178 Worm- Fishing. 



themselves to the shallows and eddies for shelter, 

 where they await whatever food the stream brings 

 down to them. Even large trout do so ; and during 

 a flood I have frequently got big fish at the shallow 

 sides of streams, in water not more than a few 

 inches in depth. Large trout seldom quit the deep 

 pools for such places at any other time, unless, 

 indeed, during the night. In flooded water, then, 

 the places most likely to yield sport are the ebb 

 portion of the deep pools where there is an easy 

 run, and at the edges of the streams and eddies. 

 As the number of such spots in a flooded water is 

 limited, the angler should make the most of a lucky 

 place when he finds one. 



In such a condition of water it is best to use a 

 short line. Though the size of the stream and the 

 nature of the particular reach of it where the cast 

 is to be made, ought in some measure to regulate 

 the length of the line, it will be found that, in most 

 cases, a line of 2 yards, or one little more than 

 half the length of the rod, will amply suffice for all 

 the angler's need; for it is not necessary to cast 

 far off, seeing that the fish are lying near. The 

 channel side is the proper one to fish from, espe- 

 cially if there is a deep run. Should the water 

 on this side be very shallow, it will be necessary 

 to cast more towards the bank. As examples of 

 what are meant by deep channel runs the choicest 



