River Leven, LLAIA

[granters]

Hi, i'm new to this forum but have a question i'd appreciate some advice about. i am wondering if there are any members of or people familiar with the Leven. This has been my first year of serious salmon fishing and i am looking to join a river association with a decent chance of a few salmon next year. I am currently a member of the river gryffe association but to be honest i have almost "grown out of it" if you know what i mean, although it has given me a fantastic education. I am now ready to test myself on a larger more challenging water. I know that the Leven does have good runs of salmon and sea trout but i am slightly put off by certain stories i have heard about tackle being stolen and louts from the surrounding area causing havoc for the anglers. I'm not one to go on hearsay though and hope this isn't the case. could anyone kindly advise me on this. Also are there any other rivers within an hour of Glasgow open for membership next season that anyone can suggest? i'm desperate to get going again after a fruitless season so i would greatly appreciate any advice.

[D-Loop]

Hi,

I've fished the Leven for about 5 years now having fished the Cart/Gryffe before. If you're keen on learning to fish for salmon/speycasting then for £90 its great value. You've also a more than decent chance of connecting with a fish (I've had 4 salmon this year, fishing Saturdays only for a few hours at a time).

Don't be put off by the fact that the river, in parts, runs through some industrial/built-up areas, I've never had any bother and, in my experience, the local anglers are friendly, helpful and look out for each other. Some stretches of the river are beautiful and if the river was elsewhere it would be £900 and not £90 a season.

I also have a season ticket for the Teith (club water at Callander) for £120. Still good value and nice water in parts but can be very busy at weekends. Yet to touch a fish there.

see www.robbieredball.net for further info. on the Leven.

cheers,

Tom

[jimthefish]

granters said:

Also are there any other rivers within an hour of Glasgow open for membership next season that anyone can suggest? i'm desperate to get going again after a fruitless season so i would greatly appreciate any advice.

The Clyde. UCAPA ticket £47 for the season.

[Fruin]

The Leven offers a fair chance of fish, but you have to be there at the right time. Fish do not move in off every tide, and they usually run through the river quickly, so there is a lot of luck involved. Some seasons I have done very well, and at other times I catch very little. If you do take a ticket try to fish either side of the high tides. In low water fish early morning or in the evening.
The bigger ticket for the Lomond system also offers fishing on Loch Lomond, the River Endrick, and the River Fruin, as well as the Clyde Estuary.
I've heard that the Gryffe fishes very well, but it is small river fishing which can lose it's appeal after a while.
The anglers that do very well on the Leven are the ones that put the hours in. If you are prepared to do that then it is good value. It is always good fun learning a new beat or river
I've fished the Leven since I was in short trousers and have had no trouble at all. The majority of the anglers are a friendly approachable bunch.
If you take out a ticket, let me know, I'd be happy to show you around next season.
The Clyde is also doing very well, but I've heard similar stories about conflict on the bank.

[granters]

cheers everyone, seriously considering the Leven. I'll let you know when i decide, could be a christmas present if i'm a good boy this year!