Months ago I bought a permit for Loch Chon, so thought I’d better finally use it! This was the last day of January, bitterly cold and raw, but windless. Kayaking seemed a good choice as a little paddling might let me explore the loch better and even keep shivering down to acceptable levels 🙂
Launching proved a doddle. The little lochside car park was empty and it was just a short lift to the water’s edge. I normally kayak laden down with camping gear, firewood, etc., so today’s setup was much easier – just a rod, net and small drybag. Out on the loch I found paddling easier and faster too – travelling light has definite benefits!
I didn’t really expect much from a new water and in such chilly conditions but I plugged away with a little shad lure.
In the event I didn’t encounter any of the perch I was looking for and instead picked up a baby pike. It took my lure on the drop and put up a rather lacklustre fight before being swallowed by my net. Quick photo opportunity and back it went 🙂
I paddled right around Loch Chon to try and get a feel for it, and it’s certainly a pretty place. Probably more an autumn venue as far as I’m concerned, before the water cools down too much and after the summer crowds have left.
Interestingly (for me, anyway) it’s clear that beavers have colonised the area. They’ve cleared quite a few trees near the outflow of the loch. No sign of the animals themselves, but I guess they’re a bit further down river.
