The Tarmac Loch has been undergoing the first phase of what will be a major development plan. The work carried out over the past two weeks, has seen the creation of a new footpath along the full length of the loch and the formation of large areas at both ends which will eventually be equipped as picnic/rest areas. There has also been a separate bait pond created, which once filled and stocked, will allow the main loch to be designated as fly only. With the Tarmac Loch now an official Troutmaster venue, this should be of interest to fly fishers both young and old, who wish to take part in the Troutmasters competitions. The next phase of the ongoing development will see disabled access to the loch side being provided via proper boarded walkways, suitable for wheelchairs to be taken from the car park area to the loch side, allowing the loch to be enjoyed by as wide a cross section of the community as possible. It is a further aim to attract more non fishing groups to the loch, ramblers, photographers or naturalists for example, to experience and enjoy the natural isolation and tranquillity the Tarmac Loch has to offer. On the fishing front we have had a few good catches recorded, not least a first for young local fly fisher Duncan McDougall who was rewarded for his patience with a nice 2lb brown trout which he took on a Silver Fritz (See Gallery). We also had Mr Sam Walker from Glasgow who had two fish for 5lbs and Mr Peter H of Prestwick also with two for 5lbs, both fishers commented on the size and quality of the fish being caught. A first visit of the season from Bill Gracie saw him catch his usual two fish quota, one at 2lb 7oz and one at 3lb 9oz both on power bait.

03/04/2008
The loch is fishing really well this month. Numbers on catch and release have all been near or above double figures, with the best recorded so far being a 12 and a 15. The 12 included one rainbow at 7lbs 2oz and one brown trout at 4lbs (See Gallery). The fish being caught are mostly in the 3-5lb range and a fair variety of fly's and lures are working well. It's particularly pleasing to see fish coming up and taking on or just below the surface, with dry fly's and suspended buzzers regularly taking fish. Buzzers and nymphs have also been doing well. The most productive lures have again been Cats Whiskers and Vivas, but Dancers and Fritz patterns are also doing well. The best bait ticket so far this week was a two fish total weight of 9lbs 6oz with one well over 5lbs.

16/03/2008
Another week of severe weather, but those who were prepared to brave it were not disappointed. There were still a few double figure returns on catch and release, and most two fish tickets were also bagged. The best catches have been using lures, with favorites Cats Whiskers, Vivas and Orange Nomad all doing well.

9/03/2008
The first week of the season saw just about every weather condition you could imagine, from torrential rain to bright sunshine to snow, with a fare bit of gale force wind for good measure, but the elements failed to put off neither the fishers or the fish. There were a few good numbers recorded for catch and release. Young Kyle Hoffin recorded 25 on the first day and Harry Thom had 15 mid week. Although Kyle recorded a personal best on Saturday he didn't rest, he was back on Sunday and landed a lovely 8 lb fish. What was more satisfying was the fact he tied all his own fly's, and yes he has already received one order, with no doubt more to follow. There were many patterns working well including Orange Fritz, Black/Green Fritz, Cats Whiskers and Ace of Spades. Later in the week there were even fish taking dry fly's including Daddies and CDC's.

14/02/2008
The loch will open for the new season on Saturday 1st March.