CHAPTER VI 



THE CARRON OF THE KYLE OF SUTHERLAND 



The Carron rises in the Forest of Inverlael, drains one liundred 

 and twenty-two square miles, and, after a course of twenty miles, 

 all in Ross-shire, falls into the Kyle of Sutherland, a little distance 

 west of Bonar Bridge station. The Blackwater and the Calvie are 

 the chief tributaries, and join the main stream, the former on the 

 north and the latter on the south side, a little below Amat House. 

 It is a quick-running river, with plenty of pretty pools and good 

 spawning ground ; but in the earlier part of the season sport is 

 entirely dependent on rain or melting snow. It is easily fished, 

 and the paths from pool to pool on either bank are well made and 

 well kept up. The season opens on the nth of February, closes 

 for nets on the 26th of August, and for the rod on the 31st of 

 October. The best months for salmon, which average 8 lb., 

 are March and April; and for grilse, average 5 lb., from the 

 middle of June to the end of August ; but sea trout are not 

 plentiful. 



On the lower reaches of Gledfield and Ivercharron an eighteen- 

 foot rod may be used at the opening of the season, but a little later 

 on one of sixteen feet will cover all the water with ease. The gaff 

 is not prohibited, but kelts are always returned uninjured. The 

 favourite flies, and they are the only lures used, are Jock Scot, 

 Childers, and Sir Richard ; but any other standard pattern 

 will kill if dressed on hooks ranging from 2/0 to the very 

 smallest. 



Wading trousers would be required if this river was fished in the 

 usual way ; but it is understood between the opposite proprietors 

 that the anglers on each bank shall confine their operations strictly 

 to the pools that lie to the side of the water on which they are fishing, 

 — a very good arrangement, which it is to be regretted is not more 

 universally adopted, for not only does it do away with the fatigue 

 and unpleasantness of waders, but it also effectually stops any 

 jealous racing for pools and the making of extra early risings 

 so as to reach the river before the cingler on the opposite 

 bank. 



By this arrangement, A., who has, say, the left bank, may be at 

 work by 8 a.m. if he chooses ; while B., who has the right bank, may 

 breakfast at nine, smoke his pipe and write his letters at leisure, and 

 then start for the river in the happy consciousness that the pools 



