Of all the flies that ever I see
The Cowdung Fly is the fly for me
In cloud or shine, in wet or dry
You can't find the beat of the Cowdung Fly!
So early in the morning or when the sun is sinking,
So early in the morning or any time of day.
The salmon fly shines in purple and gold
Brighter than Solomon shone of old
But give me the finest that money can buy
And I'll give it you back for the Cowdung Fly!
So early, &c.
A cute little chap is the silver trout
When the wind is still and the sun shines out!
No maiden so coy and no widow so sly
But he'll jump like a shot at the Cowdung Fly!
So early, &c.
A tough old cuss is the big black bass
It's a mighty hard job to bring him to grass
But it makes no odds how hard he may try
He can't resist the Cowdung Fly!
So early, &c.
There's many a fly of old renown
Green Drake, Red Spinner and little March Brown,
Coachman, Professor, but Oh my eye!
They ain't a patch on the Cowdung Fly!
So early, &c.
There are Hackles black and Hackles white
Good by day and good by night
Hackles brown and Hackles red
But the Cowdung Fly is away ahead!
So early, &c.
There's the little black gnat when the sun shines bright
And the big white moth for the cool twilight
But of all the bugs in earth and sky
I'll bet my boots on the Cowdung Fly!
So early, &c.
Then anglers all you can't go wrong
If you've plenty of Cowdung Flies along
You never will want for fish to fry
If your book's well stocked with the Cowdung Fly!