124 ON TROUTING WITH THE FLY. 



the pool, the trout are more congregated about the 

 sides, as it is there that the aquatic insects on which 

 they feed are most numerous. They choose con- 

 venient feeding stations below some large stone or 

 tuft of grass, where the river runs beneath the bank, 

 or where a projecting bush affords food and shelter 

 to some finny giant who holds his revels below. 

 Such places are always sure to be tenanted, and 

 what is rather singular, the best feeding station in 

 a pool or stream is generally occupied by the largest 

 trout in it, and if it is captured the next largest 

 takes its place ; and we have day after day caught 

 a trout in one spot, each capture being of smaller 

 dimensions than its predecessor. 



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 



