TROUT OF MOUNTAIN STREAMS 



charm, the freedom, and enthusiasm of this pro- 

 cedure never loses its fascination, yet as one grows 

 older, with a keener wish for more artistic skill, 

 the interest is heightened by more delicate 

 methods than those employed when bushwhack- 

 ing them in our pin-hook days. 



In early springtime, alluring little artificial flies 

 are not the tempters that later, in balmier air, 

 they become. Productive of better results is the 

 small line, the bait, a worm, and a single hook. 

 Or, at times, a worm caught up by a set of three 

 of the smallest hooks, on one gut, placed at inter- 

 vals from each other, giving the worm the appear- 

 ance of crawling through the water. Then is 

 there good sport in the taking of a fish, as only 

 one of the small hooks will hold him. 



A cast ahead is made as the stream is waded, 

 and almost unconsciously are picked out what 

 appear to be favorable resting localities. How 

 cautious one becomes in the approaching, how 

 careful not to disturb, and to be sure to be well 

 hidden ; for there is no fish that swims which can 

 so readily and easily be startled into sudden flight, 

 as a trout, quietly lying in the deeper water where 

 the shadow of the rock gives protection, or where 

 tall grasses sway, wafting a feeling of security 

 about him. 



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