UPSTREAM WORM FISHING 71 



gentleman of leisure, but to those who can devote to 

 their favourite pastime only such days — often few and 

 far between — as can be snatched from business, the 

 killing of a few brace will appeal strongly. 



To them in particular this chapter is addressed in the 

 hope that some of those who, through prejudice, use 

 fly only will reserve judgment, and, having read so far, 

 may be sufficiently interested to read to the end of 

 the chapter, and maybe to put into practice those 

 hints which are here offered on one of the most delight- 

 ful branches of trout fishing. 



A day with the upstream worm always gives to the 

 writers the utmost pleasure and satisfaction. Each 

 cast is as full of interest as a cast made with the wet 

 fly ; and from the moment the worm touches the water 

 to the moment it is withdrawn, the excitement rivals 

 that conjured up by the approach of a dry fly to the 

 spot whence recently emanated the rings made by a 

 rising trout. 



Then again, the skill necessary to throw a worm 

 without flicking it off the hooks, and to drop it exactly 

 where required with the least possible disturbance, is 

 of no mean order. 



That is not all, however ; conditions vary, and all 

 rivers from day to day present new problems. Unless 

 therefore the angler is able to adapt himself to varying 

 conditions, the most precise and delicate casting is of 

 little avail. 



