GILBERT AND GOLDEN TROUT 197 



have a certain limit as to the size of the fish, and it 

 will be noticed that only small ones are found 

 towards the upper end, even where the river has 

 deep pools and other conditions which are apparently 

 suitable to the habits and needs of the larger fish. 

 Usually large trout do not like either very cold 

 water, or the somewhat sudden changes of tempera- 

 ture which take place towards the source of the 

 river, where the water is very cold at night and in 

 the early morning, but warms up after the sun 

 strikes it. The largest fish are most often found 

 in the quiet water, such as in places where the river 

 broadens out, owing to some obstruction blocking 

 its free passage, and forms small lakes. In order 

 to fish these places successfully, it will be found 

 necessary to construct a raft, unless you happen to 

 have a small foldmg boat that can be carried on 

 the mules, in which case bear in mind the fact that 

 if anything can be broken, a mule will surely find 

 a way to do it. So if you carry a canoe, pack it 

 with the greatest care. 



It may be well to remark that when fishing in 

 California or Colorado, or in any climate where the 

 air is extremely dry, and the sun very powerful, be 

 sure to keep your traces (leaders) and fly snells 

 thoroughly moist; otherwise you will require an 

 inexhaustible supply of traces and patience, as the 

 gut becomes so brittle that it breaks with little or 

 no provocation, and consequently many fish will 

 get away. The extreme dryness also plays havoc 

 with rods, as it dries out the wood and renders it 

 very brittle. The only remedy is to have well- 

 made rods, and keep them carefully varnished. 



