BEST SEASON FOR LOCH-FISHING. 205 



making as little disturbance as possible, and throw 

 gently over every trout that rises at the natural 

 fly. Or if the trout are evidently as they some- 

 times are rising in shoals, the boat may be 

 pulled into the centre of the shoal; and when 

 the alarm caused by the disturbance has subsided 

 and the trout begin to rise again, the angler should 

 drop a small fly lightly on the spot, and he will 

 have a good chance of securing the fish. 



The most favourable weather is a day with a 

 good breeze of west wind, and alternate sunshine 

 and shower. The trout never take readily, particu- 

 larly if the air is at all cold, unless the sun is shin- 

 ing. A wet day is better than a cloudy one with- 

 out rain, but not equal to a sunny one. In the early 

 months east wind will mar the angler's sport, but 

 in July and August it is not so objectionable ; since 

 at that season, even with it, the air is generally 

 sufficiently warm. 



The best time of year for fly-fishing depends, as 

 in rivers, upon the season. If the weather is mild, 

 trout may be taken readily in May ; but this is 

 rarely the case, and June and July may be set down 

 as the best two months of the year.* In August the 

 trout will not rise so readily, but will take again 

 in September and the beginning of October; but 



* Mr. Stewart, from further experience, would probably 

 have admitted that, if this statement can be taken as a rule 

 at all, it must be taken with many exceptions. In some lochs 

 notably, St. Mary's, Loch Ard, Loch Vennacliar the best 

 of the angling is over in or before May. 



