SEA-TROUT FISHING 363 



very easily soiled, and the fingers require to be 

 kept scrupulously clean and free from wax, etc. 

 If it becomes at all stained it is useless, and the 

 appearance of a fly dressed with it is marred. 



The foregoing remarks may prove useful to 

 the reader. I have gone through the troubles 

 incidental to the efforts of an amateur fly-tyer, 

 and so am well aware of the value of little hints 

 such as these. 



The present work would be incomplete without 

 some reference to sea-trout fishing, and I have 

 purposely abstained from entering upon the subject 

 until now. 



Sea-trout, as I have stated, are like salmon and 

 bull-trout, and, as their name implies, migratory 

 fish. Although now and again to be met with 

 during the summer floods, it is not until August 

 that they enter the rivers in any numbers. They 

 are fine, bold fish, and will face the roughest 

 water and the most difficult passes. When hooked 

 they fight desperately, though not for long. After 

 one brilliant rush, and maybe a dash into the air, 

 they can very readily be brought to the net. 

 They afford excellent sport, and are first-rate 

 eating. They are, however, most capricious, and 

 it is very difficult to know when they are likely to 

 rise. After or even during a flood, if the latter 

 is not excessive, is generally the best time to 

 secure them. Late in the evening, when it is 



