196 LOCH-FISHING. 



in lochs unless there is a strong breeze ; and if the 

 same size of flies is used always whether the waters 

 are lashed into foam, or gently agitated, or dead 

 calm this is quite true. But by adapting the flies 

 and tackle to the circumstances of the case, very 

 good sport may be had when there is the slightest 

 breeze, and something may even be done when there 

 is not a ripple on the water. In a calm, a long rod 

 and line should be used, in order to get the flies as 

 far away from the boat as possible, as the sight and 

 motion of the boat will alarm the trout in the im- 

 mediate neighbourhood. When there is no breeze, 

 after the flies light they should be allowed to remain 

 where they are until the motion of their falling has 

 subsided, and then drawn by short jerks towards 

 the angler, more rapidly than if there was a breeze 

 of wind. A larger portion of the line should aLsb 

 be kept in the water, and great care taken to make 

 as little disturbance as possible. Perhaps the best 

 way of fishing in a calm is to have the boat slowly 

 propelled by one oar from the stern, making as little 

 disturbance as possible, and throw gently over every 

 trout that rises at the natural fly. Or if the trout 

 are evidently as they sometimes are rising in shoals, 

 the boat may be pulled into the centre of the shoal ; 

 and when the alarm caused by the disturbance has 

 subsided and the trout begin to rise again, the angler 

 should drop a small fly lightly on the spot, and he 

 will have a good chance of securing the fish. 



The most favourable weather is a day with a 



