Have Never fished the Harelaw ... always been the snipes shall head up tonight for a while to try it out .
just started on the fly so if anyone could post up some tips that would be great..
whats catching ?
really new to this game .. wish me luck
Tight lines all!
Had a great day out yesterday the weather was to hot for fishing the pies were good you can see the report on www.fishingaround-scotland.com fishery reports 2010 thanks for a good day
TC
Both myself and my friend, Tony visited Harelaw last Saturday and had the best days fishing we'd had in a long time.The fish we caught were hard fighting and their quality excellent. It's obvious that a great deal of work has been put into making this fishery the gem that it is! We're planning on another visit on 26th June and are very much looking forward to it.
Hi John,
Since the end of last year and this year I have been experimenting with traditional flies and have found that they work best when fishing from the bank. This year I have had most success on black and peacock spiders and magpie tails fished slowly.
The magpie tail is deffinately a fly worth giving a go. To see patterns you can search on google under "magpie and peacock" or clyde magpie tail. This fly should not be under estimated and have found it to be a killer at Harelaw when there is a wave on the water fished at the point with a slow retrieve.
Black Pennel and Butcher have also seen their share.
On the bob I have found Kate McLarens and Bibios will do the damage.
In the summer (If it comes) small black dries like hoppers and small buzzers will give you a great days fishing.
It all depends on what you like however if you like to go wandering with light tackle then you wont go wrong with any of the above.
A big tip however is to make sure that your knots are secure as the fish in here hit you like a train and fight like Atlantic Salmon with fuel injection!!
Let me know how you go especially with the magpie tail as this is a fly i am championing for a comeback to the fly fishing scene.
whats every 1 been getting them on
First visit today with the brother in law up to the harelaw , In a word "SUPERB" managed 9 between us in what can be described as a hard day , Fish smutting on small buzzers and were very fussy as to which flies to take . We were getting many pulls on small black and silver spiders and small PTN,s . This really is my type of fishing , just pull the waders on and away for a wander , there is not many places like this left in Scotland . I wish the Harelaw and Alex all the best for the future . See you shortly mate .
Stevie Mac .
Hi Russell,
were you in the boat or bank? what were you getting them on?
First visit today - great fishery and will definitely be back. Caught one decent fish and lost one at least double the size. Struggled with the wind in Hectors Bay a little!!
First visit on Saturday, looking forward to it, wil post findings on return, tight lines.....
will be up the harelaw on sat for the first time this season cant wait,had some great days last season the fish are top class fighting fish.
steff
Bad foot kept me out of action last week> Cant see any reports on how it went? Going up tomorrow for first trip of the year cannae wait. Will post my findings tomorrow
unlucky john, see you 27th mate, hopefully be a good one.
hi Brian , snypes is open now and fishing superb. Harelaw next week. its been a hard winter and little work has been completed due to snow. Derek hood runs snypes now and any queries should be directed to him. Cheers
Should have read the website - went up to Harelaw today - obviously close - wondered why i was the only one in the car park. Never mind went up Snypes and got 3 crackers dropped another 4 - a great days fishing
Have already fought and landed over 120 fish in my dreams over the past weeks - cannae wait until the real thing tomorrow ( 1 will be a bonus) see you the morra mate - hope the fish are wearing crash helmets as its been a while.
hello alex a was wondering if the snypes will still be run by yourself this year and when it will be open for buisness and hoping the wind an weather get better for the harelaw looking forward to new season and like to say youve done a great job in the last couple of seasons making the place one of the best waters to fish anywhere around keep up the good work and hope to be up soon
see you soon jim , cheers
Hi Alex,
looking forward to another year, will be in touch soon.
jim and drew
prestwick
Thanks for the kind message
no mate.
Hi Alex,
You still got wee dogs?
Paul
Only a couple of weeks to go before the real start of the season - would any experts on Global Warming care to shed some light as to why the only fish around are frozen fish fingers and why we will need under soil heating or ice picks to get any chance of casting a fly. As Jim Royle would say - "Global Warming my arse !!!" - still can't wait. See you shortly
thanks for the kind words joe.
Fished Harelaw yesterday in pretty atrocious conditions; bank-fished all the way round back to the hut without an offer. Faced with my first EVER Harelaw blank, up steps Alex Carnie (fishery manager) with the 'salvation' fly. He even shows me where to cast; predictably, I hook a 3lb plus rainbow in sparkling condition- he even nets it for me. Fifteen minutes later, on the same fly that he gave me, I land a 4lb fish. Name another fishery manager ANYWHERE in Scotland who would help a customer out to this extent.
Do yourself a favour; leave your JCB'd puddle and come to Harelaw for the beauty and freedom of the place itself, for the exceptional quality of the fish and for expert, up-to-the-minute advice on how to catch.
Thanks, Alex.
Joe.
Went to harelaw for first time and broke my rod setting up, alex gave me his without me asking and a few nice flys also. i had 4 nice fish all over 2.5Ibs with one at nearly 4. A great water with excellent potential and a crackin fishery manager. Why is this place so unheard of its the best in the west by a mile.
Went to harelaw for first time and broke my rod setting up, alex gave me his without me asking and a few nice flys also. i had 4 nice fish all over 2.5Ibs with one at nearly 4. A great water with excellent potential and a crackin fishery manager. Why is this place so unheard of its the best in the west by a mile.
NICE FISH BUT GOING 4 THE DOUBLES WHEN IAM GOING .FIRST TIME UP THERE LOOKS OK ?
nice fish be there soon looks good dk jnr/
Hi there
Had my first evenings fishing at Harelaw.
Wasnt lucky, probably due to the pouring rain all day.
However the guy who runs the place was very friendly & helpful.
For me friendly staff is the reason I will be back soon & hopefully lucky next time.
Thanks again.
Adrian
Which mick ??? give me a call.
Was the Mick O,Donnell who caught the 9lb 11oz rainbow a ex RM -ML1
Had an amazing night on Harelaw 6th august . Returned 13 fish from the bank on sedges hoppers and snatchers. The biggest must have been 6Ibs plus and all were in truly stunning condition. I have rarely been so impressed with stock rainbows.
A must fish venue for anyone who likes good wading and wild fishing.
Thanks
Another great night on sunday, fish everywhere, following right to the boat
Kate Mclaren doing the buisiness
jim
whats the best way to travel up from greenock on public transport???
I heard harelaw was back on form after a few years in the doldrums so headed up today for the first time in 3 years, place is looking good and Alex who runs it told me where the fish were and suggested the bibio as a dropper as thats what they wanted. His knowledge of the place was second to none and i was soon into a stunning 5Ib plus rainbow. I had 6 more between 2 and 4 pounds all fin perfect and hard fighting, and all to the bibio bar one on a kate mclaren. I believe this guy can make Harelaw something special and i will be going back soon. A brilliant water and definately back to its best. The fish were the best ive caught in scotland.
John Mcdonald
Giffnock
Fish Fish and more Fish, it keeps getting better.
The harelaw is fishing brilliant thats four on thursday and one last night, that was my best yet this season , it was a hard fighting three and a quater pound rainbow with a tail like a whale caught on a size 16 black shuttlecock (last cast scenario) pics on gallery.
What time does the fishery shut?
Another cracking day at the loch - 3 fish for 8lb - lost another 3 at the net
Fish fighting like deamons - first time I've been stripped to the backing on my fly reel - one though it ws a dolphin !
Small Black flies on or near the top done the damage for me - (Hoppers, Buzzers, Kate McLaren etc)
Note: The best conditioned and tasting fish on any water I've fished - keep up the good work!
Only the east wind is keeping them down jim.
Brilliant nights fishing, fish were showing in all areas. Bibio hopper doing the damage
jim
no pike fishing allowed.
how can wee fish for the pike in your dam as av heard that thers big pike in there ???
Visited recently as a novice. Alex the owner could not have been more helpful even to the extent of introducing me to his 2 âpet troutâ at the pontoon (lol).
Thanks for all your help and advice Alex. Will definitely be back often. Rod replaced as you said without any fuss.
Harelaw has had many rave reviews and when I visited it was very clear that this is Scotlands premier trout fishery - Well done to the owner for being so forward thinking , Stillwater Fishing in Scotland needs more like Alex.
This guy is one of the most forward looking fishery managers in the UK. Support your local fishery.
Well where to start upon our 2nd visit to the harelaw we wernt met with the best of conditions abit of bright sushine met with a cold s/w wind. Never the less it wasnt long before we we're joined by a group of gd sized active fish looking for sum surface fly just a little to erly yet but that didnt stop the action. Once again it was sunman snr who had 1st joy hooking a mint condition blue rainbow then shortly after another cracking rainbow of at least 4lb but not to be out done a quick change off ammo i managed to hook two nice fish about 2lb a piece all fish were returned and of the highest quality not a mark on any fish. You can be sure we will be back. A VERY WELL RUN ESTABLISHMENT DESERVES ALOT OF CREDIT
What a fantastic fishery stocked to the gunnels with fully finned hard fighting rainbow trout. The hospitality on the day was second to none and Alex really deserves some recognition for how well run Harelaw is.
The fishing lodge has been redeveloped and there are superb pies as well as other snacks available.
Quite simply it is one of the best rainbow trout fisheries in Scotland and I will certainly be back again as its a fantastic place to fish.
If anyone is in doubt get your backside up there as the fish are in superb condition - no scabby tails here!
Another good night on Harelaw, very bright and warm but pleanty of fish moving. Had trouble with engine and Alex came out and swapped it over in mid water, what a guy, be back soon. Sedges fishing well
jim
another good day on the harelaw heavy rain and strong winds persevered fished round the bays ,caught 4 nice trout and my big
pal Alex Knox caught 2 good trout anyone looking for a days flyfishing i would recommend the harelaw
well to say the host is a great guy is an under statment to say the least ,as this guy took me out in the last hour of lightt after a day which was surley to end in a blank on my first visit with sunlight on the water all day long.
i was taken out on a boat to an area in which i acn only say was mapped out by alex in his mind as a hot spot ,and a hot spot it certainly was ,as each drift brought fish crashing after our flies with follows that lasted around10-15 yards and ended in hard ,hardtakes by fish that were so fit and fought so hard they must be of the very highest quality indeed ,so yet again alex thanks for the best night trout fishing i have ever hadin my life and its not something i will forget in a hurry and i would be safe in saying that my stillwater quota is coming your way this year.
Another two fantastic weekends at the harelaw good strong fighting troot excellent bays for wading .Fish a very near the bank
people you meet on the bank stop for friendly natter .The scenery that surrounds the loch is eye catching plenty of wildlife
and the best to Alex who manages the harelew
Another great day on saturday, fish being taken everywhere even in bright sunlight
jim
I had an excellent day on my first outing to Harelaw on Thursday 23rd of April. The quality of the fishing was outstanding and the fishery is the best one that I have come across. The staff are friendly and very helpfull with plenty of advice on where to fish and what flies and tactics to use. If you have not fished here before and decide to give it a try, you will not be dissapointed.
Had a fantastic day in great surroundings, great water with great boats, motors and facilities are improving daily with hard work from owner. Would reccomend anybody to visit, you will go back!!
keep up the good work.
jim cleland
Had a brillant day yesterday,good to see a cracking boat water in the west
jim watson
just call for updates. opened last week 127 fish caught on opening day.
I was just wondering if the fishery has opened it's doors yet this year? If so what tips can you put forward for someone new to fly fishing to get the best out of this fishery.
Cheers.
whats the stocking policy of the water now its a trout masters venue ,great call by the way ,stopping the bait fishing ,looking forward to having a day soon .
all the best
alex all the best for the coming season will be fishing it soon
Best of luck for the new season Alex- you deserve it.Anything I can do to assist just call, John Milne
Been on harelaw twice with club last year and had superb sport. Get it right and you will have a great day. would reccomend it from bank or boat. A cracking venue on the way up.
Cant wait to opening day great water and the best in the central belt by far. I fished it for years and its better now than ever.
Harelaw is a superb fishery with plenty of hard fighting rainbows and I would recommend a day out there to anyone.
I will certainly be back again
p.s.
Had excellent sport on sunday, caught 4 cracking rainbows to 5Ibs and a brown just under 2 which was the icing on the cake.
A tremendous water with great potential.
count me in, see you soon mate.
hi big paul,
troutpants here, when do the boats hit the water mate. i heard on the grapevine that its fly fishing only, elaborate...
see you soon mate.
Never fished the water,although passed it many times to have a gander, thought it was alot deeper looking at it, but sounds alot more attractive coming into colder weather now i know its quite shallow all over,can get a bit of wading with the fly. Def gonna get a day up there next few weeks if its anything to go buy the fishing at the snypes at the moment, fancy some of those hard fighting wild browns.
Crackin website also mate.
kipper for life!!
hey guys, terrific site, keep up the good work
i love fish
Sounds good, count me in!
See you soon mate
Hi paul, bank fishing will begin march 1st. boats will be on the water officially march 10th. weather is too unpredictable. and jetties must be completed first.
Hi Alex,
Big Paul here.....been a while.
Glad to hear you're still up and going and looking forward to a new season mate.
You opening in March and not before?
Really like the site, wish you all the best with 2009.
cheers
yes cambell, due to theft and illeagal methods being repeatedly used , it is now fly only.
is harelaw only fly now
you are right mate, the fishery has been getting better every year since alex took over and its going to be better again in 2009.
Ive heard through the grapevine...have yet to test the waters? Whats the script since the prev owner...you are young I hear...not got family I take it? Best way. Mick
Well done Alex, all the very best mate....Andy
Never fished the water,although passed it many times to have a gander, thought it was alot deeper looking at it, but sounds alot more attractive coming into colder weather now i know its quite shallow all over,can get a bit of wading with the fly. Def gonna get a day up there next few weeks if its anything to go buy the fishing at the snypes at the moment, fancy some of those hard fighting wild browns.
Crackin website also mate.
Had a good day on the harelaw today from the boat manages 7 fish , 6 of them were brownies! had one arounf the 4 lbs mark and 1 rainbow around 3lbs , all of the fish came to a bibio snatcher fished around 3 inches under the surface great sport .
what a job you have done off this web page and what a job you have done with the fishery with a bit of time you will be right up there mate well done and thanks for a great day today on the lake.
Had excellent sport on sunday, caught 4 cracking rainbows to 5Ibs and a brown just under 2 which was the icing on the cake.
A tremendous water with great potential.
Had a great session on the harelaw today perfect conditions and plenty of fish on the top ,i had 4 on cdc's and 7 on diawl bachs .fish with floating lines fished with teams of buzzers ,diawl biachs and traditionals and you wont go far wrong. Give it a try you will be suprised .P.S . Good website Alex! .
chris
Caught 6 on my first visit and was taken into my backing twice by the same fish. Superb rainbows. Saw a guy land a fish of around 6 pounds ................after 20mins will be back in october for the fry bashing.
cheers for the help alex.
cheers for all the comments guys, harelaw will get there in time , hope to see some more forum members up there , its always worth a bash in the winter for the lure bashers among you.....
Hi alec you dont know me but ive been on the forum as WILEYBUGGER and ill def be at your fishery shortly.Well done on the new site ,not bed eh.
Well done Alex, your doing a good job at Harelaw mate,this website is another brick in the wall for you.
Superb sport on a quality water.
Keep up the good work bud.
Stuart
Was at Harelaw today,great days sport.Had 5 on Buzzers and 2 on CDC's including one brown around the 3lb. mark, will be up next week. Best water in Scotland.
Cheers Alex
Joe.
web site ok ,but will get better as it fills up , fishing better,,, alex well what can i say ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nice guy top fishery
great website bud the pics of me look fantastic ,see you soon for another great days sport
regards scott
Thanks for a great day Alex. Josh and I thoroughly enjoyed our day on Harelaw and are looking forward to the return meeting. Great fishery and day would have been perfect if I had only landed my brownie.
fantastic fishery bows fought well above their weights will return soon ,like the pictures alex,site looking good
chris (aka cumbrian flyfisher.)
Found harelaw to be an excellent venue. People coming here for a good day's fishing and friendly, helpful staff will not be dissappointed. Very reasonable rates too.
Keep up the good work!
I will certainly be back many more times.
Great day - nice fish, great lads.
Who's the ugly bugger wae the bottle of Bell's :->
Thanks for Sunday Alex.
Harelaw is a superb fishery with plenty of hard fighting rainbows and I would recommend a day out there to anyone.
I will certainly be back again. :)
Cheers for Sunday Alex! Cracking day and a belter of a Brown trout aswell!!!
Lovely new site - looking forward to coming down and trying out Harelaw again !
elaine , great job with website your a gem......big thanks.
Alex
Great fishing mate. Thanks for the advice before gettin there. Be back up soon. Jie K
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What a little gem of a place. I can't believe I live less than 20 minutes away and havn't fished the Harelaw before.
Our club had a competition on Friday evening and everyone bar one caught fish. Alex coudn't have been more helpful and even went the extra mile by presenting our top rod with an engraved plaque to comemorate the occasion but best of all he served us up hot steak pies before we headed home for the evening. It's these little things that make the difference. I can see this becoming a regular venue for our club outings and even without the pies it's a great place to fish.