50 THE DRY FLY AND FAST WATER 



mediately over the fish is likely to meet with a 

 hearty welcome. I am convinced that a trout 

 that misses his prey in this manner frequently 

 stays on the spot where he lost it long enough 

 to give the angler an opportunity to present 

 his fly, if he is within striking distance and 

 ready. He must be prompt in making his 

 throw, however, because the fish may have his 

 attention attracted elsewhere at any moment. 

 If a rise be not effected at once the angler 

 should not try again immediately, because the 

 possibility of the fish having left his position, 

 or of having been scared by the line, or of 

 frightening another which may have come be- 

 tween, is too great to make the attempt worth 

 while. 



When fish are feeding all over the pool, and 

 the angler is impatient and not content to stand 

 idly by waiting for an opportunity such as de- 

 scribed, let him try the following method: He 

 should look the water over carefully, keep out 

 of it if possible, and choose the spot where the 

 fly is to be placed. Knowledge of the water 

 and of the habits of the fish will guide him in 

 this choice, but he should not cast to the swirl. 

 Having chosen his water, which should be to- 

 ward the head of the pool, not much above its 



