Other things have got in the way a bit recently, so I was glad to hit the water for the first time in weeks. Just a wee day trip to a well known Galloway loch in search of my nemesis, the pike. To be honest pike are not really much of a nemesis, as I’ve had them many times in the distant past. However my last two attempts both blanked which is not great, even if a sheet of ice stopped play on my last try!
The sun was just rising as I launched my kayak onto the completely smooth water of the loch – not that I could see the sun or anything else through the thick morning mist. It’s a small loch with nothing to hit, so I wasn’t bothered as all reference points quickly vanished into the grey. Complete silence, apart from the occasional splash of an incompetent paddle stroke.
The autumn sun didn’t take too long to thin out the mist, but it was a very atmospheric start to my day. Gliding effortlessly through the lily pads lobbing a few casts here and there simply felt wonderful.
Unfortunately my casts with a small plug drew nothing but weed back to the kayak. Nevertheless I continued working along until I hit the inlet marking the river inflow. My plan was just to follow this river upstream as far as I could paddle, fishing as I went.
Magnificent Solitude
Soon the sky cleared and the sun made itself felt as I coasted along scenery that felt more Scandinavian than Scottish. Tall conifers graced the banks, mixed with birch trees turning golden with the season. The air was completely still, and silent apart from the birds. Best of all – it was all mine to savour, with not a soul in sight.
I meandered along, casting as I chose; attracting little interest and caring less as I soaked up the day. Sometimes being there is all that really matters.
I did eventually managed to hook something small, most probably a wee pike, but it threw the hook before I caught a glimpse of it in the dark peaty waters.
Gradually the river’s character began changing. First a few granite boulders hiding just under the surface and then a more noticeable current. Finally, when I reached this little bridge I had to jump overboard and do some wading.
End of the Road
Happily I was able to hop aboard again shortly and continue upstream a fair way until the river became too shallow and boulder strewn to make it worth while. Hauling ashore I relaxed contentedly in the sunshine, poured myself a coffee and munched a roll. Fishless but fulfilled, you might say!
After a scout around for suitable camping spots (do-able, but a hammock may be a better idea!), I turned around and headed downstream.
Hardly whitewater stuff, but it was fun for a novice like myself, and I enjoyed trying to dodge boulders on my way back. To be honest I found my Triumph to be more maneuverable than I expected and didn’t actually hit anything.
Back on calmer waters again I swapped lures to a 4g Abu Droppen and worked back downriver again. Along the way, and rather to my surprise, I actually got a solid take. This was clearly annoyed and pretty obviously a pike, as it gave a decent account of itself on light gear. A small jack of 2-2.5lbs slid into my net, my first pike for over a decade and the icing on the cake for a superb day on the water.
It didn’t hang about once unhooked and promptly leapt overboard before I could get another picture. Can hardly blame it either!
I continued to mix up the paddling with casts into likely holding spots but nothing else showed any interest.
I ended my day back where I started – but now I could see it clearly in the afternoon sunshine 🙂 A fine finish to a great day out!
Nice scenery – and even a pike! I expect you’ll have trouble NOT catching them in future…. Looking forward to a visit on the Galloway lochs for a spot of Xmas lure fishing – here’s hoping for some high pressure, or a bit of settled ‘murk’ instead of driving rain.
Well it’s been pretty vile in Edinburgh today, although I might venture out on Friday if I can, probably over Etive way as it looks to be dodging the wind. Apart from reverting back to younger days chasing small pike, part of the idea is to give myself some options when the coastline is too wet and windy to bother. Nothing wrong with a little variety either!