204 LOCH-FISHING. 



aquatic insects on which they feed being mostly 

 found about the edges, where the sun's rays pene- 

 trate to the bottom. Even supposing there were 

 plenty of trout in deep water, unless they should 

 be swimming about near the surface, they could 

 not see the angler's flies ; so that fishing in deep 

 water will never prove remunerative. 



The opinion prevails that it is of no use angling 

 in lochs unless there is a strong breeze ; and if 

 the same size of flies is used always whether the 

 waters are lashed into foam, or gently agitated, or 

 dead calm this is quite true. But by adapting 

 the flies and tackle to the circumstances of the 

 case very good sport may be had when there is 

 the slightest breeze, and something may even be 

 done when there is not a ripple on the water. In a 

 calm a long rod and line should be used, in order 

 to get the flies as far away from the boat as pos- 

 sible, as the sight and motion of the boat will 

 alarm the trout in the immediate neighbourhood. 

 When there is no breeze, after the flies light they 

 should be allowed to remain where they are until 

 the motion of their falling has subsided, and 

 then drawn by short jerks towards the angler, 

 more rapidly than if there was a breeze of wind. 

 A larger portion of the line should also be kept 

 in the water, and great care taken to make as 

 little disturbance as possible. Perhaps the best 

 way of fishing in a calm is to have the boat 

 slowly propelled by one oar from the stern, 



