THE AWE 355 



Major Macdonald has kindly given me the returns for the 

 Association's section of the water for three years, and this 

 section produces the largest score to the rod : 



Year. Salmon. Sea Trout. Total. 



1906 . . 73 239 312 



1907 . . 94 571 665 



1908 . . 136 963 1099 



If we add to this the Dalmally Hotel scores for the same 

 years, kindly given by Mr. MacLaren, we have a total of salmon : 



Year. Awe Association. Dalmally Hotel. Total. 



1906 . . 73 51 124 



1907 94 60 154 



1908 . . 136 35 171 



Not only did the total catch increase, but a better supply of 

 spring fish was noticeable. We have already remarked that 

 the Awe is a rapid river, with much broken water. Only at 

 the mouth and in the middle section is there any extent of 

 water quiet enough to be readily associated with spring fishing. 

 The fact of the large loch at the head giving a large volume of 

 water, as well as the comparatively high temperature of the 

 water, must, however, be taken into consideration as a factor 

 gauging the value of prospective spring fishing. The tidal 

 part of the river just above Polfearn where, previously, 

 netting was carried on, is now reported as yielding excellent 

 results to the rod, when the tide is out. In the spring of 1908, 

 2 fish were taken in March, and 10 in April, including weights 

 of 36 lb., 31 lb., 26f lb., 24 lb., and 21 Ib. During the season 

 about 30 fish were got from this new piece of water. I believe 

 the development of this river's fisheries will be of great interest, 

 if under the regime succeeding the Association's efforts, the 

 same sound policy is carried on. 



In February 1909 (25th to 1st March), 4 fish were taken, 

 18 lb., 21| ib. 3 23 lb., and 29 lb. All these early fish are 

 reported as particularly shapely ; the 29-pounder just referred 

 to, for instance, was 42 inches long and 24 inches in girth. 



The Awe is famous for heavy fish, and several over 40 lb. 

 are usually taken each year. Some years ago a 54-pounder 

 was taken from Pol Verie, and a 52-pounder from the Cruive 

 Pool. Another 54 lb. fish was hooked in Cassan Dhu and 



