170 LOCH -FISHING. 



There are two other small lochs near Loch Katrine 

 which breed very large pike, and are full of prime trout, 

 Loch Arklet and Loch Dronkie but they are less fortu- 

 nate than their neighbours in not having been immortalised 

 by our Great Minstrel. The latter especially, from its ill- 

 sounding name, we cannot wonder that a poet discards ; 

 but an angler will find its attractions. The shores of these 

 lochs being almost clear of weeds, and the ground firm, the 

 best parts may be reached by wading, and fish taken from 

 half-a-pound to three pounds weight. Upon one occasion, 

 when playing a good-sized trout in Loch Dronkie, an 

 enormous pike made several dashes, and at last succeeded 

 in seizing it. I used every effort to frighten him away ; 

 but so determined was he, that, though I could see him 

 quite plainly in shallow water, with my trout held across 

 his tremendous jaws, he would not be beat off; and at 

 last, when kicking the water I strained my line, he gave 

 a plunge, broke my rod, and escaped with his prey. 



FLY-FISHING 



The flies I have generally found best for loch-fishing 

 are a light-speckled or brown-mottled mallard wing, 

 according to the day ; reddish-brown mohair body, red 

 hackle, and No. 7 hook, tied with yellow silk, for a trail ; 

 and a teal-wing, claret-colour mohair body, black hackle, 

 and No. 6 hook, tied with orange or yellow silk, for a 

 bob. If the loch is full and muddy, add a small thread 

 of silver tinsel to the latter, and increase the size of both : 



