THE CHOICE OF A FLY. 133 



The size of the fly chosen is of the highest import- 

 ance. It should, as a rule, be less 

 Size. than the natural from which it is 



copied, this being particularly the 

 case under very fine conditions of weather and water, 

 as the season advances, and on waters which are 

 over-fished. Indeed, under the latter conditions, a 

 fly many sizes smaller than the natural (though of the 

 same form and colour) is often necessary. 



But in using too small a hook 



many fish are missed and others 



Small Hooks. lost owing to the hook losing hold, 



although apparently firmly em- 

 bedded after the rise. 

 Frequently, quite half a dozen species of flies will 

 be found on the water at one time. Then careful 

 observation will usually reveal the fact that one is 

 being taken in preference to the others. 



At the same time, the old adage, " Bright day, 



bright fly; dull day, dull fly," if 

 Colour. borne in mind, will help towards 



a useful choice in the matter. 



For thin, clear water, flies cannot 



be dressed too sparsely, or too thin 



Dressing. in the body ; an almost bare hook 



doing better than an overdressed one. 

 In deeper or heavier waters, this is not so important, 

 as too thin a fly does not show well enough to be 

 attractive. 



If fish are rising short, or coming to the fly and 

 then turning away without taking hold, it is a sign that 



