6 SALMON FISHING 



meals he made there. Whatever the reason 

 of the taking, whether it be mere curiosity, or 

 for the purpose of an examination as to the 

 suitability of the object for food, matters little 

 to the angler, whose great object is attained so 

 long as he can induce the fish to take. It is in 

 this direction, that careful study and experience 

 will often save a blank day. The amount of 

 light and shade, the character of the day, the 

 force of the wind, the size and state of the 

 water, and the general conditions obtaining during 

 his fishing, are well worth careful thought. What 

 size of fly should be used to suit the height of 

 the water, what colour to suit the light and 

 condition, and what depth to fish, are all im- 

 portant. The size of the fly to be used appears 

 to be affected by the temperature, as well as 

 the height of the river and the brightness of the 

 day. When the temperature is very low, as in 

 snow-fed rivers in early spring, a very large 

 fly is requisite; whereas, later in the season, 

 when the temperature is higher, a much less 

 fly must be used. Then as to colour ; it is 

 generally held that a bright fly for a bright day, 

 and a sober fly for a dull day are necessary, 

 but we have seen this theory upset on many 

 occasions. As the light begins to fade a larger 

 fly should be used. It is a common practice 

 to put up a white wing of some kind in the 



