The loch boat moves quietly on a gentle drift parallel to the shore, overlooked by the silent, heather-clad hills. The two rods rise and fall, casting the flies carefully and delicately. The soft lapping of the little waves against the boat, the far warbling cry of the curlew and the high notes of sandpipers serve only to accentuate the peace of a glorious afternoon of alternating sun and cloud Low over the near shoreline a Golden Eagle glides silently past, intent on its own hunting.
|
|
A swirl on the surface, a muffled gasp from an angler momentarily distracted by the sight of the great bird as he tightens - but the trout is miraculously still on and the reel sings - and after a battle worthy of a two-pounder elsewhere a magnificent red-and-gold speckled three-quarter pounder slides into the net.
Beginners or children can learn to fish in no time if they are taken to one of the many lochs containing small, hungry (and lightning-fast) trout. The best months for our wild brown trout are May, June, early July and September, but they can still take well all season in lochs a short walk into the moor. Apart from the very rare springers, salmon begin to run in late June. From then until late September are the best months. |
