THE BORDER ESK 287 



any representations to the Association, although it would deter 

 me from going there again. 



In i8gi, the secretary of the fishery, Mr. R. M'George, solicitor, 

 Langholm, reported that the heaviest salmon caught was 37 lb., 

 and the heaviest sea trout 5 lb. 



The Esk and the Liddel open for the rod on the 15th of February, 

 but as the Esk suffers equally with the Annan from the evils already 

 mentioned — although there are at times a few sprmg fish taken — 

 the angling is not of much account before the end of July. June 

 and July are best for sea trout, and July and August for herling. 

 Wading stockings and a si.xteen-foot rod will enable anglers to cover 

 the pools. 



All the small standard flies kill ; perhaps the Silver Grey is the 

 best, but for salmon and sea trout flies, the latter differing somewhat 

 from the usual patterns, the angler contemplating a visit to these 

 parts cannot do better than lay in a stock from Mr. Robert Raine, 

 the tackle-maker of Botchergate, Carlisle. 



Each season there is a certain amount of disease, but there are 

 no obstructions or pollutions to speak of, and the river is one well 

 worthy of the angler in want of moderate sport at a small cost, 

 but the locals are very smart performers, and the stranger will 

 have to work hard. However, here, as elsewhere, they don't know 

 everything, and those vi'ho have gained their experience in many 

 rivers will hold their own. 



