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IMPORTANT
SITE UPDATE:
Visit the relaunched
Fish & Fly at fishandfly.com
Scotland's Classic Wild Trout Waters - Lesley Crawford
Reviewed by Simon Lewin
First,
a disclaimer...
As you read this (glowing) review of Lesley Crawford's latest book you
may be thinking we're a little biased - seeing as Lesley is a regular
contributor to Fish & Fly. What I have to say is that I read Lesley's
"Fishing For Wild Trout in Scottish Lochs" before this web site had even
been thought of and its contents helped me catch my first trout from a
Highland loch. There, disclaimer over.
"Scotland's Classic Wild Trout Waters" is a practical, informative and
entertaining guide to some of the best wild trout fishing you'll find
in Scotland. Looking at both loch and river fishing, the areas covered
range from the lochs of Shetland and Orkney to the tumbling waters of
the Tweed.
For each are covered by the book there's a useful fact file will all the
essential details you'll need - permits, tackle requirements, best times
to visit - but from there Lesley goes on to give a thorough and honest
description of exactly what to expect when you arrive, and provides plenty
of background information covering habitat, geology, history, fishing
technique and environmental issues.
Indeed, you soon realise how passionate Lesley is about the environment
that she knows so well. You sense her concern in this extract regarding
a proposed hydro scheme in the Garloch area of Wester Ross:
"The events surrounding the landowner's application for this scheme, which is likely to make use of a large amount of tax payers' money/government funding under the 'Scottish Renewable Energy' tag, border on the unbelievable. I recount the case now as an example of the lengths some people will go to in order to exploit water assets at the apparent expense of the environment in general and angling in particular. I beg you to learn from this scenario for in years to come there are likely to be many more such schemes. Be on your constant guard for it is of little use moaning about the loss or deterioration of wild trout angling after the damage has been done."
But
ultimately this is a book which celebrates the pleasure of fly-fishing
for wild trout in Scotland - and reading the sections covering the areas
I have previously fished, I can vouch for both the accuracy of the information
included and the honest descriptions of exactly what to expect when you
arrive.
Whether you fish the waters that Lesley describes regularly, or are planning
your first trip to these wild trout waters, this will be an invaluable
addition to your bookshelf.
Scotland's Classic Wild Trout Waters - Lesley Crawford - Swan Hill. Hardback
192 pages. Price £24.95
