WET FLY FISHING UP-STREAM 129 



formed. The overhand knot is then drawn taut, and 

 the loop thus formed is placed at the spot at which 

 the dropper has to hang, the loop closed by pulling 

 on the fly, and the end cut short off (see Diagram 10, 

 Fig.l). 



WET FLY FISHING UP-STREAM 



As wading is almost imperative in open water 

 when wet fly fishing up-stream, a short rod about 

 9 feet 6 inches should be used; but when casting 

 from the bank, either up or down stream, a longer 

 rod is advisable. 



The wet fly is most useful in the earlier and colder 

 months of the year, but it is not every one who cares 

 to invite rheumatism or endure the cold inseparable 

 from wading during March and April. 



When fishing up-stream with the wet fly, the line, 

 after the flies have touched the water, should never 

 be slack. The tail flies should never be allowed to sink 

 more than a few inches below the surface, the first 

 dropper only an inch or so, and the upper dropper 

 should skim the water. The cast being made, the 

 rod should keep the line straight as the flies come back 

 with the stream, and a slight jigging motion should 

 be imparted to them. The rise of the fish is almost 

 invariably seen, and success depends, therefore, on 

 four things the choice of flies, the fisherman's quick- 

 ness in striking, his ability to throw a light line, and 

 his knowledge of a fishing stream. This method of 



9 



