BOTTOM FISH FOOD IN LAKES 71 



of the lake. The artificial nymph-creeper of this 

 insect should prove a good bottom lure on such 

 occasions for bass. Surely at such times, a good 

 supply of the creepers could be removed to those 

 waters where they are not common, in order to 

 assist nature in a more liberal supply more evenly 

 distributed. 

 This chapter is intended to convey the truth 

 that if trout and bass in lakes won't take flies, 

 it is entirely convincing the fly as a lure is not 

 perfect, and something else can be made to take 

 its place that is perfect; at least, we can make 

 the effort, and not go home in despair because 

 bass refuse a "plug" or worm. The common say- 

 ing, "Bass or trout are off feed," is a much mis- 

 taken notion. Both these fish are feeding, we may 

 be sure, and if we wish to get them, we must at- 

 tach to the hook a lure that is like the food they 

 are taking. How much better, then, if our lure 

 correctly imitates their food, in appearance as well 

 as in action, the chances are to succeed, than if 

 we offer them a bait they don't know or don't 

 want. Several of the new bottom-creeper lures 

 to my thinking are just the thing to solve this 

 vexing problem; if they do not, a small minnow, 

 cricket, or grasshopper can be offered in succes- 



