208 Minnow-Fishing. 



but such a happy conspiracy of favourable condi- 

 tions is rare. For before the time of extensive hill- 

 drainage, of which I have already spoken, the 

 rivers continued to run in splendid "ply" for 

 several days together, and gave the minnow-fisher 

 a chance of finding some occasions when all the 

 conditions would be realised for enjoying himself 

 to the top of his bent ; but now he must consider 

 himself highly favoured if he obtain a few hours' 

 sport when the state of the water will permit, be 

 the weather what it may. Nevertheless, if the 

 heavens look so kindly on him as to send the cold 

 and the storm-cloud, his time of good sport may 

 end only with the day. 



With the stream of a dark porter colour that is, 

 when the muddy stage is almost over it is best to 

 fish down the channel side, where the trout, under, 

 cover of the discoloured water, are still roaming 

 over the shallows. As the river continues to fall, 

 and becomes somewhat clearer on the ebb portions 

 of the pools, the angler should direct his attention 

 to the deeper water of both pools and streams, 

 where, from the depth, the darker colour is longer 

 maintained, and the deceptive nature of the lure 

 less easily detected. Whether fishing from bank or 

 channel, let him endeavour, if possible, to cover the 

 whole expanse of water within range below, so as to 

 bring the minnow round to his own side of the stream. 



