2l8 AMERICAN GAME FISHES. 



my giving them a trial. They are green, brown and yellow, 

 and have certainly a most attractive look, as tied by Mr. 

 Charles F. Orvis from whom I obtained some specimens. 



A good assortment of flies is desirable, especially while on 

 a journey; but the fly-book of an expert is more notable for 

 the selection of the flies which it contains than for their num- 

 bers, and seldom will he wet more than a half-dozen in a 

 day's fishing. 



It is well to take a few lessons from an accomplished fly- 

 tyer, and to carry materials for extemporizing a cast which, 

 though not scientifically tied, may yet prove attractive to the 

 denizens of the brook. 



In casting across a stream, which, where practicable, is 

 the better way, do not hurry, but draw the flies slowly toward 

 you, lest the Trout be alarmed. And when the fish is hooked, 

 especially if he be large, do not seek to land him hastily, 

 unless compelled by the surroundings to do so, lest haply he 

 break away. The most that escape are lost through undue 

 haste. 



When Trout have become "educated, " and sometimes where 

 thev have not, the smallest flies on number 12 to 18 

 hooks, with gossamer gut, will prove more attractive than 

 most others, and such are extensively used upon the much 

 fished streams of England, as also upon those of New York 

 and others of our states which have for years been resorts 

 for anglers. The gossamer gut, however, deteriorates in 

 quality in a short time, and is not ordinarily requisite in the 

 capture of our American Brook Trout. The drawn gut is best 

 preserved by being kept wrapped in oiled paper. 



The rods now in favor are very much lighter, though more 

 effective, than those formerly in use. A click reel — not a 

 multiplier — and thirty yards of water-proof line (the tapered 

 lines are best) will be found most effective. And it is well 

 that the line should fit the rod. As truly said by Mr. Orvis: 

 •'A heavy line on a very light rod would be bad; a very light 



