76 THE DRY FLY AND FAST WATER 



ing of the rod, is overlooked by the fish. If 

 such errors have been committed, the angler 

 had best retire and try some fish that has not 

 become acquainted with him. 



Having chosen the point of vantage from 

 which to assail the fish, which choice should be 

 governed, first, by reason of its being out of 

 range of the trout's vision, and then by the 

 availability of casting room behind ! note the 

 order of importance the single fly should be 

 placed a foot or two from the spot where the 

 fish is supposed to be and to one side of it. 

 The instructions given in regard to casting to 

 bulging fish so as to produce the effect of a 

 hatch should be followed to the letter. Even 

 where the distance seems rather too far to 

 expect the fish to travel, it is better to select 

 water that flows continuously in one direction in 

 which to place the fly. It is preferable to have 

 the fly travel in one "lane" during its prome- 

 nade, rather than to have its action marred by a 

 possible drag resulting from an attempt to get 

 it closer to the fish. If the fly has been natural 

 in its action, it is quite likely that it has at- 

 tracted the attention of the fish, and the angler 

 may at any moment be amazed to see a trout 

 backing slowly down-stream under it, seemingly 



