200 FLY FISHING 



shallows and gentle places in small streams, as 

 in fly fishing for trout. Each has its charm, but 

 the unobtrusive delicacy of trout fishing is out 

 of place in a salmon river. Angling for salmon 

 is coarser work, but it requires skill, and the 

 effort and surroundings are most stimulating. In 

 spring, too, there is a great sense of mystery 

 about the water. Fresh run salmon do not jump 

 at all, or show themselves much in the early part 

 of the season. The angler may see nothing, and 

 yet hope for everything : the number of salmon 

 in any part of the river varies continually, and 

 each day, as the angler watches the river, the 

 water betrays none of its secrets ; they remain 

 hidden till his fly discovers them., 



In May, and in dry seasons often in April, 

 salmon angling is apt to be spoilt by want of 

 water, and this difficulty remains till autumn, 

 though each flood ought to bring up fresh fish, 

 and the angler who is always on the spot may 

 have many good days. In July the grilse run in 

 numbers, and favourite streams and pools become 

 alive with jumping fish of all sizes and colours, 

 but except when there is fresh water in the river 

 they take very badly. I have fished on such a river 



