124 THE DRY FLY AND FAST WATER 



or bottom of a pool is unmistakable. While the 

 actual taking of the insect may be accomplished 

 quietly, the fish lies sometimes so close to the 

 surface where the water spills out that the 

 sharp recovery necessary in the quickening 

 water reveals his position. This is a difficult 

 fish to take, for the reason that, lying as he 

 does in the shallower water which, as a rule, 

 has a smooth surface he is very apt to see the 

 angler. A long line must be used, which adds 

 to the difficulty, as it is almost impossible to 

 keep the line out of the swift water below the 

 lip which snatches the fly away from the fish 

 before he has even had a good look at it. A 

 proper presentation may be made, however, and 

 this annoying drag avoided, if the cast is so de- 

 livered that the line falls upon one of the stones 

 or boulders which form the lip of the pool. The 

 fly will then float naturally, without being pulled, 

 until it reaches the point where the water spills 

 out, which point it must be allowed to pass 

 before being retrieved. If no rise is effected 

 the cast may be repeated, and continued as long 

 as the fish is still in position. No connection 

 need be looked for, however, unless the fly is 

 placed fairly close to and above the fish, and 

 marked acceleration of pace avoided. Where 



