1 70 MAY-FLY FISHING. 



within half-a-foot of the deep edge. The best casts, 

 however, in any condition of water, are where the 

 stream runs below the bank. There trout may be 

 depended upon, if the angler casts to within a foot 

 of the edge ; and as the current is not so strong at 

 the edge as a foot further out, the angler must 

 endeavour to keep his line out of the main current, 

 or his flies will come down too fast. Unlike the 

 creeper, the May-fly is most killing when the waters 

 are large and dark-coloured, and must then be used 

 close to the edges; the angler will seldom get a 

 trout in the centre of the current. The deep and 

 strong sides of pools and streams, within a foot of 

 the edge, are the best places ; but every spot where 

 a tuft of grass or projecting bush or bank affords 

 shelter to a trout should be fished with great care. 

 A rapid sweep of water past some dry channel 

 can always be relied upon, as the channel produces 

 flies in abundance, and some trout are sure to be on 

 the outlook for them. Greater nicety in casting is 

 requisite in using this bait than any others, as, if the 

 angler casts half-a-foot too far out, when the waters 

 are flooded, his labour will be in vain. When the 

 waters are clear, trout will occasionally take in the 

 centre of the stream ; but the edges are always 

 mostly to be depended upon, as the trout wishing 

 to feed upon the May-flies come to the edges to 

 look for them. 



Trout generally take May-fly best early in the 



