LOCH-FISHING. 59 



since pike have been introduced ; and now, two or three 

 dozen fine red trout may be taken in a day. 



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 less fortunate than 

 their neighbours in not having been immortalized by our 

 Great Minstrel : the latter especially, from its ill-sound- 

 ing 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 pound 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, ac- 

 cording 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 



