64 THE DRY FLY AND FAST WATER 



at right angles to the selected fish than to at- 

 tempt to cast from below and over the smaller 

 ones. If the situation demands that the fly be 

 placed from this position it should be floated 

 down to the fish from a point two or three feet 

 above and should not be cast directly over him. 

 Inasmuch as the trout is more likely to see the 

 rod at this angle, a longer line should be thrown 

 than would otherwise be necessary and, if the 

 fish has been well spotted, great care must be 

 exercised in presenting the fly without undue 

 accompaniment of leader. 



The fly may be presented alone by using the 

 horizontal cast. If an attempt is being made to 

 drop the fly three feet above the fish, it is neces- 

 sary to aim at a spot six feet above, with a bit 

 longer line than will just reach, suddenly check- 

 ing the cast at the very end as it straightens. 

 This will have the effect of throwing the fly 

 down-stream. The leader will describe a sharp 

 curve and follow after, and will not be seen by 

 the fish before he sees the fly. After the fly has 

 alighted, the rod should be held consistently 

 pointed directly at the fly and in a horizontal 

 position. Held in this way, it is less likely to be 

 seen by the fish and a better control of the line 

 is had if a rise be effected. 



