60 FLY-FISHING. 



live for a day in any perforated can or bait-box, 

 even if kept in the pocket, and for a longer time 

 in a little water. The mode of baiting and using 

 the creeper is as follows. Put the upper hook 

 through the shoulder, and the lower hook through 

 the tail of the creeper, so that it may hang straight 

 on the line ; when baited, use it precisely in the 

 same manner as the worm described under Worm- 

 fishing for Trout, always selecting rapid rather than 

 still parts of the stream. The bright weather and 

 low clear water, which are best for worm-fishing, will 

 also be found most favourable for the creeper. The 

 stone-fly usually remains in its larval or " creeper" 

 condition until the middle of May, and from early 

 in April until this time heavy baskets may often 

 be made with it. When in season, the creeper is 

 commonly from an inch to an inch and a quarter 

 long. 



The rod, line, and hooks recommended for worm- 

 fishing, omitting the shot or sinkers, and setting 

 the hooks a little closer together, will be found the 

 best tackle for creeper-fishing. 



About the middle of May the creeper changes 

 from the larval into the fly state, casting its tor- 

 toiseshell-like covering, and unsheathing its wings, 

 of which, however, it makes but little use. Mr. 



