High average of over 13 and a top rod at 22

Published on the 25 March 2026 by Greig Thomson

Spring has properly arrived at Wormit and the loch continuous produce quality sport.

The past week has produced some of the best early-season sport we have seen in recent years, with fish well spread across the loch and anglers enjoying consistent action once they dialled into the conditions.

Saturday stood out as a benchmark session, with Scott Fraser landing 22 fish to the net, backed up by two rods on 12, two more on 10, and consistent returns across the board. The rod average pushed comfortably into double figures, which tells its own story about the head of fish currently present.

Earlier in the week, Brian Dewar produced a cracking 14 fish, switching from lures in the morning to olive buzzers from 2pm as fish began to show. A brilliant moment also saw his nephew land his first two trout, with several anglers stepping in to help – exactly what this place is about.

Colin Hay followed that with 13 on Thursday, while Matthew Ferrier finished on 7–8, with more chances missed. Sunday became harder work in the wind, but even then fish were still being caught by those who adapted.

Catch Highlights

Scott Fraser – 22 fish (top rod, Saturday 21 March)
Brian Dewar – 14 fish (lures in the morning, buzzers from mid-afternoon)
Colin Hay – 13 fish (late afternoon switch-on)
Matthew Ferrier – 7–8 fish
Chic Bartholomew – 9 fish + 7 additional contacts (including a brownie ~3lb)
David Blain – 2 fish (on a spider; bright conditions slowed sport)
John Duncan – 2 fish (Sunday, windy conditions)

Saturday backed this up with two rods finishing on 12, two more on 10, and several others in the 5–7 range, with fish being caught consistently across the loch. Even into Sunday’s tougher conditions, anglers willing to adapt still found fish, with Gordon landing 3 and Colin finishing on 4 in the wind.

Best Tactics and Flies

This was the week the season shifted.

Buzzers are now leading. Size 14 patterns in black, claret, and lime green are doing the majority of the damage. Fish them on a midge tip or floater with a long leader and slow everything right down. Static or a very slow figure-of-eight is more than enough in 7°C water.

Lures still have a place, particularly early. Brian Dewar’s approach of starting on lures and switching once fish showed is exactly how to fish it right now. Ally McCoist, black snakes, and small attractor patterns are all picking off fish in the first couple of hours.

Under the bung continues to produce when conditions turn, with eggs and small lures at 2–3ft accounting for fish when sport steadies.

The key message: start searching, then slow down once fish show.

Stocking and Water Management

There is currently an exceptional head of fish in the loch and they are well distributed across all areas.

Our seasonal programme is now fully underway:

Weed management has begun now that water levels have stabilised
First grass cut of the season scheduled as the cold snap lifts
All boats and baskets are now in position
Bench repainting will be completed over the coming weeks
The far bank is being firmed up as ground conditions improve
The long-standing caravan is finally being removed

You may notice a slight peat tint in the water. This is completely natural and part of the management process.

When vegetation is cut, organic material releases tannins into the water. These reduce light penetration, particularly in the red spectrum, which limits photosynthesis and slows weed regrowth. It is temporary, harmless, and often improves fishing by giving fish more confidence.

Angler Reminders

Peg rotation: 6 fish or 90 minutes, then move and skip a peg. Non-negotiable.
Fish care: barbless hooks only. Keep fish in the water and handle carefully.
Nesting birds: please be mindful around the banks at this time of year.
Nylon & litter: take it home or use the bin. No exceptions.
Booking: all sessions must be booked in advance. No walk-ins.

Weather Outlook – Week Ahead

A cold snap holds into midweek before easing, with a clear shift towards more settled conditions.

Midweek: cold, overnight frost, slower mornings
Friday: improving, lighter winds, better consistency
Weekend: settled, drier, ideal buzzer conditions

Barometric pressure is rising through the week, moving from unstable midweek conditions into a more consistent high-pressure system by the weekend – typically a strong setup for steady surface sport.

Clocks change this Sunday, giving longer days, longer rises, and the start of proper evening fishing.

Advice

This is now classic early spring fishing.

Start on a lure, cover water, then switch to buzzers as soon as fish show. Fish slowly, stay patient, and move if needed. The anglers catching consistently this week were the ones adapting, not sitting it out.

The weekend is shaping up very well. Rising pressure, improving conditions, and a settled loch after the cold snap.

This is the window.