i8 ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT FISHERIES 



during the day, and any overhanging boughs, 

 stakes, or similar obstructions should be carefully 

 noted, as otherwise disappointment will result. 

 In all probability during the day none, or but few 

 fish will be seen on the ground mentioned as being 

 the most favourable for night fishing, as the fish 

 will then be in the deep water. It must, however, 

 be borne in mind that sea-trout invariably feed at 

 night, on thin or shallow water ; and the darker 

 the night, the thinner the water they will frequent. 

 The line should be cast down stream as in day 

 fishing, and the flies worked very slowly ; in fact 

 some anglers never stir their rod top. When the 

 fish mouths the fly the angler will be aware of 

 the fact by feeling a pronounced pull. He should 

 then strike quietly but lightly, as it is impossible 

 to see in the uncertain light whether the fish is 

 large or not. 



The three flies already mentioned are capital 

 ones for this class of fishing, but they should be 

 dressed fuller both in wings and body than those 

 used for day fishing. Another good fly for night 

 fishing can be dressed from the feather of a brown 

 wood owl's wing or tail, with a body of brown, red, or 

 yellow, and hackles to match. It should be borne 

 in mind that the darker the night, larger and lighter- 

 coloured flies will be required ; but, speaking 

 generally, the following sizes will be found the 

 most useful Nos. 4, 5 and 6, with a line or two 

 dressed on a No. 10 for the tail-fly, and No. 8 or 9 

 for droppers. 



Another method of night-fishing on the Kent 

 is locally termed bait-fishing. The procedure is 

 as follows : A No. 12 hook is tied to about a 

 yard of stout gut, and baited with two or three well 



