BEST COLOURS FOR FLIES. 77 



but he is proceeding upon an erroneous principle, 

 and losing both labour and time. 



That trout sometimes take more readily flies of 

 one colour than another is certain, and the reason 

 of their doing so affords room for a great deal of 

 ingenious speculation, but is exceedingly difficult to 

 ascertain satisfactorily. We think that to some 

 extent a certain colour is more deadly, because it 

 is more readily seen. In clear waters we have 

 rarely found a black fly surpassed by any other, 

 and in such circumstances a black fly is very easily 

 seen. In dark waters a yellow-bodied fly, or one of 

 dingy white colour, takes readily, being easily seen. 

 And on Tweedside, in the month of July, just 

 after sunset, a bright yellow fly is held in great 

 repute, and such is more likely to attract atten- 

 tion than any other. Mere caprice, however, and 

 love of variety, may be the main reasons why 

 the trout prefer one colour to another. 



A rule to be guided by on this point is of little 

 use, as the angler can always regulate the colour 

 of his flies by practice ; and in practice it has been 

 proved beyond doubt, that a black, brown, red, and 

 dun- coloured fly, used together, and varied in size 

 according to circumstances, will at any time kill as 

 well, and even better, than the most elaborate col- 

 lection arranged for every month in the year. If 

 trout are at all inclined to rise, one or other of the 

 above will be found inviting. It is quite clear that 

 whatever the angler's opinion with regard to flies 



