the village of Flotterstone. The Inn here is still going strong and very popular probably helped by the fact that Flotterstone is the starting point for several classic Pentland routes popular with hill climbers and ramblers.

Kenneth Knox had recently taken over from the legendery fishery owner Bill Taylor, having managed the fishery for Bill over the last few years.

We experienced a warm welcome and help with the evergrowing kit the flyfisher seems to accumulate. Parking is available via the permit system at the fishery.

The weather wasnt ideal: strong winds were present and the forecast was that it wouldn't be getting much better. A recent purchase of the Haswing Ultima 3.0 electric outboard put our minds at rest with the knowledge that we would be ble to cope with the winds better than most. It is a big reservoir and no anchoring is allowed so drifting with a drogue and then starting back upwind again was going to put a lot of strain on the battery. The ultima had already proven last season that it could cope.

I would love to report that the fishing was non stop ctach and release. It wasnt but it really can be on this venue. Even fishing dries! Brown trout and rainbows in to double figures are in there, however, unfortunately, we had to work really hard, in not the greatest of conditions, to catch fish. The biggest rainbow which was photographed untouched in the net, was estimated at 4lb. They can fight!

As I get older I realise it is not all about the numbers of fish caught. It is about the quality of the fish and the enjoyment of the venue. Consider taking in this beautiful fishery to enjoy the wildlife and the glorious scenery, I will be surprised if you dont love it.