With a break in the monotony of the west coast spring weather, i had my first afternoon on the River Clyde this season.

MCAA have 8 miles of the Lower Clyde, extending from the tidal limit in Glasgow at Dalmarnock Road bridge up to Bothwell bridge at Hamilton, and there are a few surprises tucked away in the least likely locations. An open mind and an armoury of Shooting heads are all that you need to enjoy this stretch of river.

I fished two locations, the first in the Cambuslang area, downstream of the Sligo Estate water, and then Blantyre, at the most notably pool on the river owing to the large Weir.

I set up with a 14' rod, Int/S1 head and set of towards the river. This is my favourite walk to any pool i fish, and captures spirit of the river. The Steel mill rolled steel for the Titanic, Mauritania, Lusitania, QE2 to name but a few when heavy industry was prevalent, now it is a backdrop to a river which is healthy and has strong populations of fish.

The water was high after the river being in spate last week, however conditions were ideal with the water holding a tinge and the tide on the turn

The Drumhead, Tail of the Flat

Under the Flyover

Tail of the Flyover Pool

Upstream at the Skurlie, the high water masks the groin and superb run through the pool unfortunately.

A short drive away is Blantyre, and a change of tactics. There is less holding water and flow generally, so it was a Floating Afs and a size 10 Black and yellow Shrimp. The water level was perfect for the pools and the water was running with a slight tinge. The Area bellow the weir is a conservation area so fishing is allowable from the Red marks on the Bridge stanchions.

The Neck of the Weir Pool

An enjoyable afternoon back out on the Clyde, and with conditions perfect it cant be long until the first springer is caught.

A small insight into a healthy River which has a few surprises to offer and enjoyable fishing for a very reasonable cost.

 

Tight lines,

Steve