156 THE FINE ART OF FISHING 



of quick eye, steady nerve, and constant watchfulness. 

 Every fly-caster can recall days when, although the 

 trout were rising freely, his catch was very light. It 

 was not because the trout were rising short. It was 

 merely because he was a bit off in his striking, a little 

 too quick or too slow. He was not "on his nerve." In 

 target shooting with the rifle the same conditions pre- 

 vail. There are days when the expert marksman is 

 unable to let-off at the right time. To repay one for 

 such unhallowed occasions there are days when every 

 rise is fastened with certainty. 



When the cast of flies is on the water they must be 

 closely watched in order to take immediate advantage 

 of a rise, but when the angler is not engaged in actual 

 casting he should watch for a rising trout or likely look- 

 ing places for a cast. A fly cast over a trout that has 

 just risen is pretty sure to bring results. Although you 

 may have fished a certain stream many times, you are 

 almost certain to find new places that are promising 

 if you look for them. Every year a trout stream 

 changes, in accordance with the force of the spring 

 freshets. On your first day out you may find old-time 

 favorite pools filled in and practically ruined and you 

 will find that here and there new pools have formed. 

 Rapids have been shallowed to riffles and riffles deep- 

 ened to rapids. Overhanging trees have finally toppled 

 over into the stream. New lurking places for trout 

 have been hollowed out beneath the banks. Every year 

 you must learn the stream over again. 



In almost every trout stream there are certain reaches 

 which are practically barren of trout. The careful 



