The Salmon Rivers of Scotland Volume 3

by Augustus Grimble

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 edition. ... Chapter XVI. THE LOCHY, WITH ITS TRIBUTARIES THE ROY AND THE SPEAN. These three famous rivers are kept entirely for the rod; and as an instance of the sport they used to yield, the Fishery Board Report of 1883 states that their average season's take was then 1,200 salmon and grilse, and 1,600 sea trout. A splendid result, which has, however, not been maintained of late years. In a letter, quoted further on, from the late Lord Abinger to the Inspector of Fisheries, he almost appears to foresee and prophesy this decrease, and certainly his long experience in the management of his salmon rivers ought to have insured greater attention being given to his words by the authorities then in power. The Lochy flows from Loch Lochy--one of the Caledonian Canal lochs--some ten miles long and one in breadth, but which does not drain any country east of the Canal locks of Laggan, at its head; therefore, it is only by means of the Canal, and by passing through these and other lock gates, that there is any possibility of fish travelling from the West to the East Coasts, or vice versa* The right of salmon fishing in the loch was, and I think still is, claimed by both Mrs. Ellice, of Glenquoich, and by Lord Abinger; but salmon are now rarely, if ever, caught in it, although it is open to the public, and hard fished for trout by trolling. At one time the loch held plenty of fish, but that was before the making of the canal necessitated the forming of an artificial outlet, which was so constructed as to be almost inaccessible to salmon. Thus Loch Lochy, and the River Arkaig flowing into it from Loch Arkaig, both formerly holding many fish, and providing fine sport and excellent spawning grounds, are now nearly fishless, which is a regretable state of...

34 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2013