SALMON -ANGLING. 75 



In the deep rocky parts of the river, especially at the 

 beginning of the season, put on your largest fly, trying a 

 smaller should you not get a rise. In the rapid Highland 

 streams, where I have said before a small fly should be 

 used, if you need any alteration, let it be in colour rather 

 than in size. But on this point, as no invariable rule can 

 be given, it will be better to get advice on the spot, if you 

 can obtain it. For instance, though the Thames is so 

 sluggish, and the trout so wary, the most killing fly there 

 is what they call " the soldier-palmer, " that is, a bright- 

 dyed hackle, red pig's wool, and gold tinsel. 



When fishing for salmon only, never have two flies on 

 your cast. The pleasure of hooking more fish will not 

 make up for the vexation of losing one, even should more 

 be secured in the long run. This, however, must be a 

 matter of taste. By changing the fly judiciously, you have 

 nearly as good a chance with one as with two, although 

 sometimes the fish may be a little longer in stirring. Don't 

 be too certain that you have detected the most killing fly 

 because fish take it well one day, as salmon, in some moods, 

 will rise at anything you throw over them. 



When large rivers are so low that the salmon reject the 

 smallest legitimate fly, reduce your hook to the size of 

 those recommended for the Highland streams viz., what 

 is called a sea-trout fly, and try before the sun is up, and 

 after it sets. It is needless to say that this fly must be of 

 a very sober cast. With these reduced flies, and no glaring 

 sunshine on the water, a fish may now and then be taken 

 in the pools, when there would have been no chance with 



