LOCH A UCHNANUIL T 425 



name on the Dingwall and Skye Line, adjoins Loch 

 Culen. Although these two lochs unite, the fish were 

 unable to pass from the latter into the former by reason 

 of a fall. Some years ago this fall was blown up, and 

 the fish were able to get into Loch Auchnanuilt, in 

 which loch no pike had previously existed, though 

 present in great numbers in Loch Culen, the result 

 being that in the former loch, although the trout 

 have very considerably decreased in numbers, they 

 have proportionately increased in size. The pike, 

 having done their work, are now being thinned out. 

 It may therefore be concluded that the fewer the fish 

 the larger they become, owing to the increased quantity 

 of food. Trout in this loch run up to i6 lb., and there 

 are several enormous pike in it. The loch is easily 

 reached, but no one but a skilful fisherman can expect 

 to get sport with the largest trout. They are the fish 

 to which I have previously referred as being so very 

 difficult to hook. The smaller-sized yellow trout are 

 easily caught if the proper flies are used. 



On Loch Achilty, another beautiful loch of some ten 

 miles in circumference, near to Strathpeffer, there is an 

 island which is somewhat interesting, for I discovered 

 the ruins of a house and garden on it. Char-fishing is, 

 however, the chief sport to be got there, and I much 

 wonder why some good trout from Loch Auchnanuilt 

 have not been transported thither for stock. The inn 

 at Achilty is comfortable, and is about four miles from 

 Strathpeffer. The latter place is, however, a good 

 headquarters for the fisherman, as it is within reach of 

 several good lakes. The old inn at Strathpeffer has 

 been enlarged, and I can recommend it as being most 

 comfortable and well-managed by that best of all 



