186 THE SALMON FLY 



in the less troubled back-waters of the river. It will 

 most probably be due to the fact that they become 

 aware of the fresh forms of life brought down by the 

 spate, which they feel impelled to destroy, and conse- 

 quently a spate may for this reason occasion their 

 renewed activity. 



THE SALMON FLY 



The correct solution of the problem as to the appe- 

 tite or otherwise of salmon when in fresh water should 

 have a very decided influence on the selection of flies 

 with which they are to be tempted. If it be an appetite 

 which induces the pursuit of the lure, then taste will 

 have to be considered as an important factor, and the 

 fly to be used should be one which, when it is cast in 

 the particular water to be fished, appears in the guise 

 of the most familiar and best-liked food upon which the 

 salmon has most recently been feeding. The great 

 difficulty, however, which will beset the fisherman is 

 that, among the extraordinary variety of lures pre- 

 sented to the salmon, there are but few which can be 

 claimed as favouring the appearance of any well- 

 known or favourite food of the salmon, and he will, 

 therefore, be obliged to depend on the experience 

 gained in the particular locality in which he is fishing 

 for the most likely fly to use. If, on the other hand, it 

 may be (as I advance) that destruction is the motive 

 which induces the pursuit of a moving object by the 

 salmon, then the particular colour, size, and shape 



