2025 Veterans Cup Round 5 Lake of Menteith

Due to summer conditions and the associated warm water, Round 5 of the Military Veterans Fly Fishing Cup was always going to be a tricky affair.

We arrived at the Lake of Menteith to 100% cloud cover and a light Southwesterly breeze. Water temperature was 19 Deg C so lots of discussion over the breakfast rolls on tactics. Following the pre-match brief where a reminder on fish-handling was a key point, most of the boats headed to the deeper water in Gateside Bay. Due to a large shoal of fish gathering at the Burnmouth seeking cooler water, the area had been roped off to protect the fish. Massive catches had been reported from that area recently and some desperadoes were even seen grounded on the sandbar and casting up the burn! This resulted in significant fatalities which the Lake staff had to deal with hence the cordoned area.

We set a 10 fish C&R limit and thanks to an outstanding morning session, Jock Kettles was only 2 short of that by lunchtime. Quite a number of our 26 anglers had found it pretty tough going, so in true form, Jock shared the flies, line and technique with anyone who actually believed him! 😂 The Malling Shore and Plantation in particular had been a very successful area. The fish were tight to the bank and very keen on Diawl Bachs on a washing line.

Lunch was once again generously provided by John & Audrey Maestri and The Rose House in Perth. The host was pretty grumpy as he hadn’t touched a fish all morning but he certainly made up for it in the afternoon session! Lunch is always the highlight of the day with lots of craic, banter and delicious food.

The Malling shore was busier than the beaches of Dover during the afternoon session but the fish remained keen and most anglers got off the mark. Magic had 5 in short order and certainly worked out a method. Unfortunately Jock lost No10 snapping off at the dropper but still won the day with a very credible 9 Fish. I had a great day out with Sandy Campbell who is actually quite the specimen hunter. A perch, Trout and Dace in 3 casts takes some beating!

Big shout out to Steven Mcarthur who landed a Brown Trout estimated at 10lbs. The photo didn’t do the fantastic fish justice but Stevie didn’t want to stress the fish any further by taking it out of the water for a photograph. 👏👏

With 2 rounds remaining, the Veterans Cup league remains wide open. With the best top 4 scores counting, Ian Macgregor is currently sitting at the top of the table on 14 points, however Allan Gamble is in pole position after 2 firsts & a 6th place from the 3 rounds he has fished. There will certainly be plenty of movement in the league table over the next 2 rounds and considering the improvement in competence within the ranks, I wouldn’t discount anyone at this stage.

Jock Kettles 9 Fish - 1 Point

Graeme Ferguson 6 Fish - 2 Points

Magic Maestri 5 Fish - 3 Points

Allan Macleod 4 Fish - 4 Points

Stevie McArthur 4 Fish - 5 Points

Al Gamble 4 Fish - 6 Points

Ian Macgregor 4 Fish - 7 Points

Jock Royan 4 Fish - 8 Points

Graham Steele 4 Fish - 9 Points

Glen Lamont 3 Fish - 10 Points

Eck Moffat 2 Fish - 11 Points

Ian Fraser 1 Fish - 12 Points

Graeme Sharp 1 Fish - 13 Points

Graham Fulton 1 Fish - 14 Points

Cammy Duncan 1 Fish - 15 Points

Ian Howland 1 Fish - 16 Points

Geoff Allen 1 Fish - 17 Points

Sandy Campbell 1 Fish - 18 Points

Jim Carruthers 1 Fish - 19 Points

John McCauley 1 Fish - 20 Points

Kenny McClymont 1 Fish - 21 Points

William Sheppard 1 Fish - 22 Points

Les Grant 0 Fish - 30 Points

Dave Penny 0 Fish - 30 Points

Albert Graham 0 Fish - 30 Points