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Fishing
The River Nethan offers exciting and sometimes challenging fishing for 'wild brown trout & grayling' by any legal method. Brown Trout are present throughout the entire river system, with Grayling being in evidence in the lower reaches near to the village of Crossford.
Salmon and Sea Trout enter the system throughout the year but mainly in the autumn, due to the fact that the Nethan-Valley Angling Association does not have control over the Salmon lease. It is illegal to fish for them. Any Salmon or Sea Trout, that has accidentally been hooked, must be returned alive and unharmed to the river! The Association advocates the return of trout and grayling in the interest of Conservation, but the final decision is left to the conscience of the individual.
The river is over 10 miles in length and runs through wooded glens, gorges and open farmland.
Wildlife is abundant along the riverbanks, and it is not unusual to catch the odd glimpse of an Otter. Badgers, Foxes & Roe Deer can sometimes be seen in the early morning or as evening begins to fall. Dippers are abundant which testifies to the health of the river as far as aquatic invertebrates are concerned. Kingfishers are present but not often seen.
While we will also be recording badger sets and fox earth's, we will not be publishing their location. This is to prevent the information falling into the hands of those who would seek to kill them. The information however, will be passed on to Constable Phil Briggs, our local police Wildlife Liaison Officer; this will help afford more protection for these wonderful animals.
The favoured method of fishing the Nethan is with a 7 - 9ft fly rod. Clyde style flies work very well, but on occasions bait fishing can offer a nice change.
Clyde style flies are available from the Sportsman's Emporium, 68 Cadzow Street, Hamilton, tel: 01698 283903, where either Eric, Gavin or Frank will be on hand to pass on their expertise.
PLEASE NOTE: While the patterns are the original Clyde Style patterns, the hook sizes have been updated to modern standards.
| MARCH TO APRIL | APRIL TO MAY |
NAME OF FLY March Brown |
HOOK SIZE 10, 12, 14 |
NAME OF FLY Dark Olive |
HOOK SIZE 14 |
| JUNE | JULY |
NAME OF FLY Crane Swallow |
HOOK SIZE
14, 16 |
NAME OF FLY
Red Quill |
HOOK SIZE
14, 16 |
| AUGUST | SEPTEMBER |
NAME OF FLY August Dun Spider |
HOOK SIZE 12, 14 |
NAME OF FLY
Pale Watery Dun |
HOOK SIZE
16 |
RECOMMENDED DRY FLIES TO BE USED ON THE RIVER NETHAN
| MARCH TO APRIL | MAY ONWARDS |
| NAME OF FLY
Badger & Yellow
|
HOOK SIZE
14 - 16
|
NAME OF FLY Pale Watery Spider |
HOOK SIZE 14 - 16
|
For a complete copy of the patterns, dressings and original hook sizes, please send a donation to:
The Nethan-Valley Angling Association (Fishery Research), 99 Glen Avenue, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, Scotland ML9 1JN.
Please include your name and address for return postage.
THE 'GLOAMIN' RISE
The gloaming rise is that phenomenon which usually takes place during the months of June and July. The gloaming is that magical time of day when the daylight begins to fade and the night begins to encroach. Sections of river which appeared fishless an hour beforehand suddenly burst into frenzied activity, fish slurp or slash at passing flies with carefree abandon. Any angler who has witnessed the 'gloamin rise' will tell you that the amount of fish which come onto the feed, all at the same time, is unbelievable. The angler who has identified the hatching insects as the rise begins and who has tied on suitable imitations as the rise becomes intense, is in for some fast and furious sport. This phenomenon may only last for 20 minutes but it will be the most memorable night of your life.
Let me try to explain, to those who have never witnessed a gloaming rise, what it does to the seasoned veteran. The feeling of anticipation gets stronger as the daylight begins to ebb, shadows lengthen and the sun begins to dip behind the surrounding hills. More insects begin to hatch and the first few rings appear on the surface of the river. Available light may be poor but it is important to try to identify the hatching insects. The heartbeat begins to quicken, shaky hands fumble to tie on the chosen artifical fly, sometimes accompanied by some cursing as the hands appear to have a will of their own. At last the flies are on and it's time to send out your first cast. The line begins to move downstream then a tug, the rod is lifted and the fight is on. In your head you are saying, 'I must land this quickly and get straight back out there', then the question enters your head, 'How long will this rise last?', then the fish is landed, unhooked and safely returned to the river.
Now for number 2, double hookups are not uncommon when a cast of flies is being used and a trio of fish may attach themselves to your flies, be prepared for all hell breaking loose.
| WET - HOOK SIZES 10 - 12 |
NAME OF FLY Crow & Silver |
POSITION OF FLY Tail Fly |
| DRY - HOOK SIZES 10 - 12 |
NAME OF FLY Light Partridge Spider
|
POSITION OF FLY Bob |
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