204 SALMON AND TROUT. 



Fly tying is a very important part of the art of salmon 

 fishing, and doubtless to be able to tie one's own flies enhances 

 the pleasure of the sport. I have heard it said that a man 

 cannot rank as a first- class fisherman unless he can do so ; 

 but I think this is hardly fair. Many people's fingers are ' all 

 thumbs,' and they could not tie a fly in a year of Sundays, 

 as the saying goes ; other salmon fishers are professional men, 

 and have no time to spare from their duties. These may be 

 first-rate fishermen, although not able to tie a fly, and would 

 loudly protest against being placed in a secondary position on 

 this account. It might just as well be said that to rank in 

 the first class a fisherman should be able to make his own 

 rods and reels, yet there is not one in a thousand that can do 

 so. Fly tying is a most interesting, and I might almost say 

 exciting occupation, and many a dull rainy day, during the 

 winter months especially, may be thus pleasantly, and as far 

 as salmon-fishing matters are concerned profitably, passed. 

 Doubtless a man will feel much prouder when he has landed 

 a fish with a fly of his own making, than with one he had 

 bought, and I would recommend every fisherman who has the 

 time to spare to try his hand at it. 



In selecting bought flies care should be taken to ascertain 

 that they are firmly tied. A fly that is to all appearance 

 perfect, may when used a short time come to pieces, and it will 

 probably be found that this is in consequence of no varnish 

 having been applied when finishing off at the head. It is 

 necessary this should be used to make the wings sit firmly and 

 keep their position. This can always be tested in the following 



get a rise. I had just reached the railway bridge when an American gentleman 

 asked what fly I was using. I told him. ' I have the same,' he replied, and 

 fished down the pool behind me. He, about the sixth or seventh cast, hooked 

 a 2^-lb. fish, which he killed some way down below me, I pulling out of the way 

 to let him pass. Immediately behind him another American gentleman came. 

 Within half a dozen casts he hooked a fish. As he passed I asked what fly ? 

 'Jock o' Scott,' he replied. Away he went in his canoe and killed a twenty- 

 three pounder also. I did not get a rise in the pool, and had fished over the 

 two fish they killed. They were both novices, and had not either of them killed 

 six fish in their lives ! Eu. 



