276 Salmon- Fishing. 



ently can, " by a well-regulated exercise of gentle 

 violence," land him comfortably, and take him into 

 custody. In removing the fly, use great caution, 

 else you may rob it both of its power to lure and its 

 power to hold ; and overhaul all the tackle before 

 you hazard another throw. 



For good fly-fishing for salmon in small rivers, con- 

 sisting chiefly of streams and pools, I prefer a full 

 water after a flood, whether it be clear or black ; but 

 in rivers, or parts of rivers, having long deep reaches, 

 where scarcely any current can be detected, the 

 water is in the best condition when it is " small " and 

 clear. We may say, then, that in the upper reaches 

 of such rivers as the Tweed, circumstances are fa- 

 vourable when the water is full, but in the lower 

 portions there is always a sufficient body of water 

 for salmon-angling, even if it be too low and clear 

 higher up. It must be borne in mind that in order 

 to fish with any chance of success in still water, it 

 is absolutely necessary that there be a good breeze. 

 In regard to the time of day best suited for fly- 

 fishing, no rigid rule can be prescribed so much 

 depends upon the weather and the season. But 

 it cannot be far amiss to say that, in the spring 

 months, the business hours of the salmon are from 

 10 A.M. till 4 P.M. ; and that if the morning be 

 fine, the angler who loves despatch may come early. 

 In summer, the salmon usually takes his siesta at 



