BEST SEASON FOR LOCH-FISHING. 197 



good breeze of west wind, and alternate sunshine 

 and shower. The trout never take readily, particu- 

 larly if the air is at all cold, unless the sun is 

 shining. A wet day is better than a cloudy one 

 without rain, but not equal to a sunny one. In the 

 early months east wind will mar the angler's sport, 

 but in July and August it is not so objectionable ; 

 since at that season, even with it, the air is generally 

 sufficiently warm. 



The best time of year for fly-fishing depends, as 

 in rivers, upon the season. If the weather is mild, 

 trout may be taken readily in May but this is 

 rarely the case, and June and July may be set down 

 as the best two months of the year. In August the 

 trout will not rise so readily, but will take again in 

 September and the beginning of October ; but fly- 

 fishing in the fall of the season can hardly be called 

 sport, as the trout do not begin to take, after having 

 stopped, till they are in declining condition. 



The best time of day depends entirely upon the 

 weather, and it is impossible to name any time with 

 certainty, as the trout may change their humour 

 with every change in the sky. In May the fore- 

 noon will generally be found the best ; but in June 

 and July from seven in the morning till noon, and 

 again the afternoon from three to five, are the most 

 favourable times. If the weather is very warm, as 

 it sometimes is in July, and there is no wind, about 

 sunset, and an hour or two after it, will be found 

 worth all the rest of the day. 



