1 1 8 WA TERSIDE SKETCHES. 



It would be convenient perhaps to make known to all 

 whom it may concern that some of the best portions of the 

 Wharfe are strictly preserved, and that the angler generally 

 should fish rather down than up the stream. Bearing this 

 in mind, let us proceed towards Wetherby ; at a place 

 called Flint Mills there is a splendid piece of grayling 

 water, but it is difficult to obtain the requisite permission to 

 bring it under contribution. Wetherby may be passed by 

 lightly, but not Collingham. Even now the angling there 

 is good, but it has, in common with that of every fishing 

 station in the country, greatly deteriorated during the last 

 few years. Above Harewood, if you are fortunate enough 

 to possess the " Open Sesame " to the preserves at Arthing- 

 ton, you may capture plenty of grayling and a few trout. 

 About twenty years ago an angling club at Harewood 

 rented one side of the stream, and then the grayling fishing 

 of the Wharfe was in its prime. I recently conversed with 

 a middle-aged gentleman who was born in the district, and 

 he assured me he once saw a basket of seventy-five grayling 

 taken with the fly in one day by one rod between Colling- 

 ham and Woodhall a piece of luck, I need scarcely add, 

 never to be approached in these later days. 



At Otley, for some cause not very explainable, grayling 

 are not so numerous as trout ; but whether your purpose in 

 visiting Wharfedale be rambling or angling, or both (which 

 is far better), Otley will be found a convenient starting- 

 point, or even head centre. Here I had proposed making 

 a somewhat protracted halt, knowing that sport would 

 diminish in proportion as the scenery of Upper Wharfe- 

 dale increased in variety and beauty. Besides, Otley is 

 in itself a pretty place a sweet refuge for the weary. If 



