62 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



resemblance of nature. I do not believe that the 

 two clash, or that the fishing with which I now 

 propose to deal reacts in any injurious way upon 

 the sport of the fly-fisherman. 



The skilful use of worms in a low and clear water 

 is the bedrock of successful brook-fishing, and 

 there is little room for doubt that if an experienced 

 performer were limited to this one lure throughout 

 the season he would be able to show as good, if not 

 better, results than would be obtained from the 

 use of all others at will. But everything in its 

 season, and I think worm-fishing should not be 

 practised until spring is merging into summer- 

 say from May ist. During the early months 

 trout appetites, especially for bottom food, are 

 apt to be voracious, and it is scarcely fair to 

 tempt them with a bait which would account for 

 an undue proportion of fish only putting on 

 condition, and for whose capture little credit 

 could be claimed. Spring trout should have a 

 sporting chance, and wet fly is then the legitimate 

 lure by all our canons. In June, July and 

 August, given sultry days, low water and sunny 

 skies, fly-fishing is but too often labour in vain ; 

 the garden fly then steps in, and to those who can 

 confidently invoke its assistance a new field of 

 sport is opened up one, too, that while calling 



