220 AMERICAN GAME FISHES. 



plain colored flies with light wings. These will, in the New 

 Hampshire streams, in those of Northern Michigan and in 

 many other localities, often serve better purpose than larger 

 and gaudier flies. 



Trout may be taken after dark by the use of the white 

 miller and some other light colored lure. In some waters 

 they will rise at gaudy flies during the night, and it is sta- 

 ted that even the black hackle has proven attractive in cer- 

 tain localities. 



The scarlet Ibis, though very taking in some waters of the 

 Eastern and Middle States, seems less attractive in the North 

 and West. It is well to carry a few flies with more 

 or less blue in their make-up. If your flies are sufficiently 

 attractive, the Trout will rise to them, even in mid-winter. 

 Make the best selection in your power, and be not in too 

 great haste to change your cast. If after a fair trial, you 

 find that the fish will not rise to the fly, fear not to use bait; 

 remembering that there are few indeed of our most accom- 

 plished anglers, who do not thus when other methods fail. 

 The more attractive baits include minnows, minnows' tails, 

 red worms, white grubs, the various larvae to be found in 

 decaying wood, grasshoppers and the throat or belly fin of 

 the Trout itself. Fly-fishing is not commonly successful until 

 the spring is well advanced. Never think that you know a 

 brook until you have fished it thoroughly, as the best Trout 

 are sometimes taken in the most unlikely spots. 



One September day, more than thirty years ago, I found 

 myself at old Dan Quimby's, on Rangeley Lake. Few anglers 

 were at that time in the habit of visiting those waters. 



In fact, I myself was there more for the purpose of hunting 

 than fishing. Large game, however, was scarce, much more 

 so than at the present time, and I consequently gave the 

 more attention to the Trout. 



My first essay was at the mouth of a cove, where my guide 

 had a boat in readiness. On our \va\', he had looked care- 



