16 THE FINE ART OF FISHING 



silver doctor or some other brilliantly colored fly and 

 fish it well beneath the surface. The shining, silver 

 body of this fly has a minnow-like glitter when drawn 

 through the water that will sometimes induce a fish to 

 strike. But, all things considered, it is far better to 

 depend on your bait-box, or, if you are a fly-fishing pur- 

 ist, to stay at home. Most of us consider it a sacred 

 duty to wet a line on the opening day or as soon there- 

 after as possible. This duty fulfilled, we are content 

 to await the more favorable conditions which prevail in 

 May and June. 



When the stream has resumed its normal level and 

 clarity and the water has been warmed by the spring 



... , sunshine, the fly-fishing is at its best. In- 



Mid-season .., . 



Fishing sect 1S now abundant on the banks 

 and over the surface of the water. The 

 fish are in the riffles and rapids, having deserted the 

 deeper pools and reaches. Also, they are constantly 

 foraging and their taste in the matter of insects, both 

 natural and artificial, is much more catholic than later 

 in the season. Other things being equal, the fly-fisher- 

 man is now in his glory and should have no difficulty 

 in making a good score. 



Then comes the late spring and summer fishing. 



Now, indeed, must one cast fine and far-off. Low and 



clear water prevails. The hot sun for 



F" h' C wee ks has beaten on the stream, and the 



trout, seeking the cool water which their 



nature demands, are again in the deeper waters, about 



the spring-holes, and generally farther up-stream than 



theretofore. You may find the lower portions of the 



