38 ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT FISHERIES 



fly ; but the fish which establishes the record was 

 one of 8 Ibs., caught in the middle of the lake 

 opposite Ravencragg. By methods other than 

 rod and line, large fish are, of course, occasionally 

 taken ; and this season Major Parkin's men had 

 two trout of 3 J Ibs. and 5 Ibs. 2 oz. respectively. 



Trolling is not nearly as much practised as 

 formerly, although the larger fish are taken in this 

 way, the natural minnow proving the best bait. 



According to the portion of Ullswater in which 

 trout are taken, they are pink-fleshed or white. 

 The larger fish taken in the nets are almost in- 

 variably pink, although the white-fleshed ones, 

 after the top feed has come on, are sweet and good. 



Probably the best ground in Ullswater is that 

 from Sandwike to Rainsbeck (on the Cumberland 

 side) ; but in a strong wind, probably the best 

 fishing in the whole of the lake is to be had in 

 Howtown Bay. This is the fact to-day, and it is 

 interesting to note that a century ago the same 

 portions of the lake were considered the best for 

 anglers. 



Good fish are invariably to be found at the 

 mouth of Fusedale beck, and this applies to the 

 other becks which are free from pollution. 



The most killing flies for Ullswater are as 

 follows : Early in the season, March brown, 

 Broughton Point, Steel's fancy (a local fly), 

 dotterel, and dark snipe ; while later, the cow- 

 dung fly may be substituted for the March brown. 

 These should be dressed on a No. 3 hook, or No. 4 

 if fished in a wind. The bracken-clock proves 

 killing when it comes on, and the " sleugh is a 

 most deadly bait in the fell becks. April, May, 

 and June are the best fishing months. In May, 



