12 FLIES AND FLY FISHING. 



The time to commence fly fishing depends on the river; 

 but, as a general rule, trout are not in anything like 

 condition until after the March brown has been some time 

 out. This refers to rivers on which the fish principally 

 feed on flies ; on some rivers they are fit to try for in 

 February and March, and at this time of year they come 

 very greedily at the fly ; but I think the 15th of March 

 would be a good opening day on most rivers. 



I consider April and September the two best months in 

 the year for fly ; of course, on one or two waters the last 

 month is too late. 



In early spring, trout lie close to the sides, and should 

 be fished for there, and again late in the season. In 

 summer they are scattered over the streams ; but during 

 the period that the May fly is on the water, they generally 

 keep under the banks ; after the fly is off, they are again 

 scattered. 



I do not believe it is in the power of man to give any 

 hints that are worth anything as to good or bad weather 

 for fly fishing. I have had first-rate sport on days when 

 everything seemed opposed to it, and vice versa. 



If the water is in order, and you wish to fish, never 

 think of the weather ; as a rule, the things most against 

 success with the fly, are 



