130 SALMON FISHING 



10 Ibs., and sea-trout up to 8 Ibs. There are no 

 nets in the estuary ; but the loch is sometimes 

 netted, and good catches are made. The number 

 of fish has not varied more than in similar streams 

 on the west coast during the last twenty years. 

 There is always a good stock for the size of the 

 river, which is entirely contained in the estate of 

 Kinloch - moidart ,; and there is no poaching or 

 pollution."" 



The NESS, from loch to sea, is only about seven 

 miles long ; but the salmon angling is particularly 

 fine and very valuable. Writing in behalf of Mr. 

 Baillie of Dochfour and others, Mr. Hugh Graham, 

 Inverness, says : 



" As at present regulated, it is a late rather than 

 an early river. The biggest and best run of fish 

 begins in January, and is practically over before the 

 angling opens, on February 11. There have been 

 efforts to get the river opened earlier. An extensive 

 inquiry into the subject was held, in behalf of the 

 Secretary for Scotland, towards the end of last year ; 

 but the result is not known as I write. It is 

 admitted on all hands that of recent years there has 

 been a falling-off in the number of fish caught. In 

 order to bring about improvement in the stock and 

 in the sport in the rivers and lochs of the district 

 which include, besides the loch and the main river, 

 the Moriston, the Garry, the Oich, and Loch Oich 

 the proprietors and lessees combined to lease the 

 net fishings at the mouth of the Ness and in the 

 river itself; and before the angling began last year 



