The Best Books & Writers on Fly Fishing
River Fly Fishing: The Complete Guide
Peter Lapsley
From £12.35 on Amazon
One of the most popular fly fishing writers is Pete Lapsley. His books consistently top the most popular list on Amazon, probably due to his phenomenally long standing career and exceptional craft. His legacy and contribution to the literary fly fishing world is almost unparalleled, so learn from a master fisherman and purchase any of his books. We’re particularly fond of his River Fly Fishing: The Complete Guide.
Sex, Death and Fly Fishing
John Gierach
From £0.01 on Amazon
The popularity of Gierach’s works is probably due to his lighthearted approach to nonfiction. Many fans of his book Sex, Death and Fly Fishing have even dubbed it “the next best thing to fly fishing.” Alongside the heartwarming stories in this book are a cast of characters from Gierach’s life and an incredible journey that spans Utah’s Green River to completely unknown creeks in the Western States and Canada. It’s a read for escapists, just what you need during your lunch hour.
The Longest Silence
Tom McGuane
From £7.99 on Amazon
Lauded as one of the best written fishing memoirs, this book is a must read for any fishing fan. McGuane’s evocative and visceral The Longest Silence will transport you out of wherever you are into a world with the smell of mango groves in the air and storytelling at its heart. Some of the most memorable moments in the book include his classifications of anglers according to their preferred flies and even why fisherman lie. You’ll be lost in his descriptions and entertained by his opinions.
A River Never Sleeps
Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown
From £19.95 on Amazon
Brown’s take on rivers is a wholly unique one. He describes the music present in streams and their rhythms, the fact fishing isn’t just a sport, but an art plus his knowledge of fish lore is something to behold. His writing is evocative, atmospheric and the perfect afternoon read if you’re longing to get out in the waters but find yourself weighed down with day to day responsibilities. Escape and learn why a river never sleeps.
The Fly Tier’s Benchside Reference
Ted Leeson and Jim Schollmeyer
From £56 on Amazon
Whilst this one is the highest priced on our list it is considered to be one of the most valuable reference points for fly tying. Fans of the book praise its clear illustrations and photographic sequences as well as its advice on what to look for when buying fur and feathers. If making your own ties is part of your fly fishing routine then this book is a must. Obscure techniques such as Wonderwing are even included, with full steps.
A River Runs Through It
Norman Maclean
From £6 on Amazon
Arguably the most iconic in our list, A River Runs Through It is even loved by non-fly fishers. Originally published in 1976, A River Runs Through It is considered to be one of the classic stories from 20th century American literature. It may even be the book to bridge that gap between you and your non fly fishing friends or partner. There’s a soup of characters in this novella from drunks and loggers to card shanks. It’s a fishing book that will transport you from 21st century England to the heart of America at the turn of the century. Take a historical fishing trip with Norman Maclean’s classic.
Bruce Smithhamer
Written for Rod & Reel, Fly Fish Journal, The Drake
Image via brucesmithhammer.com
Bruce Smithhammer’s work is well known with fly fishers who read some of the biggest fly fishing publications. One of the youngest authors in our list, Smithhammer is most active online and in print. Take a look at his The Man Behind The River article and learn something new. It talks about settlers in the three forks area of America and the trapping they carried out there.
What are your must reads when it comes to fly fishing? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter! The prices listed in this article were true at the time of publication. All pictures of books from Amazon.