Part I

the season that one or other of them will fail to lure trout. In making up a cast vary the 28 ALL About trout Wishing. shades, selecting a dark fly, a brown or red fly, and a light coloured fly, and you will thus ascertain the right colour. Flies are the most important lures in the angler's equipment. In our rivers we have two types of flies, the winged fly and spider or hackle. The former is decidedly the closer imitation of the natural insect, but the latter is out and out the most deadly. The following varieties are amongst the first flies to make their appearance at the opening of the trouting season, of course providing the weather is favourable to the hatching of insect life. The little Winter Brown, dressed from the dark feathers of woodcock, with dark brown and light brown bodies, and the Light Woodcock with orange body, are amongst the first arrivals. Waterhen, with yellow body and least speck of gold tinsel on tail of body; male and female March Browns; Greenwell's ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING. 2g Glory, dressed from the hen blackbird; dark snipe and purple body, light snipe and yellow body, and grey partridge breast and yellow body generally answer well for the opening stages of the season. I strongly recommend these flies dressed in spider fashion and worked with small patterns when the waters are clear and at their normal volume ; but after a flood, or with plenty of fresh water running, a larger sized fly is preferable. In all cases the size of fly should be regulated according to the size and state of the river. After floods, when the water has assumed a black colour, trout usually rise freely to the fly, and under these conditions are easily approached. Other flies that appear later are Starling with yellow body; and Grouse with brown, dark red, or orange body sometimes kills well in spring and autumn. Blue dun and iron blue dun work well in April and May, and are great favourites in cold weather. 30 ALL ABOUT TROUT FISHING. Red Palmer is a good fly throughout the season. (a) Woodcock wing, with hare lug and least speck of jungle cork on each side of wing; (6) yellow or deep orange and red hackle; (c) quill body and red or black hackle; (d) black body and black hackle. In one of these forms of dressing the Woodcock winged fly kills well in the latter part of April and into the middle of May on warm days. Murton's Favourite. This pattern is a famous killing fly, and works well on the Coquet, North Tyne, Redewater, and Cumberland rivers from the middle of April until the end of May. I have also taken trout with this fly during the autumn fishing. Bracken clock is a deadly lure from the middle of April in "running off" waters, and a great favourite with many of our best fly-fishers. Red spinner is an excellent fly during ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING. 3I May, in dull weather with a gentle rain, when the natural flies are driven on the water, and on such rivers as the Eden, Irthing, North Tyne, Till, Black and Whit Adder. Good results are made with this imitation. The Yellow Sally. Yellow Sally is a capital fly at the end of May and through June, and happy is the angler who has a correct imitation of this specie, for trout rise with avidity to it, and will look at nothing else while it is on. This fly is often imitated with dyed feathers, which are worthless, as after a few casts the dye washes off the feather and renders it useless. Black spider is an out-and-out killer on all rivers, and no angler should be without it. It works well during late spring and summer, and fishes splendidly on thin, flat water with a ruffled surface. I have taken a score of fish on a good swim in 32 ALL ABOUT TROUT FISHING. a couple of hours with this specimen. Cummins, of Bishop Auckland, stocks all standard North-country, etc., patterns. Dotterel hackle, with yellow or orange body, is a general favourite on all Northcountry streams; it is a splendid imitation of the pale yellow dun, and has accounted for some good baskets of fish. The Golden Plover Spider, with quill or yellow body, appears on the water towards the end of May, and kills well in clear water. Turkey brown comes on the water early in May; it has a good character, and is used generally by fly-fishers. The Olive Dun fly appears in May in various shades, and it is as well to have the different dressings, being a most reliable fly that kills well in May. The Autumn Black fly usually comes on about the end of August, and kills well until the end of the season. Teal and silver body dressed on a No. o hook works well in the latter part of August and September. artificial fly-fishing. 33 Some Made-up Casts. The following made-up casts are good for the first month's fishing: -- No. I. Winter brown, point fly; water- hen, 1st dropper; dark snipe and yellow, 2nd dropper. -- No. 2. March brown spider. Green- well's glory, Light Woodcock. -- No. 3. Red palmer or spring black. Blue dun. Dark Snipe and Purple. -- No. 4. Waterhen, Grey Partridge and yellow, Dark Woodcock. These casts can always be varied by substituting another of the early flies on the point, which is by far the easiest changed. The dropper flies should be placed about two and a half feet apart, and the length of gut should not exceed two inches from the main cast, otherwise, if longer, the- gut gets twisted round the main cast. The best method to attach the dropper flies is to make a small loop 34 ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING. not larger than a quarter of an inch about two inches from the fly, double the main cast above a knot where you desire to attach the dropper and insert through the small loop, then put the fly through the main cast and draw the dropper tight, at the same time again straightening the main cast and working the dropper down to the knot. In this way the dropper is attached with double gut, and thus stands out at right angles from the main cast. In another chapter ("A Few Hints on Tackle") will be found an illustration (page 88). How TO Fish a Large River. I am no advocate of down-stream fly- fishing, unless in a large river which cannot be fully commanded by wading. In this case there is a sufficient volume of water to conceal the angler; and under these circumstances it is advisable to fish down ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING. 35 and across stream, using a fairly long lin and working slowly down a good swim^ If trout are found rising at a particula" spot, it is as well to remain as long as th: rise lasts. In wading much care should be exercised to prevent ripples, as they travel muc^^llkr down the water than up ; s< refi^^^^^k moving as much as possible nd -A^g so travel very slowly. Ii 36 all about trout fishing. Seasons of the Year. In April fly-fishing is rather uncertain in the early part of this month, and the rise is usually of short duration; from eleven to one o'clock is the best time of the day, and trout are to be found in the deeper and quieter running water in the early part of the month. Towards the end of April another rise comes on during the afternoon. The best flies are March Brown, Greenwell's Glory, Woodcock, Waterhen, Light Snipe, Dark Snipe and Purple. May. The best month for fly-fishing is May, when trout become in prime condition and spread themselves over the stronger streams and shallower running currents. Fly is generally in abundance, and altogether sport is more reliable throughout the day. During this month the rivers are ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING. 37 gradually drawing towards summer level, and up-stream fishing is most essential. The best flies are the Blue Dun, Iron Blue Dun, Partridge Spider, Waterhen and yellow body. Light Snipe and Woodcock Wing are useful for the early part of the month, with lighter coloured duns towards the end of the month. Murton's Favourite, Red Spinner, Alder Fly, Bracken Clock, and Black Midge are also in favour. June. With the advancement of this month fly-fishing gradually goes off on all main rivers; but it sometimes happens that a basket of fish may be taken with such flies as Yellow Sally, Black Spider, or small yellow May Dun. Usually during this month the fisherman's curse, a small black midge, appears on the water; and in the streams trout may be observed jumping a little above the surface trying to drown this 38 ALL ABOUT TROUT FISHING. fisherman's curse, which hover near the surface in myriads. From the middle of the month onwards, should the angler desire to use the fly, it will be found more profitable to use the finest selection of small Dun Spiders. July. In the daytime trout mostly feed on worms and minnows, but towards night, and during the night, they rise freely to the fly. Small sets of flies should be used during the early part of the night, but when the light diminishes a larger set should be used. See another chapter on Night Fishing (page 78). August. Fly-fishing during this month is also uncertain except at night-time. September. Good sport is frequently had with the fly during this month, especially in a black ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING. 39 or running off water after a flood. The fish are still to be found in the streams, but towards the end of the month they fall back to the pools and slower running water. The flies used in the early part of the season work well. I have also found a small Teal Wing and silver body successful, together with an Autumn Dun. In the latter part of the month I have seen much activity in fly life and the fish feeding fairly well, but it is advisable to use the finest tackle in clear water, as trout have had cause to become aware that they have many enemies. CHAPTER III. DRY FLY-FISHING. Dry fly-fishing has hitherto been very little practised in north-country rivers, but is rapidly becoming more general; perhaps it is owing to the presence of so many south-country anglers patronizing our northern rivers. The best course for the novice to adopt is to watch an expert, if possible, for a few days. In dry fly-fishing the rod should be about eleven feet long and possessed of plenty of driving power, with a tapered reel-line and the gut cast tapered also. The flies should be dressed on eyed hooks for many reasons, and to see the collection of a dry fly-fisher proper is interesting in the extreme, not only for the many different specimens but for the correct imitations DRY FLY-FISHING. 41 of the natural flies themselves in the minutest details. Entomological Knowledge Desirable. The use of these flies demands that the angler should have some considerable knowledge of entomology, and at a glance be able to recognize the actual fly that a rising fish is feeding on. This is by no means easily ascertained by the unskilled, and generally ends with the angler having to secure the natural fly, and even then much time is taken up in comparing the natural with the artificial to select the correct pattern. When you have done this tie the fly on the end of the cast, then dip it overhead in a small bottle of prepared paraflin (Cummins, of Bishop Auckland, sells a good brass bottle, unbreakable, and a great improvement upon the old glass pattern), then cast on to the water to wash the oil off again, then whisk the fly back- 42 ALL ABOUT TROUT FISHING. wards and forwards in the air half-a-dozen times to dry it thoroughly. Approach a rising fish from below to within nice casting distance, aim at an imaginary point in the air about four feet above where the fish is rising, so as to ascertain the length of line required. Cast slightly above the fish, allowing the fly to float naturally over him; if there is no response, allow the fly to float a couple of yards below him before lifting off the water, so as not to disturb him; then dry the fly by whisking in the air before casting over him again. Much skill is required in this method of casting, and great care must be taken so that the line does not drag the fly when cast over the fish. Hov^ THE Fly must Alight. It is obvious that the fly must alight on the water with its wings cocked up; but should it fall sideways, let it drift well below the fish before lifting it to dry DRY FLY-FISHING. 43 again. These floating flies, the majority of which are double winged, generally alight on the water as desired. The greatest difliculty is in preventing the line dragging the fly, as, if it does so, the result is disastrous. Sometimes a dropper fly is also used, but I strongly advocate the use of one fly only. When you have either secured the fish or put him down, you proceed up the river to look for another rising fish, when a repetition of this process is gone through again. Dry fly-fishing works to advantage in pools and slow-running water, with or without a ripple; but in the former case the angler must be extremely cautious in approaching the fish, and always fish up stream. The reel line should be well rubbed with deer fat, and it will thus float better on the surface of the water. In casting over a fish, it is well to have the reel line rather slack when the fly 4 44 ALL ABOUT TROUT FISHING. alights, thus preventing the Hne dragging the fly. Should the fish rise and take the fly, strike immediately. Familiar Floating Flies. The number of floating flies are too great for me to mention here, but I name a few favourites, dressed with two pair of -- wings: i. Greenwell's Glory; 2. March Brown ; 3. Iron Blue, light and dark ; 4 Woodcock, hare lug and quill body; 5 Blue Dun ; 6. Olive Dun, male and female 7. Black Spider, quill or dark brown body 8. Alder; g. Dark Sedge; 10. Dotterell II. Red Quill Gnat; 12. Red Spinner 13. Needle Brown; 14. Little Marryat 15. Black Gnat; 16. Apple Green Dun 17. Artful Dodger; 18. Autumn Dun. CHAPTER IV. CREEPER FISHING. The Creeper is the larvae of the Stone Fly, usually termed the " May Fly " in the north, because it generally makes its appearance towards the end of May. In the larvae stage it is one of the most deadly lures. Creeper-fishing works well as soon as trout commence to improve in condition, and are capable of feeding in the streams. It may be commenced about the beginning of April. Many anglers make the mistake of fishing creeper when the best of the season is over, inasmuch as they are hatched in the bed of the river, and it is w^hile they are leaving the deeper water in the streams for the sides to hatch out in the fly that the trout come naturally 46 ALL ABOUT TROUT FISHING. on the feed of them, as in doing this they get washed away in the strong water and are eagerly sought for by the fish. How TO OBTAIN THE C KEEPER. To obtain a supply of creepers, the best method is to hold your landing-net (which should have a good-sized mouth with a small mesh) in front of you in such a position that in turning the stones and gravel over with your brogues in the stream, the current will wash them into your net. One of Murton's japanned-tin creeper-boxes, with a little damp moss inside, is handy for carrying them, and kept moist by dipping over-head in the water frequently through the day while fishing and kept in a cool place at night, they can thus be kept for three or four days. Creepers may also be gathered on the leeward side of the stream by turning the COLLECTING CREEPERS WITH LANDING-NET. (See page 46.) CREEPER FISHING. 47 stones over in the shallow water with your hand; but this is a slow way to collect them in comparison with a net. The best baits to use are the largest and clearest coloured and those with a mottled olive body above and yellow below, being fully an inch in length. To Bait the Creeper Hook. There are different ways of baiting them. Personally, I prefer two hooks (sizes two and one) tied about five-eighths of an -- inch apart two at the point and one above. To bait them, hold the creeper in your left hand between the thumb and forefinger, and with your right insert the larger point of the hook through the body, close to the tail, the point protruding upwards. Impale the smaller one through the neck or head and you can then cast without fear of flicking them off. The creeper must be fished up stream practically like clear- water ''worming," 48 ALL ABOUT TROUT FISHING. exercising care in wading not to send any ripples up the water to herald your approach. It is advisable to have a small shot about six inches up the gut when fishing in strong water, thus keeping the bait better down in the strong streams. Every stream ought to be most carefully fished, especially the edges of gravel-beds and all broken water. It is of no use fishing in dead or deep water. It is not an uncommon occurrence to kill three or four trout in as many yards providing you pull your fish down stream immediately he is hooked, so preventing him giving warning to the fish above. The Rod for Creeper Fishing. The rod should not be less than eleven feet for creeper-fishing, and a rod of even longer dimensions would all be in favour of the angler provided it be not too heavy and easily worked with a single hand. It CREEPER FISHING. 49 is required to be fairly stiff, as in many cases one has to lift the fish in the strong water out of the way of snags, weirings, etc., which the large fish always make for. When to Use the Creeper. In the early part of the season the creeper fishes best in the early morning. In fact, trout will take creeper as soon as there is sufficient daylight, providing there is no mist about. The same tackle as I have mentioned is also suitable to fish the stone-fly. For illustration, see Chapter on Tackle (page gi). The Stone-Fly. The most favourable waters to fish the stone-fly is exactly opposite to the creeper. With the former a porter-coloured water or a rise or fall after a spate, is the most propitious time for its use, together with dull, calm weather, or only a slight breeze. Should the angler have these conditions 50 ALL ABOUT TROUT FISHING. at the end of May or during the first fort- night in June, sport is almost assured. The best way to preserve the stone-fly is to cut