132 THE CHOICE OF A FLY. 



good service, that is, must be a good imitation of an 

 individual species, or sufficiently typical to be at once 

 mistaken for some fly or larva on which the fish are 

 feeding. 



There are times when the fish are glutted, or 



during very unsettled atmospheric 

 Freaks. conditions, when they persistently 



refuse the natural fly, and yet are 

 playing about near the surface. At such times a freak 

 is useful to meet the abnormal conditions, that is, a 

 fly of abnormal form, vivid colour, or one totally out 

 of season. 



But generally speaking, a careful imitation of nature, 

 if persistently used, pays best in the long run, and 

 freaks are to be avoided. 



In the early part of the season, larger flies may 



be used than later on, when the 



Time of Year. fish are getting hook. shy. A 



medium-sized hook both hooks and 



holds better than a very small one. 



Similarly, as the light fails in the 



Evening. evening, a fair-sized hook may be 



used with advantage. 



Under ordinary conditions, the fly chosen should 



be a careful imitation of the natural 



Natural. fly the fish appear to be taking, 



or, if instead of boldly rising to the 



natural, they are "bulging" or "tailing," a small 



hackle, similar in colour to the natural fly on the water, 



is successful when a winged imitation is refused. 



