H4 DRY-FLY FISHING 



beyond a rising fish, it will, as it floats almost 

 imperceptibly along, be subjected to the most 

 careful scrutiny, and in all probability the invita- 

 tion will meet with a point-blank refusal. He 

 should therefore stand in readiness until the fish 

 rises again, and at once without a moment's delay 

 he should put the fly on the mark. Accuracy is 

 the supreme requirement ; delicacy is not so essen- 

 tial. The fly should not alight in front of the 

 trout but as close as possible to it on one side or 

 another, or even behind it ; the fish is aware that 

 something has again arrived for it and turns to 

 snap at it without hesitation. As soon as hooked, 

 the trout bolts for the strong rushing neck, so leaving 

 the back-water and its occupants undisturbed, 

 and it will be surprising if only one victim is secured 

 from such a troutful place. We have deceived 

 very many fish in this way which, we are perfectly 

 convinced, would not have been taken had any 

 other tactics been employed. 



Sometimes trout, especially those which delight 

 to lie beneath the shadow of a high bank, can 

 rise with exceeding quietness, so very quietly 

 indeed that some would fail to observe the disturb- 

 ance of the smooth surface, so faint it is. Not 

 only so, but if they did mark the slight effect, they 

 might be surprised to know how great its cause. 

 The trout and any one which rises in this quiet 

 fashion is generally a grand specimen seems to 

 raise itself gently to the surface and suck down 

 water, fly, and air, all together. The fly vanishes, 

 but marking the place where disaster overtook 

 it, appears a floating bubble, which may remain 

 stationary for a long time, if the water is still. 



