Loch Neldricken

Loch Neldricken lies to the South-East of Merrick.

This loch, like others in the area, suffered from acidification and its resident browns disappeared altogether in the 70's.
Netting surveys in the 80's were unsuccessful, but further emission laws later that decade saw the loch starting to show signs of a recovery. Trout have taken advantage of further improvements in water quality and are now well established.

It'll take a good hour to walk up to Neldricken from the car park at Glen Trool, the first part of the journey being the most arduous. The second half eases as you follow Garland Burn, which tumbles from the Western shore of Loch Valley. Passing Valley, cross the Mild Burn and you'll find yourself at the sinister-sounding Murder Hole. From here, start to fish and eventually you will stumble upon the Southern shore of Neldricken.

Pulling a size 12 claret muddler, on a broody overcast day, accompanied by a solid South-Westerly wind, has been a winning formula.
Be prepared to lose more fish than you hook. These fish are survivors and will perform acrobatics in order to avoid capture.