82 TROUT LORE 



of pools will vary, naturally; so for the sake of 

 clearness we will study them separately. 



As a rule the open pool of the size to which I 

 refer is found upon the larger and more rapid 

 streams, those with plenty of water and current. 

 Such a pool is too deep to wade ; but if the stream 

 be not too large, the pool may be fished from 

 shifting bars which the current will have con- 

 structed at the head, or with a little forethought 

 openings will be discovered along the bank. Un- 

 less the stream be wadable it is never the part 

 of wisdom to approach the water's edge; rather 

 cast from well back. Here complete mastery 

 of the art of fly-fishing stands the angler in good 

 stead, and he who can lay the longest line with 

 accuracy and skill will take the most fish. In- 

 timate knowledge of the pool is of utmost im- 

 portance, so that the water may be covered al- 

 most from memory. Dry fly, wet fly and under- 

 water fly, all may be resorted to upon occasion. 

 Be it said, however, that ordinarily it will be the 

 fly which touches the water with the least com- 

 motion that will be most quickly snapped up 

 by waiting fish. Never, as you hope for a rise, 

 let the line sag so as to strike the water first, 

 or allow the flies to touch the surface with a 

 "plop." 



