It is altogether a mistake to suppose that large flies are required for
large rivers; on the contrary, with the exception of the Palmers, small
hackle flies will be found to answer best, these, together with the
Black, Blue and Dun Midges, (Spring and Autumn excepted), have a
decided advantage in general over dubbed or hackle winged flies. In
small brooks after a flood, winged flies often kill well, those with
Orange, Black, Crimson, and Yellow bodies are the best. Grass Hoppers,
the Cabbage Caterpillar, the Breccan or Fern Clock, will all take
Trout; but as there are other natural baits to be had at the time these
are in season, which I have noted, and which are more to be depended
upon, I have not given any special instructions as to the use of the
above. The Grass Hopper and Caterpillar are tiresome baits to fish
with, and more a matter of fancy than utility; the Breccan Clock found
amongst fern, fished like the May-fly is the best of the lot, and at
times kills pretty well. Having made no allusion in my work to Lake or
Pond Fishing, I may now observe, that four flies upon a stretcher, one
yard apart from each other, are sufficient for Ponds. On Lakes, fishing
from a boat, you may have six or eight, or even more flies upon a
stretcher. In Lake and Pond fishing, the Palmers and large winged flies
are the best, particularly when there is a good curl upon the water;
but when there is no wind stirring, the small hackle or very small
winged flies will, as regards Ponds, be frequently found to kill much
better than larger flies, particularly in mornings and evenings during
Summer. As fly fishing and trolling are the only reliable angling means
and devices for taking Trout in Lakes and Ponds, I have nothing further
to add, than that a good rod and sound tackle are essential requisites.