Modern Flies and Ancient Lochs
By Arthur Macdonald ISBN number 978-1-0369-1472-1
Unfortunately, for those of us who love fishing the Scottish Highlands Lochs or Hill Lochs on wild open moorland, age can get the better of us and I have had to swop the hiking stick for a boat on the loch. Up until now my favourite Scottish authors have been Stan Headley, ‘Reflections on the Loch’ or Jon Berry, ‘Beneath the Black Water’. But now I add to that short book list ‘Modern Flies and Ancient Lochs’ by Arthur Macdonald. A truly superb book about fishing the Lochs near his home. He has lived in this area his whole life on the West of Scotland near Fort William.
I opened this book to read along with the corresponding O/S maps while having my morning coffee the next thing I hear Elaine calling dinner is ready, coffee still there untouched and three hours gone and I am only at page 113, 127 to go. This should be enough for you to place your orders.
These first 113 pages are about 6 local and 1 away Loch, and other fishing facts including, Loch fishing area, bays, shelf drop offs, telephone numbers for guiding, boat hire and local clubs. The remaining 127 are about the flies he uses and as Arthur refers to his flies mainly 8,12 and 10 bushy style, which are my own favourite on a team of 3. His flies, some are based on a variant of original Scottish flies and some are is own creation only ever used by him or his local friends.
The third part of the book is materials used, tying techniques, and feather colours.
The photographic work is absolutely stunning .
This book took six years to put together and is well worth a read. If I am correct it is only available from robdenson.co.uk. as it is a self-publishing book.
It’s a must for anybody going to fish the Lochs in the west of Scotland.
Andrew Ayres May 2026,
Member of Gloucester & Cheltenham FD, Worcester FD, FDG, Ludlow Fly Dressers and The Grayling Society.
Worcester Fly Dressers 