ANGLING FOR OTHER FRESH-WATER FISH 159 



one can have an opportunity of taking them. They 

 are one of the best-known fish in the United States, 

 and very few there are who have not caught them, 

 especially when out for other fish. In fly casting 

 for bass, or fishing with bait, or trolling for bass, 

 pike, pickerel, and pike perch, these fish are very 

 often caught. They are especially partial to min- 

 nows, and frequently keep one busy catching them 

 when bass especially are being sought. At such 

 times they are a nuisance, as is the rock bass, and 

 perhaps upon this account they are held in disrepute 

 by many anglers. 



Perch grounds are easily found, always being on 

 stony bottoms in the vicinity of the weeds along the 

 shores and in the shallows of lakes. Small minnows 

 make the best bait, with angle worms next, although 

 they are frequently taken with small crabs and pieces 

 of fish. From about August until the ice comes they 

 rise readily to the fly, taking it best in September, 

 October, and November. The flies can be either 

 cast or trolled, the latter being the more satisfactory 

 and less tiresome way. As these fish usually run in 

 schools, large numbers will be seen following the cast, 

 and with three flies on the leader, three fish are often 

 taken simultaneously. If variety is desired, a small 

 spinner can be substituted with equal success. Occa- 

 sionally in trolling the fly in this way, small pickerel 



