With all that is going on in the world right now, I am guessing you may be getting a little bit of cabin fever. Self quarantining is important, despite just how boring can be. One thing that has helped me pass the time while keeping myself entertained has been to reread some of my favorite fly fishing books. When I am not on the water, I at least want to be thinking about fishing and all of these books will do a great job to help hold you over until you can be strapping up your wading boots again.
-Anything written by John Gierach. His most sold book is Trout Bum while my personal favorite is Another Lousy Day In Paradise, but any of his novels will have you laughing while also putting your mind on the banks of a classic trout stream. Gierach has a witty since of humor to go along with his exceptional writing style. He also does a fantastic job of trying to figure out why we fly fish without getting too existential. Once you get addicted to the documentation of his fishing adventures, you will have plenty to do as he has over 20 books published, each as entertaining as the previous.
–Fifty Places To Fly Fishing Before You Die by Chris Santella. One thing I’ve noticed all fly fishermen have in common is a desire to explore. Never complacent, we are always looking for the next adventure to go on. This book will help you add to your bucket list while also making you appreciate some of the trips you have already been on. Also, we cannot mention this book without humbly pointing out that both Bristol Bay Alaska and Andros Island are featured. Once you finish this book, get ready for more as Santella quickly published, Fifty More Places To Fly Fish Before You Die following the first edition.
–The History Of Fly-Fishing In Fifty Flies by Ian Whitelaw. This book follows the evolution of fly fishing and how it developed into the wonderful sport that we all are so passionate about. It touches on different flies and locations but also on some of the heroes of the sport like Lee Wulff, Lefty Kreh, and Dave Whitlock. This book is about so much more than just “50 Flies.”
–The Little Red Book Of Fly Fishing by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers. A couple iconic journalist teamed up to create this popular book. It is packed full of expert advice delivered in a way that makes complicated topics appear simple. Want to become a great trout fisherman? This book will help you go from JV to Varsity.
Let’s hear from you, do you have any favorite books about fly fishing? Let us know!
Other Ways To Pass The Time:
I heartily recommend Storied Waters by David Van Wie. It takes you through 35 historic trout waters and links their history to each other and to writers associated with them. I haven’t chased trout for many years and never in these waters, but found it fascinating.
Trout by Ray Bergman a s classic and will really help get a younger fisher excited and knowledge
You can skip the parts that are not about fly fishing if you like but those are helpful as well