DRY FLY FISHING 41 



I will, therefore, take my reader with me for a few 

 hours' dry fly fishing. You can leave the rod and line 

 with which you have been practising at home, but first 

 remember to unwind that portion of the line which 

 has been previously wetted. Make it up in your hand 

 (if you have no winder) into large loops; put your 

 rod on the horizontal rests and hang up your winder, 

 or put the loops on the butt. A fishing-rod should 

 always be supported in three places at least each 

 end and the middle. We will take my own rod, which 

 is all ready for use, with gut cast and fly attached. The 

 first thing to be considered is whether we have every- 

 thing we shall want, and if we are quite prepared for 

 our fishing. Let me see. Are you well shod with 

 good serviceable watertight boots with plenty of nails ? 

 All right. Then, as you have your tobacco, pipe, and 

 matches, and some sandwiches, never mind anything 

 else to-day. I have all that is required my fishing- 

 bag, my net, etc. Your tweeds are a good colour, but 

 you had better put on a soft cap, as that straw hat of 

 yours is too conspicuous. And now, while we are walk- 

 ing down to the lower end of our water, we can discuss 

 the nature of the day's sport. We shall fish that is, 

 cast the fly up-stream, which, except when fishing on 

 still water, is essential for dry fly fishing. The dry fly 

 must not be influenced by any motion of the line or 

 rod after it has alighted, and by casting up-stream the 

 fly floats down towards the fisherman, who steadily 

 takes up the slack line as it approaches him, first by 

 the reel and then by raising the point of his rod, but 



