This book is designed to be a general reference for the beginning and intermediate angler. I cannot delve into every subject, but other books are available that discuss the various aspects of the sport in more detail. The following books are some that I feel should be part of any serious fly fisherman’s library.
General Reading
Brooks, Joe. 1972. Trout Fishing, New York: Outdoor Life, Harper & Row.
Published in the early ’70s, this is still a very good general book on fly fishing for trout. A book I often recommend to beginning anglers.
McClane, Al. 1965. McClane’s New Standard Fishing Encyclopedia. New York: Holt Rinehart & Winston.
A fabulous book, recommended for any library. Contains a wealth of information on all types of fishing, fisheries, and fish.
Schwiebert, Ernest. 1978. Trout. New York: E.P. Dutton.
Incredible two-volume work of some 1,700 pages. It very possibly is the most comprehensive book in print on the subject of fly fishing for trout. Particularly good for its historical information.
Fly Entomology
Arbona, Fred, Jr. 1980. Mayflies, the Angler and the Trout. New York: Winchester Press.
One of the latest and most important works on the mayfly, it answers many questions that previous works left open. Particularly good for those wishing to learn the keying out process for the various species. Essential for the serious angler.
Caucci, Al; Nastasi, Bob. 1975. Hatches. New York: Compara Hatch Ltd.
Another good book dealing with the mayfly. Good color photos. It describes in detail many of the important hatches, particularly in the East and Midwest. Also deals with specific fly imitations.
LaFontaine, Gary. 1981. Caddisflies. New York: Nick Lyons Books.
Not many books on the caddisfly have been published, and certainly this is the most definitive work. Essential for those anglers wishing to understand more about this very important food source of fish.
Marinaro, Vincent. 1970. Modern Dry Fly Code, New York: Crown.
Although first published in 1950, this is still one of the great books when it comes to describing the importance of fly silhouette, the trout’s window, and the creation of the thorax-style fly. Many consider it a classic.
Schwiebert, Ernest. 1955. Matching the Hatch. New York: Macmillan.
This was one of the very first fully comprehensive books on the various hatches and food sources throughout the country and not just in specific areas. Although more recent works have altered some of Ernie’s original findings, it is still considered a classic among fly fishing reference books.
Swisher, Doug; Richards, Carl. 1971. Selective Trout. New York: Crown.
Opened the entomologist era of the ’70s. One of the classic reference materials describing the selectivity of trout, the cycle of mayflies, important hatches throughout the United States, and, most important, fly styles (namely the no-hackles) for highly selective fish. Highly recommended.
Swisher, Doug; Richards, Carl; Arbona, Fred, Jr. 1980 Stoneflies. New York: Nick Lyons Books.
Like the caddisfly, stoneflies have been the subject of very few books. This one is perhaps the best. Highly recommended for the angler who wishes to complete his reference material on one of the three most important food sources of fish.
Whitlock, Dave. 1982. Guide to Aquatic Trout Foods. New York: Nick Lyons Books.
A good, general work describing all types of food that fish feed upon. Wonderfully illustrated. It gives the general angler opportunities to understand what is available in all of our water systems.
Fly Tying
Bay, Kenneth. 1970. How to Tie Freshwater Flies. New York: Winchester Press.
There have been many books written on the subject of fly tying, most of which are very good. Ken’s book is an excellent reference for those learning to tie the basics, including dries, wets, nymphs, and streamers.
Dennis, Jack. 1974. Western Fly Tying Manual. 2 vol. Jackson Hole, WY: Snake River Books.
A good book for those wishing to learn the western type of tying, particularly hairwing type flies.
Leiser, Eric. 1977. Complete Book of Fly Tying. New York: Alfred Knopf.
Not only does Eric describe in detail the method of tying many flies, but he is particularly good in explaining the various types of tools, materials, hooks, and even dyeing processes that are used.
Miscellaneous Reading
Brooks, Charles. 1976. Nymph Fishing for Larger Trout. New York: Crown.
This book is particularly good for those wishing to learn good, solid nymph techniques. It is oriented toward all nymph fishing, but especially that of the West.
Hills, John Waller. 1971. A History of Fly Fishing for Trout. New York: Freshet Press.
For those who want to learn more of the history of the sport, this is a very good book.
Kreh, Lefty. 1974. Fly Fishing in Salt Water. New York: Crown.
A good, basic book for those anglers wishing to gain further knowledge and understanding of fly fishing for fish in salt water. Lefty certainly shows his expertise in explaining the basics of this environment. A very important reference material.
Kreh, Lefty; Sosin, Mark. 1972. Practical Knots. New York: Crown.
Besides the basic knots, this how-to book describes and explains the wide variety of knots used by all fishermen. Because knots are an important element in the line-to-fly link, this is an almost essential reference volume on the subject.
Livingston, A.D. 1976. Flyrodding for Bass. Philadelphia and New York: Lippincott.
More and more books on fly fishing for bass and panfish are appearing, and this book deals with the subject as well as any other on the market. I highly recommend it for those who wish to pursue these great fish with a fly rod.
Schwiebert, Ernest. 1973. Nymphs. New York: Winchester Press.
Although rather specific in nature, this becomes a good reference for those anglers wishing to recognize the underwater stages of all the various types of insects available to the freshwater fish. The color plates are magnificent and can be used as a reference for fly tying.
Also: Anything written by Gene Hill. Although Gene’s books are not meant to be how-to guides, Gene may be one of the great outdoor writers of our time. He will make you laugh, move you to cry, and prompt you to reminisce. His thoughtfulness and insight stand out.
National Organizations and Magazines
Federation of Fly Fishermen, PO Box 1088, West Yellowstone, MT 59758. Many local clubs nationwide. Write for the one nearest you.
Trout Unlimited, PO Box 992, Taunton, MA 02780. Publishers of Trout magazine. Many local chapters. Write for the one nearest you.
International Game Fish Association, 3000 East Los Aloas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. World Records.
Nature Conservancy, Silver Creek Preserve, Box 624, Picabo, ID 83348. One of the finest environmental organizations operating today.
Fly Fisherman Magazine, Historial Times Inc., Box 8200, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Rod and Reel Magazine, Box 370, Camden, ME 04843.