MAY AS A FLY-FISHING MONTH. 119 



we have generally found the sunny side of the water 

 the best ; we suppose because there are more insects 

 there. 



Passing from April to May, trout improve greatly 

 in condition, and move into stronger water about the 

 heads of pools, scattering themselves, but not plenti- 

 fully as yet, through the streams. Of all places 

 where the angler is likely to find trout at any season, 

 the meeting of two streams is the best ; there in the 

 quiet water between and on either side of the strong 

 runs, feeding trout are sure to be lying, watching 

 to seize whatever the stream brings in the way of 

 food. Such places should always be fished with 

 great care. 



For fishing slow-running streams, the end of 

 April and beginning of May are the best times, and 

 the trout in such are then in excellent condition ; 

 but for rivers in general, the month of May, taking 

 it as a whole, is worth any two months to the fly- 

 fisher. Sport may be more relied upon than in the 

 preceding month. The birth and appearance of 

 flies on the water is rendered less dependent on the 

 weather ; a cold day or an east wind does not do 

 the same mischief, and the trout will generally take 

 during the whole day, unless the weather is ex- 

 tremely cold. We have never at this season found 

 it of any use to attempt fly-fishing before seven or 

 eight in the morning ; the forenoon, from eight till 

 about noon, or an hour or two after, we consider 

 the best time; about two they generally leave ofi 



