88 The Atlantic Salmon 



doubt the state of the water is an important 

 factor in the selection of the colors of flies to 

 be used in fishing it, and the appearance of a fly 

 is influenced, not only by the depth, swiftness, and 

 darkness of the water in which it is used, but 

 also by the condition of the atmosphere and the 

 various backgrounds of sky against which it is 

 seen by the fish. Major Traherne and other au- 

 thorities unite in saying that in a deep and rapid 

 stream a black or red fly will be more likely than 

 any other to attract a salmon's attention. The 

 Jock Scott, though a brilliant fly when seen dry, 

 has a very different and more modest appearance 

 when viewed, floating on the water, from a point 

 below the surface. 



The capriciousness of salmon, one of their few 

 characteristics of which we are absolutely certain, 

 makes it unsafe to lay down any but the most 

 general propositions as to what colors or effects 

 in flies are to be used under varying conditions. 

 Perhaps bright or dark colors in strong or high 

 or dark water, e.g. the Durham Ranger, Popham, 

 Silver Doctor, Jock Scott, or Nicholson; for 

 medium and clearing water, the Butcher, Jock 

 Scott, Silver Doctor, and Fairies, brown and 

 black; for low water, Brown Fairy, Jock Scott, 



