The dry fly idea is not entirely new in this country. Thad. Norris and other early American experts often fished on the surface but of course they were not ac-
quainted with the highly specialized tackle and methods in use to-day. For a long time it was considered that most American trout streams were unsuited to dry fly fishing because they are swifter and rougher than the chalk streams of England but many anglers have learned that even fast water can be " fished dry " and they maintain that in case the fly is sucked under it is just as effective as any wet fly can be. Dry fly fishing is now an accepted angling method with the majority of American trout fishers and even confirmed wet fly men often carry a few dry flies tied to tapered leaders for fishing certain parts of their favorite streams. Ideal dry fly water is that which flows smooth and swift, just such water as many wet fly fishers pass by as unprofitable. Such water should be " checker-boarded " with casts before the angler moves up to fish new water, special attention being given to the spots along the bank where big fish would find cover and to fish that are seen to be feeding. In addition to rod, reel and tapered line greased with deer fat, the dry fly fisher should be equipped with tapered leaders. These should be of high quality gut, tied with small knots. A good one is one of nine feet in length and tapering from extra stout to 3X fine. At least an extra leader should be soaking in the leader box as well as a number of 12-inch strands of the same size as the extreme end of the leader. These are to be used as " points " to tie to the end of the leader as the original end is clipped off from changing flies.
