Collenan Reservoir - Troon Angling Club

Collenan reservoir is the home to Troon Angling Club. The club was established in 1936 and is a perfect place to spend a mid summers evening. The reservoir covers approximately 8 acres and it is a comfortable walk around its perimeter. This used to be a functioning water supply for the town of Troon but it's water comes from elsewhere now. The club was handed exclusive use of the water in return they are linked to some maintenance responsibilities.

Collenan is a private fishing club, it's members are mainly Troon residents and from other nearby towns, although day tickets can be purchased by non members. Better if you know a member as they will get guests at a reduced rate. The reservoir is stocked on a regular basis mainly with rainbow trout although some blue and brown trout are included from time to time.
The weather has not been kind for anglers over the last couple of years in our area, suffering particularly from the snowy winters which as you can see from the photos were definitely not fishing weather unless you were adopting the Arctic methods of cutting a hole in the ice. That, however, would be illegal on this water as the reservoir is strictly fly fishing only. This means that spinning rods and using bait are not allowed methods. 
Additionally the wind is a major factor when fishing here. Collenan stand above the town of Troon within the Dundonald hills. It is only about 200 metres above sea level but that is enough to to be a different climate from the town below. Basically the water is a triangle with a dam wall running its length to the west. you can see from this picture that it is tree lined on one side and on the other a field rises another 30 metres or so. The effect is you have a wind tunnel from west to east and vice versa and recently these winds have have been extreme and unrelenting.
Along the side of the woods is the 'smugglers trail' which is the route taken between Troon and Dundonald. The smugglers would go to the coast and lure ships in and their cargoes plundered. This has become a very popular low level walking route and mountain bike trail.
Collenan can be a hard water to fish, when the wind blows casting can be difficult and the fish seem to retreat to the middle of the water outwith casting range. No boats or float tubes are allowed so you have to wait for them to come in close. At times you would swear that there are no fish in here at all. On other occasions when the hatch is on, the water can be boiling as the take the emerging insects on or just below the surface. Then you have dry fly fishing of a very high standard with spectacular takes. This is exciting fishing when using dries or buzzers. It's true that big fish often take the smallest flies.
When the fishing goes quiet there is plently of wildlife around. The woods resident buzzards are mobbed every time they fly by the resident crows. Sparrowhawks try to take the smaller tits; blackbirds; etc. The great spotted woodpecker drums in the trees. In late summer the blue dragonflies are abundant. The trout will crash into the reeds trying to dislodge them or take the spent ones from the water surface.
All in all a good place to fish or walk, try it some time.