SALMON. 7 



strong action to the right arm, send the Rod and Line strongly 

 forward ; and when this combined action is performed without 

 nervousness, but dashingly and in an energetic manner, the fly 

 will be forced forward to its destination. Begin with about 

 twenty yards, and when you throw that well, increase the 

 distance by degrees. This cast is intended for fishing down 

 the left side of a river, with the right side of the Angler 

 nearest the water. For fishing down the right side of the 

 river, reverse the above directions ; grasp the Rod with the 

 left hand above the winch, the right hand below, and the left 

 foot to the front ; with the left side next the water. Making 

 use chiefly of the left arm, you sweep the Rod over the left 

 shoulder, till you feel the Line extended in the air behind, 

 and then propel it forward, as if you were going to strike 

 with the Rod, at something hovering over the river, in the 

 direction you wish to send the fly. Checking the forward 

 motion of the Rod, the Line will be sent straight out, the fly 

 and gut-line dropping first on the water. Do not bend over 

 too much with the descending Rod as it brings the point of 

 it too close on the water, deadening its elastic and propelling 

 action ; and causing the Line to fall in a slovenly manner on 

 the stream. 



The Salmon Fly unlike those used for Trout, is never 

 worked with or down the stream, but against it ; it then 

 seems like some splendid large insect, swimming up steam 

 beneath the surface, by fits and starts ; whereas if worked 

 down steam, it would roll over in an unnatural manner on 

 account of the heaviness of its wings. Cast it as straight 

 down the river as possible ; if from the bank, slantingly down 

 and across, bringing it round without delay into the line of 

 the current. Work it towards you by raising and lowering 

 the point of the Rod ; when the Rod is raised, so also will be 

 the fly, the water will then press down its wings ; on 

 lowering the top the fly goes downwards and the water open 

 ing the fibres of the wings and hackles, displays all its beauty. 

 Do not perform these motions too rapidly or you do nofc 

 permit the full developement of the colors of the fly ; should 

 you observe a Salmon following it, lower the point so as to 

 cause the fly to move gently towards him, and in nine cases 

 out of ten he will take it eagerly. 



