FLIES THAT TROUT LIKE 81 



patterns in larger and smaller sizes for unusual condi- 

 tions. Do not fill the book with gaudy flies, reds, 

 blues, and the like they look pretty but they are not 

 practical. Flies of subdued colors, grays, browns, etc., 

 are very much the best; in fact, it may be truly said 

 that, save in the wildest of wild waters, where the trout 

 are totally uneducated, gaudy flies are of no use what- 

 ever. 



As a change from the flies of more modest coloration 

 the fly-book should contain a number of flies of brighter 

 tints, but it is not necessary that these be of startling 

 colors. There are several good flies which, while they 

 are very attractive and noticeable on the water, are 

 dressed in very good taste not " loud." A scarlet 

 ibis, for instance, a fly with bright red wings and 

 hackle, with body gilt-wound and equally anarchistic, 

 is guaranteed to scare a trout of such a stream as the 

 Beaverkill, in New York, or of the trout streams of the 

 Berkshires, into fits. Diversity in the contents of the 

 fly-book is also desirable to meet the requirements of 

 various water conditions. When the stream is low 

 and clear the smallest flies are necessary for success; 

 and when the stream is slightly flooded and discolored 

 rather large flies must be used. 



When buying flies select only the best grades. They 



cost from $1.00 to $1.50 a dozen for 

 Use Good the best grade m^ of the best fl y . t ie rs; 



and the flies of this sort will outwear 

 the cheaper ones a dozen times. By all means steer 



