ON TROUTING WITH THE FLY 115 



In cold weather, in the early part of the season, 

 we have generally found the sunny side of the water 

 the best ; we suppose because there are more insects 

 there. 



Passing from April to May, trout improve greatly 

 in condition, and move into stronger water about 

 the heads of pools, scattering themselves, but not 

 plentifully as yet, through the streams. Of all 

 places where the angler is likely to find trout at 

 any season, the meeting of two streams is the best ; 

 there, in the quiet water between and on either side 

 of the strong runs, feeding trout are sure to be lying 

 watching to seize whatever the stream brings in the 

 way of food. Such places should always be fished 

 with great care. 



For fishing slow-running streams, the end of April 

 and beginning of May are the best times, and the 

 trout in such are then in excellent condition ; but 

 for rivers in general, the month of May, taking it as 

 a whole, is worth any two months to the fly-fisher. 

 Sport may be more relied upon than in the preceding 

 month. The birth and appearance of flies on the 

 water is rendered less dependent on the weather ; a 

 cold day or an east wind does not do the same mis- 

 chief, and the trout will generally take during the 

 whole day, unless the weather is extremely cold. We 

 have never at this season found it of any use to 

 attempt fly-fishing before seven or eight in the 

 morning ; the forenoon, from eight till about noon 

 or an hour or two after, we consider the best time ; 

 about two they generally leave off taking, but com- 



