TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



doubt, and this seems to be the belief of most experienced 

 anglers who have fished many waters. 



This peculiarity of trout has been accounted for in 

 several ways, but the theory that appeals most to me is, 

 that the trout having filled their bellies with food they 

 are attracted only by flies which are to their epicurean taste 

 the proper morsel with which to "top off" their meal. Ad- 

 vocates of this theory claim that the trout in this condition 

 having eaten well are less keen of eyesight and can less 

 readily or quickly differentiate between the real and the 

 artificial fly, which would explain why they are such per- 

 sistent risers under such conditions. 



It is not at all an uncommon thing to catch trout that 

 have only partially swallowed a small fish and at other 

 times to have them, while being played, disgorge one and 

 sometimes two and even three good-sized minnows; so 

 there seems at all events some good ground for the above 

 theory. 



These gorged trout do not rise as rapidly and take the 

 fly as quickly as those that have not fed as well, although 

 when hooked they seem immediately to regain their nat- 

 ural energy, "wake up," so to speak, and put up a fight 

 that requires all the skill of the angler to overcome. 



Trout in this gorged condition are usually found in 

 the pools of streams and lakes, although at times they are 

 found elsewhere. A camp float or landing where the 

 guides have been in the habit of throwing the refuse from 

 the table is a likely spot. 



It is a well-known fact that to-day trout may be rising 



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