58 CKEEPER AND MAY-FLY FISHING. 



four strands of fine drawn gut, are to be used. 

 The best tackle is made exactly like a small 

 minnow tackle, i.e. one largish hook, say No. 9 or 

 10 Bartleet, and a smaller, No. 11 or 12 lip-hook, 

 just above it. The larger hook may either be 

 passed along the body, and so be hid by it, or it 

 may be entered crosswise through it, whilst the 

 smaller pierces the thorax or chest. A small 

 single hook is often used, but we prefer the two 

 hooks at all times and in all places. The tackle 

 we have mentioned is suitable for either creeper 

 or May-fly. 



Split shot are generally advisable when using 

 the creeper, both on account of the rapid nature 

 of the water fished in, and to help in casting the 

 bait, which is a small and light one in comparison 

 to the rod by which it is thrown. 



THE CREEPER. The creeper comes on about 

 the time that the March brown fly disappears, 

 viz. the end of April, and continues till the end 

 of May or beginning of June, when it turns into 

 the May-fly. During the earlier parts of its 

 season it is good only in the early morning, 

 but further on it may be used continuously all 

 day under suitable conditions. What are suit- 

 able conditions ? Well, the water must be low 

 and clear, the weather warm and bright, or if 

 dull there must be a mild breeze ; and trout 

 require to be lying in the strong streams. The 



