184 FLY FISHING 



snow, which has soaked into the ground. The 

 rivers are kept full, the salmon can ascend them 

 at will, and can be in their favourite places in 

 the streams ; and, unless the season be very ex- 

 ceptional, we can rely upon having enough water 

 for angling. 



It is a great moment when, for the first 

 time of the season, one stands by the side of a 

 salmon river in early spring. The heart is full 

 with the prospect of a whole season's sport. It 

 is the beginning of a new angling year, and the 

 feel of the rod, the sound of the reel, the per- 

 petual sight of moving water are all with one 

 again after months of longing and absence. 

 Every stream looks as if it must hold a salmon, 

 and as if the salmon must rise, and one begins 

 to cast trembling with excitement and eagerness. 

 Very delightful are the first few minutes, the 

 supply of hope seems inexhaustible, and one 

 bestows it lavishly upon each cast. If the best 

 part of the first pool is reached and passed with- 

 out a rise, the angler begins to husband his hope a 

 little, but remains still content, reaching forward 

 in thought to the next pool, where he presently 

 begins with fresh eagerness and confidence. 



