i66 PRACTICAL FLY FISHING 



the water and you have no swift water in a lake to 

 help you hook him. 



OTHER STILL WATERS 



In many sections of the United States and Canada, 

 where there is a limestone formation, there are hun- 

 dreds of abandoned quarries that have become filled 

 with water and have been stocked with bass. Some 

 of these " quarry holes " are only a cast or two across 

 while others are what boys would call " young lakes." 

 Most of them are very deep and the cold spring water 

 breeds fish of wonderful fighting and table qualities. 



Because of the deep water the fish can retire to a 

 depth beyond the influence of the weather and feed 

 the year 'round, hence quarry bass are proverbially 

 large. Also, as every one who has tried to catch them 

 knows, they are extremely shy which is another reason 

 why they get to be " big fellers." 



In fishing waters of this kind the advantage is all 

 with the fish. The water is almost as clear as the 

 atmosphere and the edges are high so any one angling 

 from the bank stands outlined against the sky in plain 

 sight of the fish. When quarry fishing the angler 

 ought to have a portable boat or canoe or fish only on 

 dark days or better at night and then, if the moon is 

 out, he should fish towards it. I know nothing that 

 equals a quarry bass to take the conceit out of those 

 individuals who admit they know " all about fishing." 



Large flies and long casts are the rule when " quarry- 

 ing for bass " and the party should consist of not more 



