ON TROUTING WITH THE FLY 103 



hook is not fixed, but merely resting on some bone, 

 a thing which frequently occurs, the trout will throw 

 it out of its mouth. To leave this point, in taking 

 the trout out of the water do so with your hands, 

 if you have not a landing-net ; and never attempt 

 lifting it by the line, or you are almost certain to 

 pay dearly for your experience. 



When you are approaching a pool which you 

 intend to fish, if the water is clear do so carefully ; 

 you must recollect that the trout see you much more 

 readily if you are on a high bank than if you are on 

 a level with the water. For this reason keep as low 

 down as possible, and always, if the nature of the 

 ground will admit of it, stand a few yards from the 

 edge of the water. If there is a ripple on the water 

 you may meet with good sport in the still water at 

 the foot of the pools, but if there is no wind, it is 

 useless commencing till you come to where the water 

 is agitated. If you do not intend fishing the lower 

 part, do not walk up the side of it, as by so doing 

 you will alarm the trout in that portion, and they 

 may run up to the head of the pool for shelter, and 

 frighten the others ; but always come to the edge of 

 the pool at the place where you intend to begin 

 fishing. If the water is very low and the sun bright, 

 it may be advisable to kneel in fishing a pool, in 

 order to keep out of sight, and you must avoid 

 allowing your shadow to fall upon the water above 

 where you are standing. 



First, as you approach, fish the side on which you 

 are standing with a cast or two, and then commence 



