40 TROUT LORE 



cause the dropper fly is often successful when the 

 end fly proves unattractive. However, the use 

 of more than one fly is frowned upon in some 

 quarters and is prohibited by law in at least one 

 State, so I perforce am learning to be content 

 with one. As dry-fly fishing is becoming more 

 and more popular we will find it less difficult to 

 be content with a single fly, as one only can be 

 used in dry-fly fishing, properly so called, which 

 will be discussed in our next chapter. 



The ways of a trout are past finding out, for 

 they are as unstable in their habits as the seaside 

 girl. When trout, especially large fish, are ris- 

 ing lazily and rolling on the surface of the water 

 as it were, they seldom strike at a fly and I much 

 doubt that they are feeding at all. Indeed, large 

 fish seldom strike with vim, while small ones will 

 even shoot above the surface in their efforts to 

 reach the tantalizing bunch of colored feathers. 

 Again, trout seldom rise to flies when the surface 

 is unruffled by a breeze and the noontide sun beats 

 down upon the water. A passing cloud or a 

 vagrant breath of wind will often stir them to 

 life. In swift water the fish usually hooks him- 

 self, but in dead water the action of the angler's 

 wrist must be instant and sharp or the fish will 

 not be hooked. In fishing swift water it is best 



