Ballo is one of a group of trout-stocked reservoirs located on the upper slopes of the Lomond Hills, approachable on the minor road connecting Leslie with Falkland.

The surrounding land, being somewhat dish-shaped, makes Ballo a very well-sheltered water, which is surprising considering that it is located halfway up a mountain. However, a SW wind can create problems producing gusty, swirling winds. Should the angler be cursed by a total lack of wind, there is always the reliable 'one o'clock breeze' to bring consolation.

Doug Stockdale, the manager, is a man with a diverse and extensive track record in fishing and fishery management. His stated aim is to provide quality fish rather than quantity, this coupled with a somewhat traditional view of game fishing make Ballo a quality product. Anchored boats are a rarity and, given Ballo's wide-open spaces, drifting is the best, and most popular, option.

Stocking policy is designed to produce good quantities of takeable fish in the 1.25-2.5lbs range. A four year regime of stocking with fingerling brown trout came to and end in 1995, and there now exists within the reservoir a good head of quality brown trout.

Nowadays, one out of five trout caught is a brown trout. As well as a regular input of 1lb+ rainbows, a good head of 5lb+ specimen rainbows are introduced to test the metal of the fishermen.

As stated above, there is a tendency towards traditional style fly fishing at Ballo, and this is also reflected in the favourite fly patterns: Bibio, Kate McLaren, L.Ordie, Dunkeld, Doobry and Greenwell's Glory are about as traditional a selection of flies as you can get, and they are first-choice options for regular habitués of this water.

The best and most popular areas are: Back Of The Island, Salmon Bay and drifts along the Dam Wall.