214 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 



spring-fishing. The last named is only a fancy fly, 

 but is an excellent killer in spring and autumn. 

 To the experienced fly-fisher, it is a well known fact 

 that few flies rise to the surface of their liquid element 

 while the river is impregnated with snow "broth." 

 This cold stimulant is no inducement for the little 

 insect to quit its sheath in the bed of the river, but 

 when the genial influence exercised by the rays of 

 the sun pierces into its retreat, then the small fly 

 quits its abode, rises to the surface, spreads its wings, 

 and commences life's voyage, which probably ere long 

 is cut short by the appearance of the 



"Pearl tipped snout 

 Of the speckled trout." 



The Red fly first makes its appearance in this 

 month. Its wings and body are of an olive colour, 

 but after two or three sunny days its legs and body 

 assume a russet-brown, and as the weather becomes 

 warmer its colour changes until it attains a deep 

 ruddy hue. The prevailing shade in March and 

 April of both legs and body resembles that of a 

 coffee bean, though slightly claret-coloured towards 

 the tail. The Red fly, we believe, is common to all 

 waters containing trout or grayling. The Welsh 

 anglers consider it one of the best flies that can be 

 used, indeed, it is sometimes called the " Welsh fly." 

 In some districts in this country its local appellation 

 is " Old Joe," in others the " Early Spring Red," and 

 the " Spring Brown," and another local name is 

 the " March Brown." The Red fly's wings lie nearly 

 flat on its back, the wings of the March Brown are 



