UPSTREAM WORM FISHING 8i 



same way as the side on which a beginning was made, 

 and great care is taken that a tell-tale wave does not 

 precede the angler. 



At the far side, immediately below the stepping- 

 stones, and lying slightly across stream, is the sub- 

 merged trunk of an old tree which lodged there years 

 ago, no doubt washed down and left by some winter 

 flood. The position of this tree trunk, resisting the 

 force of the current, causes a sharp stream to flow 

 parallel to it. In this run a good fish wiU always be 

 found, lying ready to seize whatever of his fancy the 

 stream may carry to him. A cast is made, the worm 

 gently dropping into the water some two or three 

 inches from the side of the log. The rod point is 

 slowly raised, our expert being most particular not to 

 do this too quickly, and cause a drag on the worm. 

 This necessity for avoidance of drag is a point to be 

 reiterated and insisted on as strongly in this branch 

 of the art as in fly fishing, as one is often inclined to 

 think a stream is running quicker than is actually the 

 case, and an unnatural drag wiU cause many a good 

 fish to turn away, that would otherwise have taken 

 the lure. The worm has hardly travelled more than 

 half its course, when the line stops. As it moves away 

 a gentle strike is rewarded by a tightened line, and 

 another lusty trout is battling for dear life. Upstream 

 he goes for a few yards, then flings himself into the 

 air, but a lowered rod point defeats the manoeuvre, and 



