BOWLKER

[Traditionalist]

"Art Of Angling"   Bowlker, Charles, d. 1779

Red Fly. No. 1.

This Fly, which is the first for the season, appears about the middle of February, and continues on the water till April. It has four wings and generally flutters on the surface of the water, which tempts the fish and makes them take it eagerly. It is thus made artificially ; the wings of a dark drake's feather, the body of the red fur of a squirrel, and a red cock's hackle wrapt twice or thrice under the butt of the wings. The hook No. 7 or 8. This fly is to be fished with from ten o'clock in the morning till three in the afternoon.

Blue Dun. 2.

This Fly is found on most rivers ; it appears in the beginning of March and continues till the end of April. Its wings stand upright on its back, and are made of a feather out of a starling's wing, or the blue feathers that are found under the wing of a duck widgeon ; the body is of the blue fur of a fox, or the blue part of a squirrel's fur, mixed with a little yellow mohair, and a fine blue cock's hackle wrapt over the body in imitation of legs ; its tail is forked and of the same colour as the wings ; the hook No. 9. This fly may be fished with from ten in the morning till three in the afternoon, but the principal time is from twelve till two. It is most plentiful, and the fish take them best, in dark, cold weather.


March Brown. 3.

About the middle of March this fly makes its appearance, and continues on the water till the end of April. Its wings stand upright and are made of the feather from a pheasant's wing ; the tail is forked and of a similar colour ; the body of light hare's and squirrel's fur mixed, ribbed with yellow silk, and a partridge's hackle wrapt twice or thrice under the butt of the wings ; the hook No. 7- This fly may be used with great success in warm gloomy days, from eleven till two o'clock ; and when the Brown is on the water the fish will refuse every other kind. There cannot be too much said in commendation of this fly, both for its duration, and the extraordinary sport it affords the angler.


Cowdung Fly. 4.

This fly appears about the same time as the Brown, and continues on the water all the summer months, but the principal time to angle with it is from its first appearance till the end of April. Its wings, which stand upright, are made of a feather from the wings of a landrail, the body of dirty lemon-coloured mohair, and a hackle of the same colour wrapt under the butt of the wings ; the hook No. 8. This fly is chiefly to be used in cold stormy days ; it is seldom seen upon the water unless driven there by high winds.


Stone Fly. 5.

In the beginning of April the Stone Fly escapes from the husk, or case, before its wings are sufficiently grown to enable it to fly, and creeps to crevices in stones, from which circumstance its name is derived. It is seldom in perfection before the beginning of May. The wings are made of a fine dusky blue cock's hackle, the body of dark brown and yellow mohair mixed ; the hook No. 4 or 5. This fly may be used any time of the day, and will be found very destructive in the most rapid parts of rivers and small brooks.


Granam, or Green- tail. 6.

If the weather be warm, this fly makes its appearance in the beginning of April, and continues on the water about a week ; it is a very tender fly and cannot endure cold. The wings are made of a feather from the wing of a partridge, or pheasant ; the body of the fur of a hare's face, and a grizzle cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 9. This fly is to be fished with from seven o'clock in the morning till eleven, at which time the March Brown comes on, and as long as it continues, the fish will not take the Granam ; from five in the evening till dark the Granam may again be used with success.


Spider Fly. 7.

This fly appears about the middle of April, if the weather be warm, and is an excellent fly the remaining part of the month. The wings are made of a feather from a woodcock's wing, the body of lead-coloured silk, with a black cock's hackle wrapt under the wing ; the hook No. 9 or 10. It may be fished with at any time of the day.

Black Gnat. 8.

About the same time as the Spider, appears the Black Gnat, and continues till the end of May. The wings are made of a dark blue or dusky cock's hackle, and the body of a black ostrich's herl ; the hook No. 10. This fly is to be used in cold stormy days ; it is but seldom seen in warm weather.


Black Caterpillar. 9.

This insect appears early in May, and remains about a fortnight. The wings are made of a feather from a jay's wing, the body of a black ostrich's herl, with a black cock's hackle wound over the body ; the hook No. 8. It is to be used in the evening after a warm day, and is very killing in small rivers.

Little Iron Blue. 10.

In cold stormy days, about the tenth of May, this fly appears, arid lasts till the middle of June. Its wings stand upright, and are made of a dusky feather from under the wing of a blue hen, or cormorant, the body of water-rat's fur, ribbed with yellow silk, and a blue cock's hackle wrapt over the body ; the tail is forked, and of the same colour as the wings ; the hook No. 10. This is a very neat small fly, and is to be fished with in cold weather, from eleven o'clock in the morning till three in the afternoon.

Yellow Sally. 11.

About the twentieth of May the Yellow Sally Fly may be seen, and it continues till the middle of June. The wings are made of a yellow cock's hackle, and the body with yellow dubbing ; the hook No. 8 or 9.

Canon, or Down-hill Fly. 12.

This is the fly which is so frequently seen on the trunks of oak, ash, and willow trees; it is invariably found with its head pointing down- wards, from which circumstance it derives the appropriate name of the Down-hill fly. It appears about the twentieth of May and continues about a week in June. The wings are made of a feather from the wing of a partridge, the body of a bittern's feather, and the head of the brown fur of a hare ; the hook No. 8 or 9. This fly is bred in the oak-apple, and, like the Cowdung, is seldom seen on the water. Two of these flies, when alive, are an excellent bait to use in bobbing or dapping for Trout.

Shorn Fly. 13.

The Shorn Fly, or Marlow Buzz, appears on the water about the same time as the Canon, and continues till the end of July ; it is a small caterpillar with reddish-brown wings, and is frequently seen in grass fields. There are three kinds, but the one most useful is thus made ; the wings of a red cock's hackle, and the body of a peacock's herl ; the hook No. 6 or 7. The Shorn fly is in its greatest perfection in June, and will kill fish at any time in the day ; it is much used in Wales, but is better known there by the name of the Coch-a-bonddu, that is, red with a black body.


Yellow May Fly, or Cadow. 14.

This is the most important fly for Trout fishing of any, because at this period the Trout is in its greatest perfection ; it is bred from the cad-worm, and is found in considerable numbers at the sides of most small gravelly rivers, on bushes which overhang the water ; to which places they resort when they change from their chrysalis state. Its wings, which are single, stand upright like the wings of the butterfly ; the body is yellow (some are darker than others) ribbed with green ; the tail consists of three dark whisks, and is turned up towards the back ; from the green stripes on its body, it is sometimes called the Green Drake.

The naturalist may be highly gratified during a fine warm day, in the end of May, by observing the manner in which this singular insect breaks through and flies from the case in which it has been
enveloped while in the stale of a maggot. The wings are formed artificially of the light feather of a grey drake, or wild mallard, dyed yellow ; the body of yellow ram's wool, seal's fur, or amber-coloured mohair mixed with a little foxdown, or hog's wool, ribbed with pale yellow and green silk, or the feather of a heron, to imitate the joints of the fly's body ; the head of peacock's herl, and the tail of three long hairs from a sable muff, or the whiskers of a black cat; the hook No. 6. This fly appears in the end of May, but the principal time for using it is from the first to the twelfth of June, from ten in the morning till seven in the evening.


Grey Drake. 15.

This fly appears at the same time as the last mentioned, and very much resembles it in shape ; the wings are made of a dark-grey feather of a mallard ; the body of light goat's hair, or white ostrich's herl, striped with dark silk ; the legs of a grizzle cock's hackle ; the head of peacock's herl, and the tail of three hairs from a sable murT or fitchew's tail ; the hook No. 6. Some anglers vary the body of this fly by warping with ash-coloured silk and silver twist. It is chiefly to be fished with in the evening, after the Yellow May Fly has disappeared, that is, from six o'clock till dark.

General Observations on Ephemeral Flies, applied particularly to the two preceding. ( 'This species of insect is named ephemeral, because of its very short existence in the fly state. It is one of the most beautiful species of flies, and undergoes five changes. At first the egg contains its vital principle ; it comes forth a small caterpillar, which is transformed into a chrysalis, then into a nympha, and lastly into a fly, which deposits its eggs upon the surface of the water, where the sun's rays bring them to life. Each egg produces a little red worm, which moves in a serpentine manner ; as soon as the cold weather sets in, this little worm makes for itself a shell, or lodging, where it passes the winter ; at the end of which it ceases to be a worm, and enters into ils third state, that of a chrysalis. It then sleeps till spring, and gradually becomes a beautiful nympha, or a sort of mummy, something in the form of a fish. At the time of its metamorphosis, the nympha at first seems inactive and lifeless ; in six days the head appears, raising itself gradually above the surface of the water; the body next disengages itself slowly and by degrees, till at length the whole animal comes out of its shell. The new-born fly remains for some minutes motionless upon the water ; then gradually revives, and feebly shakes its wings; then moves them quicker, and attempts first to walk, then to fly. As these insects are all hatched nearly at the same time, they are seen in swarms for a few hours flitting and playing upon the surface of the water. The male and female then unite and couple together for two more hours, when they again return to their sports, lay their eggs, and soon after die. Thus they terminate their short life in the space of a few hours, and the same day that saw them born witnesses their death/'


OrlFly. 16.

During the whole of June this fly may be seen playing upon the top of the water, and is a good killing fly from ten o'clock till four, es- pecially after the May Fly is gone, It has four wings lying close to the back, which should be made of a dark grizzle cock's hackle; the body of peacock's herl worked with dark red silk ; the hook No. 7. This fly is principally used in very warm weather.

Sky Blue. 17.

This fly also appears early in June, and continues till the middle of July ; the wings stand upright, and are made of the light blue feather of a hen, the body of pale yellow mohair mixed with light blue fur and ribbed with a yellow cock's hackle ; the hook No. 9. This fly is only to be used when the water is very low and fine.

Cadis Fly. 18.

About the twelfth of June this fly appears, and continues till the beginning of July ; it is bred from the cadis or cod-bait. The wings are made of a feather from a buff-coloured hen; the body of buff mohair, warped with a pale yellow hackle ; the hook No. 7. The Cadis is a fly worth the least notice of any, as there are many others on at the same time which are far preferable ; it is chiefly used at the clearing of the river after it has been disturbed

Fern Fly. 19.

This fly appears about the middle of June, and continues good till the middle of July. Its wings are made of a woodcock's feather, and the body of orange-coloured silk; the hook No. 6 or 7. It is a very killing fly, and may be used at any time of the day.

Red Spinner. 20.

The Red Spinner appears about the middle of June, and disappears in the end of August. The wings are made of a brownish grey feather of a drake ; the body of the red fur of a squirrel, ribbed with gold twist, and warped with a red cock's hackle ; the tail is forked, and of the herl of a red hackle. It may be varied thus : the wings of a feather from the wing of a starling, the body of dull red mohair, &c. as above. The hook No. 8 or 9. This is an excellent fly, but most killing when the water is dark, and late in the evening, after a hot day.

Blue Gnat. 21.

This fly appears at the same time as the Red Spinner, and continues about a fortnight. The wings are made of a small blue cock's hackle ; the body of light blue fur, mixed with a little yellow mohair ; the hook No. 10. It is only useful when the water is low and fine.

Large Red Ant. 22.

If the weather be hot, this fly will be found on the water in the middle of June, and will remain till the. middle of July. The wings are made of a starling's feather ; the body of peacock's herl, and a ginger-coloured cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 9. To be fished with from eleven o'clock in the forenoon, till six in the evening.

Large Black Ant. 23.

About the same time as the Red appears the Large Black Ant Fly. The wings are made of a very light sky-blue hackle ; the body of black ostrich's herl, and a black cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 9. This fly resembles the Red Ant in shape, and is to be used at the same period.

Welshman s Button. 24.

The Welshman's Button, or Hazel Fly, appears in the end of July, and remains about ten days. The wings are made of a red feather from the rump of a partridge, or pheasant ; the body with peacock's and black ostrich's herl mixed, and warped with a black cock's hackle ; the hook No. 8. This insect is a small cater- pillar, in form similar to a button, from whence it derives its name ; it is equally valuable for bobbing or dapping with, as for fly-fishing.

Little Red Ant. 25.

This fly appears about the twelfth of August, and remains on the water till the end of September ; the wings are made of a starling's feather ; the body of peacock's herl, with a ginger-colcured cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 10. It is a good killer from twelve o'clock till five, particularly in warm gloomy
days.

Little Black Ant. 25.

The Little Black Ant appears at the same time, and resembles in shape the Little Red Ant ; the wings are made of a very light sky- blue cock's hackle ; the body of black ostrich's herl, and a black cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 10. This fly is to be used with the Little Red Ant.

Whirling Blue. 26.

This fly appears about the twelfth of August, and remains three weeks ; its wings stand upright, and are made of a feather from the wing of a starling ; the body of squirrel's fur mixed with yellow mohair, and warped with a red cock's hackle ; the tail the same colour as the wings ; the hook No. 9. To be fished with during the middle of the day.


Little Pale Blue. 27.

This fly may be met with about the same time as the Whirling Blue, and it continues till the end of September. The wings are made of a feather from the wing of a sea-swallow ; the body of very pale blue fur mixed with yellow mohair, and warped with a pale blue hackle ; the hook No. 9. This fly is excellent for Greyling fishing, and may be used from eleven in the morning till three in the afternoon.

Willow Fly. 28.

In the beginning of September this fly appears, and is a very killing fly the remainder of the season. The wings are made of a grizzle cock's hackle ; the body of blue squirrel's fur mixed with yellow mohair ; the hook No. 8. It is a very destructive fly in cold stormy weather.


During the hot summer months so great a variety of flies appear every day upon the water, that the fish are more difficult to be taken than in the spring or autumn ; but it should be observed as a general rule, to angle with the first fly mentioned in each month, in the morning, and afterwards with such flies as appear in succession in the course of the day. These flies for the most part disappear about the middle of August, after which time sport is more to be depended upon with the three autumn flies, viz. the Whirling Blue, the Pale Blue, and the Willow, which are as good for Greyling fishing, as the three spring flies, viz. the Red, the Blue Dun, and the Brown, are for the early Trout fishing.

Dragon Fly, Libella, or Libellula.

This Fly is used only in Salmon fishing ; it frequents most rivers during the'months of July and August. The head of this insect is a beautiful object for the microscope ; it wears a mask as perfectly formed as those worn in a masquerade ; and this mask, fastened to its neck, and which it moves at will, serves to hold its prey while devouring it. This insect flies very swiftly, and feeds while on the wing, clearing the air of innumerable small flies. The wings are made of a reddish-brown feather from the wing of a cock turkey ; the body of auburn-coloured mohair warped with yellow silk ; and a ginger cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No, 2 or 3. Or it may be varied thus ; the wings of a rich brown feather from a heron's wing ; the body drab, or olive-coloured mohair; a bittern's hackle under the wings, and a forked tail. This fly is about two inches in length.

King's Fisher or Peacock Fly.

This is also a Salmon fly, and is seen at the same time as the Dragon fly. The wings are made of a feather from the neck or tail of a peacock ; the body of deep green mohair, warped with light green silk ; and a jay's feather, striped blue and white, wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 2 or 3. It may be thus varied ; the wings of a dark shining green feather from a drake's wing ; the body of green mohair, warped with chocolate silk ; and a bittern's hackle under the wings.

White Moth. 29.

This is a moth which appears in June and July, flitting about at the edge of night. The wings are made of a feather from the wing
of a white owl ; the body of white cotton, and a white cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 3 or 4. This moth is only used in night angling, and after this manner ; the line should be strong, and about a yard longer than the rod ; on the bend of the hook put two or three maggots or a well-scoured worm ; then throw in the bait, either in a stream or still water, with as little noise as possible ; and when you feel a bite, strike, and lift the fish out instantly. The best time for using this bait is in a dark gloomy night, from eleven o'clock till day break ; if the stars or moon shine the attempt will be fruitless.

Brown Moth.

This moth appears at the same time as the former. The wings are made of a feather from the brown owl ; the body of light brown mohair, with a grizzle cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 2 or 3. To be used precisely in the same manner as the White Moth.

PALMER WORMS.

The Palmer Worm is a small worm covered with hair, supposed to be so called because it wanders over all plants. There are several kinds used for fishing ; the following are the most killing.

Red Palmer. 30.
The body of the Red Palmer is made with dark red mohair, ribbed with gold twist, and warped with a blood red cock's hackle over the whole ; the hook No. 6 or 7.

Golden Palmer.
The body of orange-coloured silk, ribbed with peacock's herl and gold twist, and warped with a red cock's hackle.
Brown Palmer.
The body of amber-coloured hog's down, ribbed alternately with gold and silver twist, and warped with a red cock's hackle.

Black Palmer.
The body of black ostrich's herl, ribbed with silver twist, and warped with a black cock's hackle.

These Palmers will kill fish every month from February to October, and are to be used in the same manner as the artificial flies.