88 Wet-Fly Fishing 



are never even disturbed by the average 

 fly-fisherman. This is, perhaps, a remote 

 possibility; and I hold that the practical, 

 hard-headed fisherman will do all his best 

 work with a moderate length of line. 



How, then, should a man fish a river ? 

 4 'With brains, sir!" I would answer, in 

 the words of the author of "Horae Sub- 

 secivsa" (Dr. John Brown). Muddy and 

 flooded rivers I abominate ! When the 

 river gets clear, or is even the colour of 

 port wine, I am ready to begin. I prefer 

 it to be absolutely clear and colourless. 



In a full, clear river, especially in the 

 early spring, one can afford to let the fly 

 dwell longer than would be consistent with 

 good form later on in the season. 



Even thus early as soon as the flies 

 appear on the surface the moment, in 

 fact, that the " rise " commences, rapid and 

 light casting, and fishing as near to the 

 surface as is possible, must be the angler's 

 aim. 



There are those who fish like a mere 

 machine : who use a long line and sink 

 their flies at all times and seasons. Their 

 casting-lines, with the flies attached thereto, 

 must frequently pass underneath the trout 

 which they are endeavouring to secure, 



