Stunning scenery yet only 5 minutes drive from Stirling - follow the tourist board signs for North Third from the Bannockburn Heritage Centre

The fishery

North Third is one of the top, fly only commercial trout fisheries in Scotland, if not the UK. 

Its 140 acres are set amidst stunning upland scenery yet it is only 5 miles south west of Stirling. 300 feet high cliffs dominate the eastern shoreline, beautifully framing the loch. 

The fishery specialise in larger sized trout and nearly 700 rainbows over 3lb in weight are caught each season. Included in this total are, on average, over thirty 10lb+ rainbows.  

Although a challenging water, the determined angler, who reads the water carefully, regularly attains the generous 10 fish bag limit. Catch and release is allowed. There are unlimited bags on some sessions.

There is also a large population of wild brown trout. These beautifully marked fish average around 10oz. However, pound plus fish are quite common with the occasional monster usually being lost at the net. 

The brown trout record stands at 9lb 3oz. 

Tony Ellis with his record rainbow which tipped the scales at a record 19lb 13oz

The fishery rainbow record stands at 19lb 13oz (1997). 

Since 1990 the fishery has produced 4 fish over 19lb in weight. The best for 1999 was two fish at exactly 18lb 12oz each.

Jim Corbert with a 19lb 2oz rainbow

Facilities

Both boat and bank fishing is available and which is best really depends on the day. There are 23 boats and bank angling is restricted to approximately 35 rods to allow ample space. Anglers may bring their own out board motors; petrol or electric to a maximum of 4hp. All boats are supplied with life jackets.

There is ample off road car parking, toilets, weighing in facilities and large collecting area which is very popular with clubs. There is unlimited tea and coffee in the weigh in area and limited refreshments are available to purchase. 

For those in need, unlimited expert advice is freely given. Tuition is available upon request. 

Fishing advice

At the start of the season sinking lines and flies in the size range of #12 - #10 do best. As the water warms anglers quickly change over to floating or intermediate lines and continue with this right through until the end of the season. For most of the season nymphs, buzzers and imitative flies produce the best results, with sizes #16 - #12 being the most successful. Popular flies with the regular and expert anglers include the Hare’s Ear, Diawl Bach, Pheasant Tail, Green Damsel, Black Buzzer, Kate McLaren, Bibio and Black Pennel. Dry fly fishing can be very good in mid season and especially so in the evenings for the wild brown trout.

The large population of wild brown trout are beautifully marked and average around 10oz. However, pound plus fish are quite common with the occasional monster usually being lost at the net. The brown trout record stands at 9lb 3oz.