Hi guys ,my friend was in PERTH visiting friends a while back and popped into WILLOWGATE and was raving about it. As we live in DUMFRIESSHIRE and really want to give it a go the distance becomes a factor when thinking about a day out. As its only a new venue ive not heard how its fishing in the winter and is it worth the trip at this time of year. Anyone help out there

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Haven't fished it yet, they have a web site with some info in the blog link,
Salmon Fishing - Willowgate trout and Salmon Fishery
There is a report on a comp there last saturday in the 'competition fly section' of this forum. If you pm the member in the first post (trout bum) I am sure he will give you an update as and when required.

Willowgate is fishing great just now and will continue to fish well right through the winter providing we don't get a sustained ice sheet like last year.

The report from the competition on Saturday will give you some idea of recent catches. I actually expected it to fish better for the comp, especially given the quality of the anglers that were fishing, but the fish just weren't quite on it. However a rod average of over 7 and only one blank out of 30 anglers is satisfactory.

Willowgate Fishery (Perth) - Winter Comps

The bung is normally the top method during the winter but lures on a floating or intermediate line will also do the trick as was the case on Saturday.

It can be pretty busy at the weekends so its not a bad idea to book, particularly is there's a group coming.

was at willowgate this morning, before the bitter cold wind then rain got the better of me.
tried a varied selection of mini lures and nympths but only managed 1 fish and a couple of pulls, saying that the fish i had was a conservative 5lb and was taken on a little yellow dancer.
decent little water that is well stocked with good fish

Fair play to you for having a go in that weather today Jakeyboy. That was the kind of wind that gets right inside your thermals. Glad you got a nice fish

We've had a 2-3mm skin of ice the last couple of mornings but this has been relatively easy to clear. Looks like it will be cold again tonight but we will be down first thing tomorrow and Sunday to clear the ice so hopefully, most pegs will be available.

The fishery was stocked today as normal and the cold doesn't usually put them off so there should be some good sport for those who brave the elements.

hi trout bum i have just been on the blog site and seen that you are building a path from the town ,,, can you tell me where it starts roughly ( in relation to the bus station ) as it means i might be able to finally wet a line once the path is completed.

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Have you noticed the railway bridge over the river, will be visible to the right from the bus as it comes along the edinburgh road (bit with parkland on both sides of the road). There is a footpath on the railway bridge (up steps from tay st) which will take you to the path, think it is an existing path which is being upgraded but not sure how well it is defined as you come off the railway bridge. Do not go down the first set of steps as you cross the bridge, thats an island. If there is a bus stop near the traffic lights where the bus turns left up towards the station, better getting off there.

Unfortunately Willowgate will be closed today (Sunday 29th). The fishery is frozen and we have had significant snowfall during the night along with some thunder and sheet lightning which was pretty amazing.

We will re-open as soon as possible but if you are planning on visiting in the coming week, it would be advisable to phone first to check the local conditions - 01738 446546.