IC-NRLF Jea JACKSON'S PEACTICAL FLY FISHING U r } '- I R X E I E Y GENERAL LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA THE PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER; MORE PARTICULARLY FOR GRAYLING OR UMBER. BY THE LATE JOHN JACKSON, OF TANFIKLD MILL. Price, Entered at Sta. Hall. With Coloured Plates, Vs. 6d, Plain, - - - 53. LONDON : CHARLES FARLaW, 191, STRAND, LEEDS : J. SWALLOW, 71, KIBKGATE, 1854. To T. H. B., ESQ. ESTEEMED FRIEND, IN compliance with your desire, and at the solicitation of several kind friends, I am induced to attempt laying down a few observations, the result of long experience in Fly-Fishing ; more espe- cially in that department of the " gentle art" which relates to Grayling or Umber. Should any information I may be able to give, add to your previous knowledge, or contribute to your future pleasure, I shall be highly gratified. Yours truly, J. JACKSON. TANFIELD MILL, MAY, 1853. M844840 THE PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. OUR residence on the River Yore, which is decidedly a Grayling stream, long since drew my attention more especially to that dainty fish ; and I have marked with the greatest satisfaction, the rising reputation of that inhabitant of our silvery flood during the last few years. We are told that the " Monks of old," renowned as well for good cheer, as charitable deeds, and noble works, introduced the Grayling to the streams near their principal residences ; which appears probable, as it is in perfection when the Trout is out of season. I admire their taste, and respect their memory for the legacy they left. The fact of the Grayling being in season for some months when the Trout is scarcely fit for table, and the readiness with which it rises at the fly, renders it, in my opinion, particularly worthy of the Fly-fisher's notice ; and although not so gamesome as the Trout, yet in the Summer and Autumn, its weight and strength, with the tenderness of its mouth, render it, perhaps, a more difficult fish to take, than even its more resolute brother, the Trout. The Grayling is certainly a very moderate dish for " Un Grand Gourmand" at the time of spawning, which 2 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. is generally about the last ten days in March, or the first ten in April ; at which time none should be killed ; but the rapidity with which it at that time feeds, enables it in a very short time to give the angler its full share of sport. In angling for Grayling, you may reasonably expect Trout, Smelts, Chub, and Dace ; though the latter fish seem generally to prefer brighter and more gaudy flies. The best general flies for Grayling, are small Browns and Bloas;* though they will occasionally feed to excess on Midges or Gnats ; the larger kind of flies and palmers being more generally attractive to Trout and Dace : nevertheless, as good general flies, I strongly recommend the smaller Red Hackles, varied occasionally by brown or black. OF THE MATERIALS FOR FLY-MAKING. THE materials for Fly-making besides hooks, and gut or hair, are silk, feathers, fur, and herl. The feathers shoujd be of fine fibre, and glossy or transparent. Fine Bloas may be found in the Waterhen, Swift, Blackbird, Jay, Snipe, Landrail, Starling, Fieldfare, Thrush, Bluecap, Skylark, Teal Duck, Sea Swallow, and Dotteril. Browns in the varied plumage of the Pheasant, Partridge, Pewet,-f- Grouse, Golden Plover, Sand Piper, Mallard, Owl, Sparrow, and Tom Tit. * Bloa, or blea, a North-country word, signifying the colour of the clouds. Blea seems generally significant of cold, t The Lapwing. PRACTICAL FLY-F1SHEU. 3 Some useful feathers may be found among the Poultry of a farm yard ; particularly the hackles, or neck feathers ; but the feathers of Poultry and Pigeons, though good in colour, are generally tao strong in their fibre for small fly-making. The Grey Goose furnishes a good large bloa, both from the neck and under the wing. Dubbing or fur, I do not much recommend, and rarely use, as the Ephemera, or Water-flies have mostly hard, scaly bodies, which are best represented by silk, which should be procured of all colours, and care taken to select it of the finest description, and to use it well waxed. Some flies, however, are undoubtedly better made with fur bodies ; the principal furs necessary are Harems face, ear, and neck ; Squirrel, Martin, Mole, and Water Rat, and in Rabbit 1 s whiskers, Mohair of differ- ent colours, and the long hairs of a Sable or Fitchett's tail. Ostrich herl is an excellent material for the bodies of several flies, and may be procured or dyed of almost any colour. The tail of the Peacock also furnishes a beautiful herl, suitable for the body of many flies and palmers. Hackles of all sizes, from half an inch to two inches long, and of all colours, (black, red, red and black, or furnace duns of various kinds,) should be pro- cured for making legs to winged flies. Sooty or grizzled hackles may be found natural, but some colours, as yellow, green, blue, brown, purple, must be dyed; of which more anon. The hackles for legs should be very small, but it is PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. advisable to procure a few very large of each colour, us the strands or fibre make excellent tails. Gold and silver twist, or tinsel, is indispensable for making the brilliant bodies of some flies and palmers. The most tenacious wax is that made by the cob- bler ; but when new, and too thickly laid on, it has the effect of rendering nearly all silk of one colour. To make colourless wax, take three parts of white resin, and one of mutton suet, or tallow previously clari- fied by melting ; dissolve them in a pipkin over a slow fire, let them simmer ten minutes, stirring in a few drops of essence of lemon or bergamot : pour the whole into a basin of clear cold water, work the wax through the fingers, rolling up and drawing out till it acquires suffi- cient toughness and consistency : it cannot be worked too much, or kept too long. When you have waxed your silk, wrap a piece of smooth paper round it and rub it well, by which means it will acquire a good gloss, and will not so easily imbibe water. I prefer hair to gut for Fly-fishing, generally ; hair being a hollow tube, swims better, falls straighter and lighter on the water, and from its stiffness the drop flies are not so liable to wrap round the foot length, or casting line. Your Rod for Fly-fishing should not be less than eleven, or more than thirteen feet, in length ; light, and supple : though good rods are made in the country, I think the best are the London made double ferruled. I prefer a Rod approaching the maximum length, both on account of the advantage it gives in casting, and besides in playing a fish, every yard of line you can wield adds to the labour of your victim. PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 5 Hair lines, if fine, are to be preferred for fly-fishing; silk, or silk and hair soon rot, and when thick, imbibe too much water, and by falling clumsily on the river, scare the fish. Reels or winches are best fitted by the rod- maker. I do not prefer greatly those called multipliers, thinking them more liable to get out of order than the plain ones. IMPLEMENTS FOE FLY-MAKING. THE implements useful in Fly-making are a good double- bladed knife, in which are contained a pair of tweezers, (useful for taking up hooks or other small articles ;) and a phleme, such as is used in bleeding horses, (useful for cutting off superfluous hair, silk, or feather.) A pair of small pointed scissors. A dubbing-needle made by putting the thick end of a large needle into a stick. Two or three pairs of small nippers. A stout knitting-needle will make two pairs, they are of the greatest service for holding small feathers, hackles, &c. Some fly-makers use a small vice, I prefer the fingers. PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. ON DYEING FEATHEES FOR FLY-MAKING. FOR dyeing feathers ; always be careful to use clear, soft water : to strike the colour, add to each pint of water a piece of alum about the size of a walnut. To dye white feathers yellow ; boil them in onion peel or saffron. Bloa feathers, as the quill of a starling, by being boiled as above, will turn a beautiful olive colour. To dye white feathers blue ; boil them in indigo : by mixing the blue and yellow liquor together, and boiling feathers in the mixture, they will be dyed green. Logwood dyes a kind of lilac or pink. To dye white feathers purple ; boil them in logwood, or Brazil wood (without alum) till they are red, then add a little potash. To dye feathers for the Green Drake ; boil them in fustic till they are yellow, then add a little copperas to subdue the colour to the proper shade. To turn red hackles brown ; boil them in copperas. Note. That copperas turns all colours you may be dyeing to a darker or duller shade, To stain hair or gut a dun colour ; boil a handful of walnut-tree leaves and a little soot, in a quart of water for half an hour ; then steep the gut in the liquor till it acquires the colour. To stain gut or hair blue ; warm some common writing ink, in which steep it for a few minutes, and immediately wash out in clear water. By steeping hair or gut in the onion dye, it will PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 7 turn a useful yellowish green, much like decayed weeds or leaves in Autumn. Hair that is colourless, round, and transparent, is almost invaluable ; good hair may sometimes be found tinged black, or chesnut ; and when round and strong, should be prized accordingly. With hair capable of lifting easily a pound weight, an expert angler will kill a fish much heavier, provided the river be roomy and free from incumbrances ; and according to my experience, the finer the tackle, the more rises you are likely to have : moreover the excite- ment experienced in killing a large fish with fine tackle is " double refined" in comparison to that of hauling him out as with a cart rope. OF THE METHOD OF MAKING AETIFICIAL FLIES. THE simplest form of Fly-making is the plain hackled fly, which is performed as follows. Get a Snipe's wing, in the inside of which you will find six or eight fine bright feathers, an inch and quarter long, tipt with white ; take one of the feathers, strip off part of the fibre towards the root, turn part of the remaining fibre the contrary way, (rejecting the white,) draw it through your lips, slightly wetting it at the same time, it will lie thus ; and answer for wings and legs to the fly. Wax a quar- ter yard of fine yellow silk, it will arm your gut, and PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. make the body of the fly. Take a hook, Aldington's, of Kendal, No. 2, by the bend, between the fore-finger and thumb of your left hand, with the point towards your finger's end ; place the gut along the top of the shank, and with the silk wrap them neatly together, beginning half way down the shank, and wrap to the end ; take two turns back again, which will form the head of the fly. along the hook, Lay the feather the point towards your left hand, and take three turns over it with the silk, feather; ther, and clip off the point of the seize the root of the fea- ^\ with a pair of nippers, wrap it neatly round till the fibre is all taken up, bring the silk round the root of the feather, so wrap to the tail of the fly ; clip off all superfluities, and fasten off by a couple of draw knots. With your dubbing- needle dress the fibre of the feather, and you have a plain hackled bloa, in all waters, sons, where and taken. which will take fish probably in all sea- when they are to be Among my acquaintances are several who have the reputation of good fly-fishers, whose flies are all made after the above simple method, (varying the colour of the material of course,) and I can make honourable mention PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. of at least one, who never fishes without his favourite " Snipe and yellow Bloa," from the beginning to the end of the season. To make a winged Fly as per figure. Having laid by you the materials, consisting of Wings ; a piece of feather, stripped from a Snipe's quill ; Body ; yellow silk ; Leys ; black Cock's hackle ; take hook and gut as before, and with the waxed silk begin as before ; wrap neatly and tightly till within two or three turns of the shank end of the hook ; take the feather for wings, lay the feather's point the proper length between your finger and thumb along the hook, and take two or three turns over it for the head of the fly ; bend the gut between the second and third fingers of your left hand, and with the scissors clip off the root end of the feather. Wrap the silk back again once under the wings, setting them upright ; with the point of the dubbing-needle divide equally the wings, crossing the silk between them. Lay the hackle for legs (which should be about an inch and quarter long) root end towards the bend of the hook, wrap your silk over it, and so form the body of the fly ; then with a pair of nippers seize the fibre end of the hackle, rib the body of the fly neatly with it till you get where the silk was left hanging down ; wrap the silk once or twice over the hackle, fasten by the usual draw knot, and dress off. 10 PRACTICAL FLY- FISHER. To make a Fly as per figure, (which is the most perfect repre- sentation of the natural,) having laid by you the materials, viz. Winys ; piece of feather from a Snipe's or Star- ling's quill ; Body ; fur of a Hare's ear, and yellow silk ; Legs ; grizzled hackle ; Tail ; two fibres of the same ; take the hook, gut, and fibre for tail, with the silk wrap them together, and proceed as in the last till you have tied on the hackle for legs ; wrap the hackle once round the head of the fly close to the wings, and once under them. Take a turn over it with the silk. Spin the dub- bing on the silk, wrap to the tail of the fly, dress off the superfluous dubbing, rib the body of the fly neatly back again with the silk, and fasten off in the usual way just beneath the wings. AYith the dubbing needle raise up and adjust the body, wings, and legs ; spread out the tail, and clip the fly into its proper form. If the fly be large, it will perhaps suit your pur- pose to wrap with double silk to the setting on of the wings ; then leave one end of the silk hanging down ; work out the remainder of the fly with one end, and with the other rib the body of the fly. The three patterns given are all intended to repre- sent the same insect. When you have made an artificial fly, by immersing it in a large glass of clear water, and looking at it in a good light, you will readily perceive whether it is like what you intended. PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 11 To make a Palmer fly. Hav- ing laid by you the materials, viz. hook, gut, feather of Cock's neck, about one and half inch long, herl of Ostrich or Peacock, tie the hook and gut together, beginning half way down the shank ; wrap to the end, one turn back again, lay on the herl, then the tinsel, then the feather, (root end) taking a turn with the silk over each ; wrap down to where you began. With the aid of nippers, wrap down with the herl, rib over that with the tinsel, then with the hackle ; to finish off neatly, tie down the hackle, then take a turn or two with the herl and tinsel, and fasten off with a double draw knot. 12 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. FLIES FOR MARCH. NO. 1. DAKK BLOA. Wings. Dark feather, from the inside of Water- hen's wing. Body. Dark red brown silk. Legs. Black Cock's hackle. Tail. Two strands of the same. NO. 2. OLIVE BLOA. Wings. Feather of Starling's quill, dyed in onion peel. Body. Light olive silk. Legs. Olive-stained hackle. Tail. Two small hairs from a Rabbit's whisker. Vary this Fly by using a feather undyed, or a Snipe's quill feather. NO. 3. BED CLOCK. Wings and Legs. Bed hackle, or Cock Pheasant's neck feather, hackled on. Body. Brown herl f Peacock ; bright red silk. NO. 4. LITTLE BROWN. Wings. Feather from the inside of a Woodcock's, or Hen Pheasant's wing. Body. Red copper-coloured silk. Legs. Brown hackle. This fly comes early, and at first is best made from the Woodcock ; but soon getting lighter, the Hen Pheasant should then be used. PRACTICAL FLY-FiSHER. NO. 5. ALDER FLY. Wings.- Dun feather of a Landrail's or Throstle's quill. Body. Blue and brown fur of a Squirrel, ribbed with lead coloured silk. Legs. Dark grizzled hackle. NO. 6. BLUE MIDGE. Wings. Feather of Waterhen's neck, or Land- rail's back. Body. Lead coloured silk. Legs. Grizzled hackle. These two flies are both bred in Autumn ; and as well as No. 4 may be seen on mild winter days. No. 6 best taken on moist days. NO. 7. RED-TAILED SPINNER. Wings. Feather from a Landrail's quill. Body. Red silk, gold twist. Legs. Red hackle. Tail. Three strands of the same. NO. 8. GREAT BROWN. Wings. Feather from one of the inner or shorter quills of a Hen Pheasant. Body. Copper-coloured silk, ribbed with olive. Legs. Olive-stained hackle. Tail. Two strands of the same feather as wings. The Great Brown is probably of greater notoriety than any fly on the river, and is imitated various ways, according to the taste of the angler, the state of the weather, the climate, and the river ; it is by some considered the greatest killer ; for my part I consider the olive or the yellow legged Bloa, which are always out at the same time quiet $ * PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 15 equal to it. From a number of methods I have tried in making and fishing this famous fly, in addition to the foregoing, I recommend the following. FOR THE EAELY PART OF THE SEASON. . Euddy grey feather from the tail of a Partridge. Body. Red silk, ribbed with olive. Legs. Grey feather from a Partridge's back. Tail. Two strands of the same. In heavy, cold weather, use for Wings. Outside of Woodcock's wing feather. Body. Olive silk, ribbed with gold tinsel. Legs. Red hackle. Tail. Two strands of the same. LATE ON IN APRIL. Wings. Light Pheasant's quill feather, stained in yellow dye. Body. Fur of Hare's face, ribbed with yellow silk. Legs. Greenish yellow hackle. Tail. Two strands of wing feather. Some of our local Anglers use for wings inside of Woodcock's wing, hackled on a body of orange silk. This, in my opinion, would be taken for the little Brown. I have had good sport with a ruddy grey feather from a Partridge's back, hackled on a body of copper coloured silk. 16 PRACTICAL FLY -FISHER. NO. 9. COW DUNG FLY. Wings. Landrail's quill feather, Body. Gosling's down, or buff Berlin wool, or buff herl of Ostrich, yellow silk. Legs. Yellow hackle. Best on windy days. NO. 10. BROWN CLOCK. Wings. Glossy feather of a Starling's neck, wrap- ped on a body of Peacock's herl and brown silk. Well taken in bright frosty weather. NO. 11. YELLOW-LEGGED BLOA. Wings. Feather from the inside of Dotteril, or Teal Duck, or the lightest part of Starling's quill. Body. Straw-coloured silk, waxed with cobbler's wax. Legs. Greenish yellow hackle. Tail. Two strands of same. NO. 12. WATER SPANIEL. Made by wrapping a Pewet's topping, or Tom Tit's (Wren's) tail feather, on a body of orange and lead- coloured silk, snipping part of the fibre off again. FLIES FOR APRIL. NO. 13, GREY GNAT. Wings.- Grey feather from a Partridge's back. Body. Orange coloured silk. Legs. Grizzled hackle. i^r 44- > PRACTICAL PLY-FISHER. 17 NO. 14. PIGEON BLUE BLOA. Wings. Feather of a Blue Pigeon's, or Waterhen's neck. Body. Brimstone flame coloured silk. Legs. Yellowish dun hackle. Tail. Two strands of the same. This fly has a golden coloured head, best made with a strand from the tail of a Cock Pheasant. When you use the Waterhen's feathers, take the tips of two, and do not divide the wings. 18 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. NO. 15. YELLOW MIDGE. Wings. Lightest part of a Throstle's quill feather. Body. Pale yellow silk ribbed with orange. Legs. Yellow hackle, or head the fly with down from the root end of a feather. NO. 16. GEE AT SPINNER. Wings. Dark part of a Starling's quill feather. Body. Brown silk, ribbed with gold tinsel. Legs. Red hackle. Tail. Three strands of the same. N.B. The Jay's quill is more transparent. NO. 17. BLACK MIDGE. Wings. Starling's quill feather. Body. Black silk, or black Ostrich herl. Legs. Black hackle. Make three or four, vary the size and colour a little, and fish them all together ; as when this fly is on, fish rarely rise at any other. NO. 18. SPIDER LEGS. Wings. Rusty coloured feather from a Fieldfare's back. Body. Lead coloured silk. Legs. Dark grizzled hackle. PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 19 NO. 19. SAND FLY. Wings. Euddy mottled feather, inside of Hen Pheasant's wing, Body. Reddish fur of a Hare's neck, ribbed with light brown silk. Legs. Ginger coloured hackle. NO, 20. GKEEN TAIL. Wings. Inside of a Hen Pheasant's wing. Body. Lead coloured silk, with a knot of green Peacock's herl for tail. Leys. Ginger hackle. These two flies should be dressed very full in the wing, and are taken in warm weather as early as six o'clock in the morning. 20 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. NO. 21. DOWN LOOKER Wings. Feather from the inside of a Woodcock's wing. Body. Orange and lead-coloured silk neatly ribbed. Legs. Hackle of Woodcock, or Grouse hen's neck. An excellent killer. NO. 22. STONE MIDGE. Wings. Feather from a Pewit's breast. Body. Herl from a Heron's quill, wrapped on sky- blue silk. Legs. Blue dun hackle. FLIES FOR MAY. NO. 23. LITTLE WHITE SPINNEE. Wings. Light Blue feather from the inside of a Pigeon's wing. Body. Orange silk for the extremities, white for the middle. Legs. Pale blue dun hackle. Tail. Three long strands of the same. It is well made by wrapping a pale dun hackle on the above body. NO. 24. GEEY MIDGE. Wings. Feather from a Woodcock's breast, wrap- ped on a body of pale yellow silk. fj -*- --- ?^^- PRACTICAL FLY- FISHER. 21 NO. 25. YELLOW SALLY. Wings. Pale yellow dyed feather. Body. Yellow silk, ribbed with fawn colour. Legs. Yellow hackle. NO. 26. MAY BROWN. Wings. Ruddy grey feather from the back of a Partridge. Body. Olive coloured silk, ribbed with light brown. Legs. Olive-stained hackle. Tail. Three strands of the same. A SPINNER of this class is made on the same body ; Wings, Starling's quill feather ; Legs, purple hackle. This Spinner should be made rather less than the May Brown. NO. 27. PALE BLUE BLOA. Wings. Feather of a Sea-Swallow.* Body. Pale yellow silk, ribbed with light sky blue. Legs. Pale yellow hackle. Tail. Two strands of the same. A good evening fly. * A blue feather from the outside of a Sea-Swallow's wing. 22 PRACTICAL FLY- FISHER. NO. 28. YELLOW FLY. Wings. Yellow dyed feather. Body. Yellow silk. Legs. Yellow hackle. Tail. Two strands of the same. Green herl of Peacock for head. NO. 29. LITTLE STONE BLOA. Wings. Feather from the inside of a Swift's wing. Body. Brown silk. Legs Brown hackle. NO. 30. BAEM FLY. Wings. Feather from the outside of a Brown Owl's wing. Body. Orange and ginger coloured silk. Legs. Ginger hackle. Another fly, same size, called Oil fly, is on at the same time. Wings Same as last. Body and shoulders. Black Ostrich herl, and dark red silk for tail. Legs. Black hackle. NO. 31. GREAT ALDEK FLY. Wings. Landrail's, or Snipe's quill feather. Body. Dark mulberry coloured silk towards the head, and bright red at the tail. Legs. Brown hackle. ; PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 23 NO. 32. MAY-FLY.* Wings. Feather from the inside of a grey Goose's wing. Body. Two strands of yellow, and one of drab Ostrich herl, neatly ribbed ; tie with brown silk. Legs. Brown hackle. Horns and Tail. Babbit's whiskers. NO. 33. GKEEN DRAKE Wings. A mottled feather of a Mallard dyed olive. Body. The middle of pale yellow silk ; the head and tail brown. Legs. Olive or brown hackle. Tail. Three strands from a Cock Pheasant's tail feather. NO. 34. GKEY DEAKE Wings. Mottled feather of Mallard, dyed feint purple. Body. The middle of white silk ; the head and tail brown. Leys. Purple hackle. Tail. Three hairs from a Rabbit's whisker, or chesnut hairs. * The May-fly is generally fished natural, being large enough to swim a good sized hook, or two smaller ones tied double. The one represented is the female ; the male, or Jack, as he is called, being much smaller, his wings shorter than his body, and his colour much darker. Fishes seem to prefer the female ; and from her great length of wing, enabling her to swim better, she is a much more tempting bait. They are to be found beneath the stones close to the river's edge, from about the 20th of May, or later according to the season ; and continue in season about ten days. An imitation of so large a fly can scarcely be expected to kill except in a wind, or late in the evening ; nevertheless I can safely recommend the above imitation to the notice of the scientific angler. 24 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. FLIES FOR JUNE. NO. 35. SOLDIER. Wings. Outside Eed Hackle ; inside Jay's quill. Body. Light red, ribbed with brown silk. After parting the inside wings, take a rather larger red hackle than is commonly used for legs, and wrap it twice outside the wings ; so forming the hard wings and legs of the fly. About ten days later, comes a dark coloured fly of the same class, called Sailor, made with olive hackle. NO. 36. HAWTHORN FLY. Same as No. 17, but larger. NO. 37. LIGHT SILVER HORNS. Wings. Throstle's, or Landrail's quill feather, with four strands of grey Mallard to make the white spots. Body. Light brown and lead-coloured silk. Legs. Sooty dun hackle. NO. 38. BLACK SILVER HORNS. Wings. Outside of Waterhen's wing, with two strands of Mallard to make the white. Body. Black Ostrich herl ; olive silk. Legs. Black hackle. Horns of both Grey Mallard. vn v 96 4<? -I PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. ^ NO. 39. LITTLE DARK BLOA. Wings. Inside of Waterhen's wing. Body. Lead-coloured silk, Legs. Yellowish dun hackle. Tail. Two small hairs from a Babbit's whisker. We have PALE BLUE BLOA same size, at the same time. Wings.- Light part of a Starling's quill feather. Body. Pale yellow and fawn-coloured silk. Legs and Tail. Pale yellow dun hackle. NO. 40. JUNE DUN. Wings. A feather from a Dotterirs back, or the outside of a Cock Sparrow's wing, hackled on a body of blue Rabbit's fur, and drab silk; Legs with honey dun hackle. NO. 41. TWITCH BELL. Winys. Inside lightest part of a Starling's quill feather ; outside and legs, brown hackle. Body. Brown Peacock's herl, made in the same style as the Soldier, No. 35, but much less. 26 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. PLIES FOR JULY. NO. 42. JUMPERS. These are the small flies that settle upon you while hay-making : they occasionally take the water, and are then greedily taken by fishes. One is imitated by wrapping a Tom Tit's tail feather on a body of yellow silk. The other, by a Golden Plo- ver's hackle on a body of yellow silk. NO. 43. LITTLE OLIVE BLOA. Wings. Feather of Starling's quill ; dyed in onion dye. Body. Lead coloured silk, ribbed with yellow, Legs. Dun hackle, stained same as wings. Tail. Two small Rabbit's whiskers. This fly turns to a Eed Spinner, made with red wings, tail, and legs. Body, brown silk ribbed with yellow ; taken in the evening. NO. 44. BLACK ANT. Wings. Feather of a Bluecap's tail. Body. Black Ostrich herl, dressed small in the middle. Legs. Brown hackle. NO. 45. RED ANT. Wings. Sparrow or Lark's quill. Body. Herl of Cock Pheasant's tail. Legs. Eed hackle. NO. 46. LITTLE BLUE BLOA. Wings. Bulfinch's tail feather. Body. Dark blue silk. Legs. Dark blue, or black hackle. Tail. Two strands of blue hackle. 46 ^ \^Ht 1^^^ -p) 4& <V^^^~ PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 27 FLIES FOR AUGUST. NO. 47. AUGUST BKOWN. Wings. Feather from a young Partridge's back, bright Hen Pheasant's quill, or grey Goose's breast. Body. Light brown silk, or Hare's face, ribbed with pale yellow silk. Legs. Grizzled hackle. Tail. Three strands of the same. This fly turns to a fine Ked Spinner, less but brighter than No. 7, well taken in the evening. The August Brown is equally as good in its season as the March Brown, which it very much resembles, though lighter coloured and smaller. NO. 48. CINNAMON FLY. Wings. Feather of a yellow Hen Landrail or Owl, that is near the colour of cinnamon. Body. Orange and straw coloured silk. Legs. Ginger hackle. This fly continues nearly to the end of the season, and is always best taken in a shower. NO. 49. LIGHT BLOA. Wings. Inside of Snipe's wing feather. Body. Light drab silk. Legs and Tail. Grizzled hackle. The Spinner is too transparent to imitate. 28 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. NO. 50. DAEK BLOA. Wings. Feather from the inside of a Swift's or Waterhen's wing. Body. Reddish brown silk. Legs and Tail. Brown hackle. NO. 51. OEANGE STINGEE. Wings. Feather from a Starling's quill. Body. The head of brown, the tail of orange silk, dressed small in the middle. Legs. Furnace hackle. This, though apparently a scarce insect, is greedily taken by both Trout and Grayling, from the middle of August to the end of Septem- ber. NO. 52. GEEY GEANNOM. Wings. Dark gray feather from a night Hawk, or Brown Owl. Body. Eed Squirrel's fur, ribbed with fawn coloured silk. Legs. Ginger hackle. This fly is of the same class as No. 48 and 20 ; having dark green eggs attached to it about the 12th of August ; it continues long in sea- son, but grows darker coloured as the cold weather advances. NO. 53. NANKEEN SPINNEE. Wings. Light Starling's quill feather. B t gdy. Nankeen, or Fawn coloured silk. Legs. Honey dun hackle. Tail. Three long strands of the same. A beautiful Eed Spinner of the same size is in season at the same time. They are two excellent flies, on fine evenings, about the middle of August. J2 JO Sr~ .3.5 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 29 NO. 54. SHINING BLACK SILVER HORNS. Wings. Dark shining feather of Cock Pheasant's neck, or*outside of Rook's wing. Body. Lead-coloured silk, ribbed with yellow. Legs. Dark grizzled hackle. Horns. Two strands of the same. This fly continues till the middle of October, is best taken on moist cloudy days. It is rather less than No. 38. FLIES FOR SEPTEMBER. NO. 55. LIGHT OLIVE BLOA. Wings. Inside of Dotteril's wing; or smaller quill of Sea Gull. Body Pale french white silk. Leys and Tail. Pale blue hackle. About the same time there is another light bloa ; wing of the same feather as No. 55 ; body, yellow silk ; legs, r yellow hackle ; tail, two strands of same. NO. 56. DARK OLIVE BLOA. Winys. Inside of Waterhen's wing. Body Lead-coloured silk. Leys. Dark olive or black hackle. Tail. Three small rabbit's whiskers. 30 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. NO. 57. SMALL WILLOW FLY. This fly is best made by wrapping a feather from the inside of a Snipe's wing, or a small grizzled hackle, on a body of light brown silk, or Mole's fur and yellow silk. Best on warm days. NO. 58. LARGE WILLOW FLY. Wings. Inside of Woodcock's wing feather. Body. Moles fur spun on yellow silk. Legs. Brown hackle. This fly is well made by hackling a grizzled hackle of a copperish hue on the above body. FLIES FOR OCTOBER. NO. 59. BLUE BOTTLE. Wings. Jay's quill feather. Body. Green herl of Peacock, or purple silk. Legs. Pewit's topping, ribbed neatly down the body; the fibres then snipped off, except under the wings. The Peacock's herl gives it a green, the silk a blue tint ; this, as well as the House Fly, are out during most of the season, but are seldom taken, till weakened by cold weather they fall in great quan- tities on the river. NO. 60. HOUSE FLY. Wings. Lark's quill feather. Body. Light brown silk, ribbed with drab Ostrich herl. Legs. Grizzled hackle. PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 31 NO. 61. SMALL OLIVE BLOA. Wings. Starling's quill feather stained in onion dye. Body. Yellow silk ; cobbler's wax. Legs. Olive-stained hackle. Tail. Two strands of the same. This fly is probably the same as No. 2, but is much smaller. It seems to live all Winter, and appears early in Spring, as Nos. 1 and 2. NO. 62. DAKK GREY MIDGE. Wings. Dark grey feather of Partridge. Body. Brown, or olive silk. Legs. Grey Partridge, or grizzled hackle. This fly, with Nos. 61, 5, and 6, are the last flies out. In the year 1851, on the 16th and 17th of December, with these four flies, I killed eleven large Graylings, besides smaller ones and Smelts : the river at the time being very low and clear, the weather mild, inclined to frost. 32 PRACTICAL FLY- FISHER. PALMEK HACKLES Are probably taken for Caterpillars or Hairy Worms, and are good general baits for Trout and Grayling, being taken by the largest fish in all seasons. NO. 63. RED PALMER. Body. Greenish herl of Peacock, ribbed with gold tinsel ; wrap with red silk. Red hackle over all. Good, in low, clear water. NO. 64. BLACK PALMER. Body. Dark Peacock's, or Ostrich's herl, ribbed with gold tinsel, green silk. Black, brown, or dark red Cock's hackle over all. This is an excellent bait when the water is clearing off after a flood ; especially in warm weather. It may be made on a large hook, but two smaller ones as in the pattern are preferable. A good Palmer for Spring is made body, green herl of Peacock, gold tinsel, green silk, with a greenish stained or grizzled Cock's hackle over all. It may be made about the size of No. 63. A good general fly is a mottled hackle, from a Hen Grouse's neck, wrapped on a body of brown Peacock's herl and yellow silk. N.B. Our local Anglers use a Golden Plover's hackle, and Tom Tit's tail for the same purpose. PRACTICAL FLY FISHER. 33 REMARKS. ON perusing the former part of this Volume, it will be observed that the intention of the Author was not to write a perfect treatise on Angling ; but a practical detail of the Flies, and the best mode of dressing them, as they appeared on the River Yore, as a guide to the advanced Angler, should he make a piscatorial tour into the North of Yorkshire : and it was his intention to have described the properties and peculiarities of two or three of our northern rivers, but more particularly of the A ire, Wharfe, and Rye. His object, likewise, was to call the attention of Anglers to the habits of, and modes of fishing for, Grayling rather than Trout ; although what applies to the former is applicable to a certain extent to the latter. They are both found existing in the same stream ; yet they frequently occupy very different positions in it. The Grayling differs from the Trout in this respect, it does not ascend the stream so high, and descends lower than the Trout. Thus very few Grayling are found in cold mountain streams ; but when the Trout ceases to exist, the Grayling continues to be found. This circumstance seems to depend upon several properties ; and first, on the temperature both of the external air and the water ; thus they require a warmer temperature than the Trout. If Grayling are placed in the same pool with Trout, fed by a cold spring, the for- mer soon die ; whilst the latter will thrive amazingly. 34 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. Grayling are never found in any quantity in rivers running through exposed mountainous districts ; nor are they found in rivers whose chemical constituents are of a cold, saline nature ; thus the geological character of the bed of the river influences them. They seldom get to a great size in rocky or gravelly streams, but require a combination of sand and loam. In most rivers, where they attain a large size, the current is never very rapid, but is generally found to be a combination of pool and stream ; and the vegetation on the bank of the river seems to exert a particular influence over them, as they seldom thrive in any stream running through a barren district ; this may be accounted for to a certain extent by the want of insect life, to be found in such situations. It would therefore seem that a good Grayling river should have four requisites ; 1st, a moderately warm temperature of the external air and the water : 2nd, a particular chemical constitution of the water : 3rd, a mixture of pool and stream : and 4th, a culti- vated country, through which it runs. In the Aire T Wharfe, and the Rye, these are to be found ; but more particularly in the Eye, which is the best Grayling river I know. It is one continuation of pool and stream, and in fact contains all the advantages I have just men- tioned. I shall return to a description of those streams in the course of this chapter. Not only do we find the Grayling occupy a differ- ent portion of the stream, but his habits of feeding differ from those of the Trout ; he is seldom taken in the rough and rapid streams, but more generally in the still water, or eddies by the side of them. Their favourite places for feeding would seem to be either in the slow PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. #5 current of the pool, or at the tail of the pool where it begins to run shallow. In fishing up stream, and with very fine tackle, either finely shaved gut or single hair should be employed. The tail of the pool, especially if rippled by wind, is my favourite resort for Grayling. The Grayling seems to rise at the fly with great rapidity, but yet takes the fly much more quietly and silently than the Trout, scarcely breaking the surface of the water. He feeds more especially on Small Duns and Gnats, but I have caught many Grayling with the larger flies ; viz., the Green Drake, the March Brown, and other larger insects. The Duns are favourite flies with me all the year, commencing with the Blue Dun in March and April. The Yellow Dun, Iron Blue Dun, on cold windy days. July Dun, Dun Cut, Blue Gnat, and Willow Fly. These will be found among the most killing flies, if varied according to season and weather. The Spider fly and Alder fly are good Grayling flies, and kill well in the Eye. The Grayling spawns at the end of April, and beginning of May ; the period varying a little from the temperature of the stream, and does not like the Trout ascend the river to do so, but deposits the ova in the stream it usually inhabits. The young fry may be caught with the fly, (at which they rise freely) in the September and October following ; being about six or eight inches in length. In twelve months they will become fish of half a pound weight. The Grayling in these Northern rivers rarely gets to weigh more than two pounds ; although I have taken a fish in the Rye weighing two and a half pounds : the 36 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. average of size is more frequently from half a pound to one and a half pound. During the breeding season, they may be seen swimming in shallow water, and only move off very slowly into the pool when disturbed ; being at all times a much bolder fish than the Trout. They are more particular than the Trout in taking the fly, and will frequently " rise short" at it, much to the annoyance of the Angler, for a whole day together. Having briefly described the habits and habitats of the Grayling, I shall proceed to notice the three Rivers intended by the Author. And first as to the Yore, or Ure, which rises hi the mountainous district on the con- fines of Westmoreland and Yorkshire ; and in its course towards Hawes in Wensleydale, is joined by three or four small streams from Shunner, Widdale, and Dodd Fells. From Hawes to Bainbridge, it is a small stream, but is here increased by the addition of Semmer-water ; below Bainbridge and Askrigg, the river contracts, and has a more rapid current ; at Aysgarth, there is a con- siderable cataract, below which it receives the stream from Bishopdale ; it then passes along to Bolton Hall ; thence to Wensley, where it continues its course to Middleham ; a little below this place it receives the Cover ; it now passes East Witton, and thence to Jerveaux Abbey, where Wensleydale may be said to terminate. Here the river widens arid continues to Clifton Castle a lovely spot ; the property of Timothy Hutton, Esq. Here the river becomes a magnificent stream, and the scenery remarkably picturesque and beautiful: it next reaches Masham, a neighbourhood full of interest to the tourist, bounded by the property of O. V. Harcourt, Esq., who resides at Swinton Park, a PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 37 magnificent mansion and grounds well worthy the notice of the traveller. About half a mile below Masham, it receives a tributary from the moors, called the Burn run- ning down Colsterdale, and passing within a short distance of S win ton ; like all the other small streams it contains innumerable small Trout, but is more adapted for min- now or worm fishing. It now passes Aldborough, the seat of John D'Arcy Hutton, Esq., and thence through that splendid amphitheatre of wood called Hackfall. Here the river winding among the rocks, presents one of the most delightful objects for the Angler's contemplation the imposing grandeur of the surrounding scenery and the varying character of the river, at one time rushing violently through some narrow gorge among the rocks, and now spreading out into the silent deep ; then form- ing the most delicious pool and stream, presents to the Angler everything to please the eye and excite the mind. After leaving Hackfall, it passes the village of Mickley, and soon reaches Tanfield ; about half a mile below which is situated Tanfield Mill, for a long period the residence of our late lamented Author. The river here possesses everything the Angler can desire in the form of fine broad streams, and continues so for a mile, where it begins to assume the appearance of a deep and slug- gish river ; and after it reaches llipon, it looses all the properties of a Trout and Grayling stream, and ceases to be of interest to the fly-fisher. It joins the Swale near Boroughbridge, and here becomes navigable, and soon after receives the name of the Ouse. From the source of this river for the first five or six miles, and on even as far as Aysgarth Force, it pos- sesses little or no interest to the Fly-fisher ; the Trout 38 PRACTICAL LYF-F1SHER. are numerous, but small and generally killed with min- now or worm after a flood. There are no Grayling above Aysgarth, nor Salmon Fry or Smelts, as the Salmon never succeed in scaling this natural barrier : here the Grayling commence, and although they are not numerous at this point, they gradually increase in number as you descend the river. About Bolton, there is good fly-fishing for three or four miles as far as Wensley. The river here is preserved by Lord Bolton. From this point, the deeps are numerous and long, and continue so for some miles ; in fact some distance below Jerveaux Abbey. About a mile and a half above Clifton, the streams again commence and continue without serious intermission until you approach Masham. The Clifton streams are the admiration of all fishermen ; here Trout and Grayling abound in con- siderable numbers, and attain a good size. A polite note sent to the liberal owner, will generally ensure a day's fly-fishing. I consider Masham one of the best stations on the line ; you will find good accommodation, and leave may be generally obtained either from O. V. Harcourt, Esq., of Swinton Park, or John D'Arcy Hutton, Esq., of Aldborough ; both gentlemen being extremely liberal in granting leave for a day or two. The fishing at Aldborough is thought by many Anglers to be equal to that of Clifton ; and as it is now strictly preserved, I have no doubt it is so. In Hackfall, the river is everything the Angler can desire. From this point to Tanfield, it is in good order for Fly-fishing ; and leave can be obtained by taking up your quarters at the Brace's Arms Inn, Tanfield ; the landlord having the power of supplying you with a ticket ; or by dropping a PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 39 note to John Dalton, Esq., of Sleningford, who preserves his side of the river for some distance above and below Tanfield. A little below the village stands Tanfield Mill, late the residence of Mr. Jackson ; and here the fishing continues good for a mile further ; the Trout, however, begin to decline, whilst the Grayling continue very numerous and get to a good size. After this point, the Fly-fishing is not good. As the river approaches Ripon, the pools become long deeps, abounding in Pike, and a variety of coarse fish. I consider the best water for Fly-fishing in the line extends for ten miles ; from two miles above Clifton Castle, to one mile below Tan- field Mill : the scenery during this distance being extremely beautiful, and offering a rich treat as well to artist as the angler. The Wharfe is one of the most beautiful streams in the North of England, and Wharfedale is justly cele- brated for the extent and variety of its scenery ; varying from the richest agricultural district with its broad valley and waving corn-fields to the wildest and most romantic dells, with their rapid torrents and beetling crags. The Wharfe rises in the moors in the North-west of Yorkshire, embraces two streams, one of which has- its source about ten miles above the small town of Ket- tlewell, and the other a few miles above the village of Arncliffe ; and in both of which there is good Trout fishing. They unite near to Kilnsey and form a con- siderable river, which is strictly preserved by a number of gentlemen constituting the Kilnsey Anglers 1 Club. This fishery is considered one of the best Trouting streams in Yorkshire ; the fish being more numerous 40 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. than in any of the other well known rivers, and averaging a fair size ; though not so large as those of the Rye, at Helmsley; the Aire, at Skipton; or the Beck at Driffield. The fishing is here indeed all that the accomplished Angler can desire, being one continuous succession of streams and pools, and the banks unusually free from wood. The scenery is wild and picturesque ; the well- known Kilnsey Crag forming a striking feature in the landscape. Good fare and comfortable accommodation are to be had at the head quarters of the Club the Tennanfs Arms, at Kilnsey. Strangers are allowed to purchase day-tickets. The river next passes the villages of Grassington and Burnsall, flows past Barden Tower, and enters the enchanting wood of Bolton Abbey, one of the estates of his Grace the Duke of Devonshire. Here the fishing is good, the Trout being numerous, but the river being hard fished they run small. Grayling are also found, but they are not very numerons. Stran- gers can procure permission to fish by taking up their quarters at the Devonshire Arms Hotel, or Ked Lion Inn. Even if not always successful in filling a creel, the true sportsman (who should be a lover of nature) will be the better for a day spent in this delightful locality. He will have something like nine miles of river to ramble along ; may meditate as he passes the Ruins of Bolton Abbey, or rest awe-stricken as he watches the foaming waters of the far-famed Strid. From below Bolton Bridge to the market-town of Otley, (in which course it passes the villages of Ilkley, with its Hydropathic establish- ment and Burley,) the river is preserved by the various landed proprietors, and the gentlemen resident on their estates, viz., C. L. Kay, Christopher Dawson, Peter PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 41 Middleton, Edward Ackroyd, John Horsfall, Esquires, and others. At Otley, an Anglers' Club is established ; F. H. Fawkes, Esq., of Farnley Hall, having kindly given up his portion of the river, extending, with slight exceptions, from this town through Poole to Arthington and Castley, into the hands of the Club, under certain restrictions, such as using salmon roe, selling the fish, &c. Here day- tickets are issued to strangers at small charges. This part of the river would abound with fine Trout and Grayling, could the poachers be effectually checked and thus prevented sending the fish to the Leeds market every week or fortnight in great numbers. The river next enters the domains of the Earl of Hare- wood, through whose kind permission an Anglers' Club has been established, called the Harewood Anglers' Club. This fishery extends from Arthington to near Collingham, a distance of about seven miles. Here the Grayling are very numerous and predominate over the Trout. To remedy this defect, the artificial propagation of Trout is being adopted ; with what success remains to be seen. The river is a broad noble stream, flowing through a rich valley, and containing nearly every kind of fresh water fish known, from the Minnow to the Salmon; the Grayling being however best worthy the attention of the accomplished Angler, and very nume- merous. Strangers are allowed to fish with a Member's ticket, or upon payment of two shillings and sixpence per day to the funds of the Club, at the Harewood Arms, or at the Harewood Bridge Inn, where excellent accommodation is to be had. Below the domains of the Earl of Harewood, the Wharfe next flows through PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. Collingham, Wetherby, and Thorp- Arch, where the Fly-fishing may be said to terminate. Both these rivers require the finest tackle ; single hair being much more preferable than gut. The fish are extremely shy and not to be taken by a " bungler? The flies mentioned by the Author for the Yore, gene- rally kill well in the Wharfe, particularly the smaller duns and hackles. The Eye takes its rise on the hills of Cleveland, west of Burton Head, and flows down Bilsdale to the splendid scenery of Rivaulx Abbey, enters the magnifi- cent park of Lord Feversham, and emerges at Helmsley, which it passes, and enters the vale of Pickering. It next passes through the property of Sir George Womb- well, at Newton, flows onwards to Nunnington, washing the base of the ancient hall, now the property of Win. Rutson, Esq , of Kirby- Wiske, and thence it runs to Ness, through the rich pastoral lands of Wm. Kendall, Esq. ; passing Salton it soon reaches Malton, falling into the Derwent, previous to which it receives the Bran and the Dove. The Rye, the Bran, and the Dove, all have a sub- terranean course, and almost entirely disappear in sum- mer for a great part of their natural bed. Holbeck and Rical, two small streams celebrated for the flavour of their Trout, enter the Rye a little below Ness. In Bilsdale, and the upper portion of the Rye, Trout are very numerous, but do not get to a large size ; the fishing being generally confined to the minnow and worm. As the river approaches Rivaulx, the stream becomes broader, and the fly-fishing commences, although PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 43 it is somewhat difficult on account of the banks being covered with wood ; here the Grayling fishing may be said to commence. The surrounding scenery is almost beyond description. The woods around rising to a considerable height ; and the terraces of Bivaulx and Duncombe Park are truly magnificent : the old Abbey is indeed a stately ruin in a chosen spot. The fishing is strictly preserved by Lord Feversham ; but a day's fly-fishing may generally be obtained by application to his Lordship's agent at Helmsley ; Duncombe Park being kept entirely for his Lordship's private friends. From Helmsley Bridge to Newton Wath, the stream is strictly preserved by a party of gentlemen, through the kind permission of Lord Feversham, who have formed it into a fishing Club, called the Ryedale Anglers* Club ; the head quarters being at Mr. A gar's, Helmsley. I can highly recommend the Black Swan to the attention of all tourists ; every accommodation can be afforded, coupled with moderate charges. The good lady of the house is an excellent provider, and will endeavour to make you comfortable. Gentlemen who fish the lower part of the Club water frequently take up their quarters at Mr. Thorpe's, Oswaldkirk : here will be found a quiet snug retreat and good accommodation. The Inn is about a mile from the river. The Club water is undsr the surveillance of a keeper, and no fish is allowed to be taken except it measure nine inches. This portion of the river is one combination of pool and stream. The Grayling are more numerous than Trout, and the latter neither get to a large size, nor are they of good flavour ; the Grayling, however, 44 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. are the largest and best I have ever caught, and may be frequently taken upwards of a pound in weight. At Newton, the river becojmes deeper, with high banks, and is more wooded, containing very large Trout and Gray- ling ; from thence to Nunnington, the water is strictly preserved by William Eutson, Esq. ; a few of that gen- tleman's private friends only having permission. Below this part, the river becomes deeper, and Trout begin to decline in numbers. Mr. Kendall, of Ness, is extremely liberal, and a polite note is almost certain to procure a day's fly-fishing. The Grayling are here both numerous and large, and in October some good sport may be expected. Grayling have been taken at Nunnington and Ness, weighing over three pounds, and Trout as far as six pounds weight ; such fish, however, are rare, and only captured occasionally. From this point I consider the fly-fishing of the Bye is at an end, as it becomes infested with Pike and considerable numbers of coarser fish. The flies for this river vary considerably from those f the Aire and Wharfe ; this I apprehend arises from the different geological constitution of the bed of the river, being a mixture of sand, gravel, and loam ; and on account of the absence of the saline salts, it retains a higher temperature. The Spring Flies, such as the March Brown and Blue Dun, kill equally well on all three rivers, being used according to temperature. The Bed Spinners kill well in the Bye, particularly as an evening fly ; while the Water Cricket gives very little sport. The Peacock fly is very useful on a quiet day, when the temperature is mild. The Sand flies are never very destructive ; though PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 45 they are found so killing at Driffield, where they may be fished with success from June to October. One of the greatest differences arises about the Stone fly, which is the May fly of the Yore and Wharfe ; and it is found in such quantities on the Yore as to be fished naturally the Green Drake being scarcely known. It is usually fished with a rather stiff rod, with the line about the length of the rod, with about a yard of gut at the bottom, armed with a double hook ; two flies are employed, the hooks pass through the thorax of the flies, their heads pointing differently, being placed on the hook what is commonly called " head to tail" It is best used with a strong breeze behind you ; then by raising your rod, the line floats out with the breeze, and by practice may be dropped gently and very naturally on the water. On the Rye, this fly is scarcely observed ; the Green Drake being very abundant as at Driffield and the streams of Derbyshire. I may here be permitted to relate an incident that occurred to me some years ago, whilst fishing with the Author at Tanfield Mills. I went to have a day's May fly, (Stone fly) fishing in the manner I have described ; and having obtained a good supply of the natural flies, I turned into the river opposite the Mill to fish up stream to the mill dam, which crosses the stream some two hundred yards above. The morning was beautiful, south wind, warm, half sunshine, half clouds. I found the fish feeding greedily, and soon filled a fifteen pound basket. It was almost impossible to allow the fly to fall on the surface without rising or hooking a fish. All at once the amusement ceased ; not a fish could be seen to move. I examined my stock of flies, and found, as 46 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. often occurs from overcrowding, their wings so injured as to be nearly useless as baits. I hastened to a small island in the middle of the river to obtain a fresh supply of flies, thinking any further want of success dependent on the injured state of the insects : after stopping some time in search of the flies, I heard some one calling loudly to me : I found it was my friend Mr. Jackson, who had observed the river rising rapidly. I made an attempt to crosss the stream, but I found the current had so increased as to render it impossible for me to do so ; my friend immediately fetched a horse, and rescued me from my dangerous position. This river is very liable to sudden and unexpected floods, from thunder storms passing over Wensleydale, when not a drop of rain falls in the country below. In resuming my description of the flies that fish well in the Rye. The Yellow Dun, gravel bed ; the Hawthorn Fly ; the Oak Fly ; the Fern Fly, particu- larly in hot bright weather, and as an evening fly, especially the Alder Fly, which is very abundant on the Bye, and kills well during the time the Green Drake is on : I have found it the most destructive fly on the river. The Grey Drake kills well in the evenings ; but from the difficulty of obtaining good imitations of the Drakes, I generally fish the Alder Fly, using the different sizes on the same bottom. Another large fly is very destruc- tive in the Bye I allude to the Dark Mackerel, which kills the largest Trout, especially in the evening. The Bye now becomes a meagre river for sport, until August, when the Silver Horns is an excellent fly, particularly in showery weather. The Autumn flies in the Bye are the Whirling PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 47 Blue Dun, the Dun Cut, and Blue Gnat (Ephemera's) the Orange fly, and the Willow fly. On the 15th Octo- ber, 1853, I took fifteen brace of good sized Grayling with the Whirling Blue Dun, the Dun Cut, the Willow fly, and the Blue Gnat. The Blue Gnat was the most destructive. The Palmers, with one exception, the Black Palmer with silver twist, seldom kill so well in the Eye as I have found them in other rivers. I commence using it in May, and find it very killing, in the evening espe- cially, up to September. The Eed Palmer, so great a favourite with most country anglers, does not kill well in the Eye. In speaking of the Eye, during twenty years experience in fly-fishing, in which period I have had an opportunity of fishing some of the best rivers in Derby- shire, Yorkshire, Cumberland, Northumberland, and even the Tweed itself ; I have found no river yield so much sport for the whole season as the Eye ; and unlike the Yore and Wharf e, a tyro may have amusement in the Eye, when he can obtain it nowhere else. It is however not so good as it used to be, and I believe this to be owing to the low state of the river ; that is, a larger quantity of water passes along its subterranean course than was wont some few years ago. In the foregoing remarks, I have avoided saying anything on other baits for taking Grayling, as I con- ceive that was not the object the Author had in view ; nor have I indulged in many remarks about fly-fishing for Trout, as I know the Author considered the Gray- ling a neglected fish, and required a more elaborate notice from piscatorial writers than he has hitherto received ; and if he has succeeded in rendering him a greater favourite among fly-fishers, he would have con- 48 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. sidered himself eminently successful, and have felt amply repaid for all his unwearied industry and perseverance he has manifested in this little Work. ON being called upon to complete this little Work on Fly-fishing, commenced by my late lamented friend, MR. JOHN JACKSON, I shall be pardoned in giving the following short biographical sketch of one who stood high in the estimation of all who knew him. The Author was born at Masham Mill, on the banks of the Yore, where he resided the earlier part of his life ; and here, as a school-boy, I first made his acquaintance, which ripened into a friendship terminated only by his death. It was during his residence at Mas- ham Mill I received my first lessons in the piscatorial art from him. He afterwards removed to Tanfield Mill, where he resided until his death ; and here it was he commenced his laborious investigations, which gave birth to this little Volume. He was a person of quiet, and unobtrusive habits, unostentatious in manner, and cour- teous in deportment ; his intellect was far above medi- ocrity ; and although his attainments could scarcely be termed scientific, they were of a high order. His per- ceptive powers were good, and he possessed a consider- able share of perseverance and industry, rendering him a proficient in whatever he undertook : he was not only a skilful Fly-fisher, but a profound Musician, and a very PRACTICAL FLY- FISHER. 49 superior performer on the flute. In domestic life he was a good husband, an indulgent parent, and a kind friend ; and ever ready to assist a brother angler in distress, either by dressing him such flies as generally ensured him success, or by killing him a dish of fish. He died in the prime of life, respected by all who knew him. T. H. B. Eomngham, Harch^ 1854* H PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER, APPENDIX* BY THE LATE JOHN JACKSON. FLIES FOR MARCH. NO. 1. DARK BLOA. One of the earliest flies ; good in March and April. NO. 2. OLIVE BLOA. Female of the above ; March and April ; a good fly on a cold day. NO. 3. RED CLOCK, A good general fly ; best in March and April. On eold days, use those made with tinsel. NO. 4. LITTLE BROWN. Good in March and April. The darker ones first, the lighter ones later on ; best on warm days. * The matter contained in this Appendix, did not come into the hands of the Editor until the rest of the Work had been printed. Many of the remarks however appearing of importance to the inexpe- rienced Angler, it was deemed better to give them at the end of the Work, PRACTICAL FLY -FISHER. 5l NO. 5. ALDER FLY. Bred in October ; continues till April : a good fly on woody streams. NO. 6. BLUE MIDGE. A good fly late in Autumn, and early in Spring ; best on moist days inclined for rain. NO. 7. RED TAIL'D SPINNER. Metamorphosis of No. 1 ; latter end of March, and early part of April, towards evening., NO. 8. GREAT BROWN OR MARCH BROWN. March and April ; the darker ones first. NO. 9. COW DUNG FLY. March and April; also August and September; best on windy days. NO. 10. BROWN CLOCK OR PEACOCK FLY. One of the earliest insects ; taken best on bright frosty mornings, before the browns and bloas have come out. NO. 11. YELLOW LEG'D BLOA. Good from about the 20th March to the end of April ; particularly on cold days in the middle of the latter month. 52 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. NO. 12. WATER SPANIEL. One of the earliest insects ; good on bright days in March, April, September, and October. NO. 13. GEEY GNAT. The darker ones good generally from April ; the lighter ones in March and October. FLIES FOR APRIL. NO. 44. PIGEON OB BLUE BLOA. Probably the male of No. 11 ; particularly good on cold days : the latter end of April and beginning of May. NO. 15. YELLOW MIDGE. Good from Mid- April to Mid- May. NO. 16. GREAT SPINNER. Probably the male, or metamorphosis of No. 8 ; good towards evening : the latter end of April and during May. NO. 17. BLACK MIDGE. From about the 20th of April to the middle of May. NO. 18. SPIDER LEGS. Latter end of April and May ; best in windy weather. PRACTICAL FLY-FI8HEB* 53 NO. 19. SAND FLY. Comes on about the 20th April ; continues till the middle of May. NO. 20. GEEEN TAIL. The female of the above ; about the same time. They are taken best on fine days, from six o'clock in the morning till about ten ; again in the evening. NO. 21. DOWN LOOKEK OB ASH FLY. In season from about the 20th of April to the end of June : a good fly on windy days. NO. 22. STONE MIDGE. Good from about the 28th of April till the end of May ; again in August and September. NO. 23. LITTLE WHITE SPINNER. In season the last week in April and the first in May : a good evening fly through the hotter months. This fly appears to be a metamorphosis of No. 14. FLIES FOR MAY. NO. 24. GREY MIDGE. A good fly the latter end of April, and through the summer months. 54 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. NO. 25. YELLOW SALLY. Of the same class as No. 4 : in season about the first three weeks in May, morning and evening. NO. 26. MAY BROWN AND PUEPLE SPINNER. Good from about the middle of May till the middle of June : the Spinner best towards evening. NO. 27. PALE BLUE BLOA. In season from the middle of May through June : a good evening fly. NO. 28. YELLOW FLY. In season during the greatest part of May and June ; kills best on cold days. NO. 29. LIFTLE STONE BLOA. Comes on the water by fits and starts, from the middle of May, through the summer months : best at mid-day. NO. 30. BARM FLY AND OWL FLY. In season about the 25th May ; continue through most of June ; the lighter coloured ones best at night. NO. 31. GREAT ALDER FLY. In season about the 26th of May ; continues till the middle of June : best in woody streams. PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 55 NO. 32. MAY FLY. Generally in season about the last week in May, or the first in June ; kills best natural ; but the imitation will answer in rough water or a wind. NO. 33. GREEN DRAKE. In season generally from about the 20th of May till the middle of June. Kills best on cold days. NO. 34. GREY DRAKE. In season a few days later than the Green Drake : kills best in the evening. NO. 35. SOLDIER AND SAILOR. The former comes on about the first, the latter about the last week in June. FLIES FOR JUNE. NO. 36. HAWTHORN FLY. Good during the whole of June. NO. 37. AND NO. 38. SILVER HORNS, LIGHT AND BLACK. The light comes on about the 7th, the dark about the 10th of June : best in showery weather. 56 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. NO. 39. LITTLE DARK AND PALE BLUE BLOA. The dark about noon, the light towards evening, through this and the following month. NO. 40. JUNE DUN. In season about the 10th of June; continues through July and August. A good fly in mild showery weather. NO. 41. TWITCH BELL. About the 28th of June may be seen flying about in great numbers ; continues till the middle of July : best in the Evening. FLIES FOR JULY. NO. 42. JUMPERS. From the beginning of July to the middle of August ; the lighter ones first. NO. 43. LITTLE OLIVE BLOA. In season the greater part of July and August ; best on cold days. NO. 44. AND NO. 45. BLACK AND RED ANT FLIES. In season in July, August, and September ; good occasionally after an emmet flight, particularly near the moors. PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 57 NO. 46. LITTLE BLUE BLOA. July and August : good about noon. FLIES FOR AUGUST. NO. 44. AUGUST BROWN. Comes out about the 26th of July, but continues through August and part of September; a fly well taken. NO. 48. CINNAMON FLY. August, September, and October : best on rainy days. NO. 49. LIGHT BLOA August, September, and October ; a good fly on coldish days. NO. 50. DARK BLOA. Good about noon. NO. 51. ORANGE STINGER. Good on hot days in August and the early part of September. NO. 52. GREY GRANNOM. Best on showery days ; August and September. NO. 53. NANKEEN SPINNER. Good towards evening, from the middle of August. 58 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. NO. 54. SHINING BLACK SILVER HOENS. Good in moist calm weather ; August 20th to September 20th. FLIES FOR SEPTEMBER. NO. 55. LIGHT OLIVE BLOA, A good fly to the end of the season. NO. 57. SMALL WILLOW FLY. Good on warm days, continues to the end of the season. NO. 58. LAEGE WILLOW FLY. Good on warm days ; September and October. FLIES FOR OCTOBER. NO. 59. AND 60. BLUE BOTTLE AND HOUSE FLY. NO. 61. SMALL OLIVE BLOA. Good to the end of the season. NO. 62. DAEK GEEY MIDGE. Good to the end of the season. SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Allison, J P. Esq, Kilvington Alvanley, The Hon. Lord, two copies Barker, T. H. Esq, Hovingham Barker, Mr. Masham Barker, Mr. E., Thirsk Bowers, Mr. Robert, Wakefield Braithwaite, Mr. John, Bedale Broadwood, William, Esq, London Brumfit, W. Esq, Shipley Bulmer, William, Esq, York Bums, Mr. Joseph, St. John St., Bradford Carter, Mr. Thomas, Masham, two copies Cawood, Martin, Esq, Leeds Chorley, Charles E. Esq, do. Coltman, W. C. Esq, Hutton Bonville Cuitt, George, Esq, Masham Dalton, John Esq Dalton, John Jun., Esq. Danby, Robert, Esq, Stamford Bridge Dawson, W. H. Esq Deighton, Mr. John, Bradford Denton, W. J. Esq, Leeds Douglas, Mr. John, Bedale, two copies Drake, Rev. Geo., Mowbray Hill, two cop. Dunn, Mr. Thoralby Edmundson, Mr. T. Nutwith Cote Edwards, Henry, Esq, London Ellershaw, R. J. Esq, Leeds Ewbank, Mr. John, Nutwith Farguis, Esq Farlow, Charles, Esq, 191, Strand, London Fawkes, F. H. Esq, Farnley Fisher, John Esq, Masham Fitch, Rev. Thornton Steward Flowers, Rev. W. H., Nunnington Fox, James, Esq, Leeds Gallway, Sir Wm. Payne, M. P., Thirkleby Hall Glave, Mr. Thomas Swinton Greenwood John, Esq, Morton, Keighley Grimstone, T. Esq, Springfield house, Clifford Harcourt, Oct. Vernon, Esq., four copies Hare, H. J. Esq, Bramhope Hall Hartley, P. Esq, Ulverstone Hasse, Mr. Edward Leeds Hey, William, Esq, Leeds Hopkinson, John, Esq, London Hopkinson, Mr. James, Leeds Horseman, Mr. William, East Tanfield Hutchinson, R. E. Esq, Masham Hutton, John, Esq, Sowber Hill, three cop. Hutton, Timothy Esq, two copies Imeson, Mr. Thirsk Imeson, Mr. Robert, Swinton Imeson, Mr. Thomas, Thorp Moor Imeson, Mr. P. Ripon Jackson, Mr. G. Masham Jackson, Mr. George, Ripon Johnstone, Sir John Bart., M.P. Johnstone, Harcourt, Esq Judson, Mr. Ripon SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Kay, Esq, Wood Hall Kendall, William Esq, East Ness Kendall, T. Esq, Pickering Kendall, James, Esq, Pickering Kershaw, J. G. Esq, London Kirby, Mr. William, Jun, Bedale Lancaster, Mr. George, Thirsk Lascelles, The Hon. Edwin, M.P., two copies Leeds, His Grace the Duke of, four copies Leather, George Esq, Bradford Lishman, Mr. John, Wakefield Mathers, Captain, Watford, Herts Meek, James, Jun., Esq, York Milbank, Mark, Esq., two copies Milner, Esq, Newton Mitton, Rev. H. Market Weighton Monson, Rev. John, Bedale Moxon, Henry, Esq, London Neville, The Right Hon. Viscount Ord, William P. Esq, Chapeltown Parkin, Mr. J. Leeds Phillips, J. H. Esq, Bead Lane Grange, Helmsley Pickard, Mr. Grewelthorp Pierse, Henry Beresford, Esq Pyemont, John, Esq, Leeds Raper, Mr. John, Thirsk Rawdon, W. F. Esq, York Richmond, Mr. Thomas, Laverton Riddell, Rev. T. Masham, two copies Robinson, Wm. Esq, Solicitor, Richmond Rooke, R. L. Esq, Leeds Roxborough, His Grace the Duke of Russell, David, Esq, York, Salt, W. H. Esq, Crow Nest, Halifax two copies Scatcherd, Thomas, Esq, Boston Spa Scott, Rev. J. Coxwold Scott, Henry Esq, Owston Shepherd, Mr. Bedale Smith, Samuel, Esq, Leeds Smithson, Robert, Esq, York Staveley, T. K. Esq Sullivan, Charles Esq Swarbeck, Charles Esq, Sowerby Sykes, William Henry, Esq, Gledhow Teale, T. P. Esq, Leeds Teale, Joseph, Esq, ditto Tetley, Esq., Kilgram Bridge Tucker, Charles, Esq, two copies Vernon, The Hon. John, two copies Vyner, Henry, Esq Ware, H. J. Esq, Skipenbeck Watson, Henry, Esq, York Whitehead, William, Esq, York Whitelock, Mr. Richard, Masham Winn, W. S. Esq, Havera Park Wormald, Henry, Esq, Sawley Hall Worsley, R. W. Esq, Hovingham J. SWALLOW, PRINTER, CORN-EXCHANGE, LEEDS. ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIBERS. Bell, R. C. Esq. Headingley Buckley, Mr. Thomas, York Burnley, Mr. Manningham Butter-field, W. Esq. Bradford Craven, Mr. Dockroyd Hey, Richard, Esq. York Knowles, L. W. Esq. Gomersal Nowell, W. A. Esq. Netherside, Skipton Prior, Mr. George, Leeds Ramskill, Josiah, Esq. Do. Rickards, G. H. L. Esq. Armley Sims, John M. Esq. Leeds Simpson, Thomas, Esq. Do. Spark, William, Esq. Do. Sykes, Rev. Christopher, Roos Travis, T. H. Esq. York Watson, Mr. William, Masham Whitaker, Henry, Esq. Lightcliffe Wilson, John, Esq. Leeds York, Edward, Esq. Wighill Park