CLEAR WATER WORM FISHING 105 



the low water habits of trout, is that he knows exactly 

 where to find them. They are congregated together 

 in narrowed streams. The river and becks are like 

 an open book to such a man. From the page of 

 contents he can make his sure selection, and skip 

 the unwanted chapters. He ensures success by 

 covering the suitable ground quickly at the time of 

 the take, which is generally between an early break- 

 fast and mid-afternoon. 



From that first dry year mentioned I have fished 

 the upstream worm, off and on, with a satisfying 

 measure of success when other methods were out 

 of the question. 



My greatest day was probably in 1889. I 

 remember it distinctly as my last summer day on 

 the Eden that year, for on the next I went off to 

 Sweden for a couple of months. It was the day 

 before the assizes, and the proprietor of the leading 

 hotel, to whom I was indebted for many past 

 favours, told me he could get no fish for the sheriff 

 and his retinue. 



I set off, therefore, with the strong desire to 

 requite him. The trout were in a taking mood, and 

 all the conditions ideal. The long, two-handed 

 rod had been discarded for a less clumsy and much 

 more enjoyable Hardy " Pennell." I found things 

 waiting for me almost as though the trout had 



