Fishing at North Third is like fishing for wild brown trout. Over the 120 acres depths range from 5 feet at the Bannock Burn Bay to 40 feet off the dam wall. The nature of the loch allows for long drifts and the islands mean that shelter can nearly always be found if the wind gets up. 

Bank fishing is mainly along the eastern shore and gives very easy wading. In fact the fish often come in so close that wading is not necessary at all. Whether you are wading through the Lagoons, stalking specimen trout at the Mound or fishing along Paul's Run, there will be something to please everyone.

Boat anglers like the warmer shallower water of the Bannock Burn Bay where the Bannockburn flows into the loch, whilst other prefer the wonderful drifts under the Craigs, the 300 foot cliffs that dominate the eastern side of the loch.

As for tactics, at the start of the season sinking lines and flies in the size range #12 - #10 do best. All the classic lures are popular but a Goldhead or Hothead Damsel is especially successful. For those who don't like lures then Diawl Bach and Hare's Ear nymphs are good, as are traditional flies such as the Bibio or Kate McLaren. As the water starts to warm most anglers change over to floating or intermediate lines and continue with this right until the end of the season. For most of the season nymphs, buzzers and imitative flies produce the best results, with size #16 - #12 being the most successful. Popular flies include Hare's Ear, Diawl Bach, Pheasant Tail, Green Damsel, Black Pennel, Kate McLaren, Black Buzzer and Bibio.

Dry fly fishing can be very good in mid season, especially in the evenings if fishing for wild brownies.

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