SMALLER LAKES 141 



salmon-fry pass down the Rothay in due course- 

 A good many of these (of 2, 3 and 4 ozs.) are 

 taken by the natives, but they prove a great 

 nuisance to the legitimate angler. The trout are 

 sparsely scattered along the shores, and occasionally 

 (when trying for pike) a big one is taken. Still, 

 this is hardly a trout water, and cannot be seriously 

 recommended in this respect. 



Pike and perch are fairly abundant, the former 

 attaining to a large size. The perch are good, 

 although not large, and afford a good deal of 

 pleasant fishing to visitors and certainly fishing 

 cannot be done in more pleasant surroundings. 

 The lake is moderately netted, but the fish taken 

 are for the convenience of the proprietor, residents, 

 and the visitors at the hotels. 



Grasmere itself is one of the best general centres 

 for the Lake District ; and, of course, the lakes and 

 tarns enumerated above can be fished from it. Ac- 

 commodation, of course, is abundant, and boats, 

 tackle, &c., are always obtainable for the fishing. 



ESTHWAITE WATER 



The west bank of Windermere is hemmed in by 

 Furness Fells, and between these and Coniston 

 lies Esthwaite Water. Proceeding from the Ferry, 

 it lies to the left, off the Hawkshead and Coniston 

 road ; continuing along which for about two miles 

 Esthwaite Water comes into view, with Hawks- 

 head at the upper end. It is about one and a half 

 miles in length by half a mile in breadth. 



The lake is private property, but, by a system of 

 licences, the public is allowed to fish. About 

 twenty-five years ago a trial took place as to the 



