FLIES THAT TROUT LIKE 89 



ward the bend in the hook, bend back this end along 

 the main strand of the snell and tie a half-hitch around 

 the main strand without drawing tight; slip the half- 

 hitch loop along and down the snell and just over the 

 eye of the hook, and then pull tight. Finally cut off 

 the gut end as close as may be consistent with safety. 



It is said that there are some two hundred known 

 trout flies. Perhaps there are. The practical angler 

 does not at the utmost use more than 

 two dozen kinds, but is careful to have p,. 

 his favorite flies in good numbers as re- 

 gards size. Do not practice economy in buying flies; 

 it will surprise you how fast they will disappear 

 and some time you will find yourself on the stream 

 without the fly which you are morally certain would 

 make a killing. Have only a few different flies, of 

 the best patterns, and have these in good quantity 

 and in at least three sizes rather large, medium and 

 small. As above stated, the No. 8 is the most gen- 

 erally useful size. No. 10 is usually small enough; 

 and No. 6 usually large enough. It is a good plan to 

 have a few " midges," flies as small as 14 and 16. 

 The opinions of anglers as to the most effective flies 

 are diverse and many times conflicting. There are, 

 however, a number of flies which have received almost 

 unanimous approval, and most of these are noted be- 

 low. The list of flies given here is founded upon 

 the belief that flies of subdued coloration are by far 



