Poisoned Waters 



Here is one of the most remarkable fishing stories 

 I have ever read. I would be proud of it if it were 

 mine. It will not only touch your heart, but it will 

 awaken your righteous wrath and bring home to you 

 the need of the Izaak Walton League of America. 

 This little masterpiece should be printed by the mil- 

 lions. Mr. Henry D. Swengel, of San Francisco, 

 by writing this truly " Tragic Moment," has earned 

 the gratitude of the fishermen of this generation. 



Like many of the clan I am accepting the challenge 

 of our friend Dilg to tell about my most tragic fish- 

 ing moment. His happy thought in printing those 

 boyhood yarns in OUTERS'-RECREATION helped me in 

 my decision and gave me courage. 



Many of you who will read this story have grown, 

 as I have, from a linen thread and bent pin fisherman 

 to an exponent of the wet or dry fly. I do not mean 

 that we have become purists of either type; I confess 

 that I have not. The conditions on the stream often 

 determine my method. It seems to me that when 

 the underwater larvae become most active before crawl- 

 ing out on rocks or snags to dry, the wet fly is most 

 effective, and that afterward when the bug is flying 



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