SMALLER LAKES 123 



trout. Another factor in this connection is that 

 the lake is netted which invariably tends to 

 increase the size of the fish. 



The pike and perch also run to a large size, and 

 recently two individual pike have been taken 

 weighing 20 Ibs. and 22 Ibs. respectively. 



The magnificent trout of the lake average from 

 I Ib. to 2 Ibs. and fish of 4 Ibs., 5 Ibs. and 6 Ibs. are 

 not at all uncommon. The few privileged anglers 

 (mostly residents) who obtain permission to fish 

 are limited strictly to six trout, but this number 

 constitutes (or ought to constitute) a satisfying 

 basket. It has been stated that an individual 

 basket of twenty-three fish, weighing nearly 40 Ibs., 

 induced the owner of the lake to fix the limit. 

 These were taken with the green drake. 



The flies mentioned for Buttermere are those 

 that kill here, but in May and June, whilst the green 

 and grey drake are "on," nothing can compete 

 with them. When the bracken-clock makes its 

 appearance the trout gorge themselves on these, 

 and fly-fishing is "off" so long as the clock 

 lasts. 



One virtue of Loweswater is that the fishing 

 commences earlier and ends later than either in 

 Crummock or Buttermere. 



There is just one chance for the outside angler on 

 Loweswater. If he cannot fish the lake from the 

 private boat of Mr. Marshall (the lord of the 

 manor) he may, under certain circumstances, get a 

 small stretch of fishing round the sides. Several 

 farms run down to the lake, and if lodgings be 

 taken at one of these the farmer would doubtless 

 give permission. This is done in practice when, as a 

 rule, no fault is found. 



