16 A FISHERMAN'S PARADISE 



for any fishing, if one has patience to thoroughly ex- 

 haust each fish before trying to land him. All that 

 is really necessary is something to lift the weight 

 from the water and a short handled wading net, or 

 even a willow fishing creel, are entirely suitable if 

 the trout is completely tired out. I have tried both 

 with success, finding the net much the better but the 

 basket do at a pinch. Of course little trout can 

 be lifted by a hook hold which the weight of a big 

 one would tear through instantly, so the net is neces- 

 sary to save that very big fellow that gets away so 

 often, but a really large trout is certainly not so 

 strong, pound for pound, as one of moderate dimen- 

 sions. His weight makes it impossible to hurry him, 

 but his movements are comparatively slow and 

 stately. In lake fishing all that is essential is to keep 

 your line taut, make him fight for every inch he gets 

 and take plenty of time. In swift water the problem 

 is more difficult; one must follow his fish down, look 

 out for rocks, brush, trees and footing, and wait until 

 a favorable pool or eddy gives a chance to fight to 

 a finish on fair terms; but the rules of combat are 

 just the same and victory is gained by the same meth- 

 ods in both cases. 



After a day or so at the lower house one fills 

 his pack, ties a spare rod, net and rubber coat in the 

 canoe, and is paddled, between the islands and past 

 great frowning cliffs on the west shore, to the foot 

 of the first portage, a narrow and winding path into 

 the depths of the forest. A mile of walking and 



