PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 37 



mile, where it begins to assume the appearance of a deep and 

 sluggish river ; and after it reaches Ripon, it loses all the properties 

 of a Trout and Grayling stream, and ceases to be of interest to the 

 Fly-fisher. It joins the Swale near Boroughbridge, and here 

 becomes navigable, and soon after receives the name of the Ouse. 



From the source of this river for the first five or six miles, and 

 on even as far as Aysgarth Force, it possesses little or no interest 

 to the Fly-fisher ; the Trout are numerous, but small and generally 

 killed with minnow or worm after a flood. 



There are no Grayling above Aysgarth, nor Salmon Fry or 

 Smelts, as the Salmon never succeed in scaling this natural barrier ; 

 here the Grayling commence, and although they are not numerous 

 at this point, they gradually increase in number as you descend 

 the river. About Bolton there is good fly-fishing for three or 

 four miles as far as Wensley. The river here is preserved by Lord 

 Bolton. From this point, the deeps are numerous and long, and 

 continue so for some miles ; in fact some distance below Jerveaux 

 Abbey. About a mile and a-half above Clifton, the streams again 

 commence and continue without serious intermission until you 

 approach Masham. The Clifton streams are the admiration of all 

 fishermen; here Trout and Grayling abound in considerable 

 numbers, and attain a good size. A polite note sent to the liberal 

 owner, will generally ensure a day's Fly-fishing. I consider 

 Masham one of the best stations on the line ; you will find good 

 accommodation, and leave may be generally obtained either from 

 0. V. Harcourt, Esq., of Swinton Park, or John D'Arcy Hutton, 

 Esq., of Aldborough ; both gentlemen being extremely liberal in 

 granting leave for a day or two. The fishing at Aldborough is 

 thought by many Anglers to be equal to that of Clifton ; and as it 

 is now strictly preserved, I have no doubt it is so. In Hackfall, 

 the river is everything the Angler can desire. From this point to 

 Tanfield, it is in good order for Fly-fishing ; and leave can be 

 obtained by taking up your quarters at the Bruce's Arms Inn, 



