DRY-FLY FISHING. 
27 
EXERCISE IX. 
HOW TO CAST ACROSS-STREAM. 
In casting across-stream, you must let out your cast 
a yard or two beyond what is necessary to hit the 
point you wish to reach. If you cast a taut line the 
fly will swirl towards mid-stream in a way that the 
fish know no natural fly would do. But if, by the 
above means, you cast a looser line it will float aside 
the opposite bank for a yard or two in a natural 
manner. 
You should rarely cast across straight opposite to 
you, but a little to the left of the flowing stream 
(supposing it to be flowing towards your right), i.e., 
two or three yards up and across. 
Lead your reel line down with the point of your 
rod, carefully lifting the slack off the water ; but so 
as not to check the gut cast. 
If you can cast your fly on to the bank, and nick 
it lightly on to the water, so much the better. 
In fishing a hatch, or under a wall, aim right at 
the wall. Your fly will then fall as though it fell 
from off the wall naturally, which is deadly. 
