CREEPER AND STONE-FLY FISHING 87 



ever. The fish take them equally well either way, 

 but I find my own method of baiting easier. 



It is just possible that with their method and fish- 

 ing very slowly, the creeper is given a chance of 

 using its legs on the bottom, which it always tries 

 to do; and that Nature's way is then being followed 

 exactly. But fishing quickly, as I do, and in strong 

 water, the creeper seldom has a chance of getting 

 its legs to work, but is rolled oxer and over in the 

 stream. 



In making their way to the bank creepers are now 

 and then caught in the current, and momentarily 

 washed off their feet. It is at such times when the 

 yellow body flashes that the waiting trout seize them 

 most easily. Trout do, however, actually nuzzle 

 among the stones for them, and during the creeper 

 season one may often see where they have been at 

 work. 



Stone-fly fishing is altogether different from 

 creeper fishing. It requires much greater nicety of 

 casting, and, in this way, may be likened to dry- 

 fly fishing. Generally speaking the quiet runs 

 below banks, around stones and roots, and in eddies 

 over the main stream, are the places in which sport 

 is to be looked for. Rising fish, however, at the 

 heads and tails of streams should be thrown over. 

 An ordinary ten-feet-six fly rod is probably the most 



