Recommended Fly Fishing Books

[mihai.bunda]

Hi all,

I'm a novice to fly fishing, and I was wondering if there are any books out there that you would recommend?

Pretty much anything that you found helpful...entemology... fly patterns.. I want to get a better understanding of the different hatches, techniques,etc.

Thank you in advance!

[ShortsideK]

the internet has an unlimited supply of info

[Scott N]

"Blue Ribbon Bow" is good for Calgarians, and another one I might suggest is "The Essential Guide to Flyfishing" by Clive Schaupmeyer, who I think is a board member here on AO.

[Heater]

"The Gilly" A Flyfisher's guide by Alfred G Davy. This is a great book full of information on fly fishing lakes.

[RisingRainbows]

Orvis Guide to Prospecting for Trout by Tom Rosenbauer

Trout Streams of Alberta by Jim McLennan

Fishing the Forestry Trunk Road by Barry Mitchell

[Mr Flyguy]

The Phenological Fly by Bob Scammel

Mayflies by Malcolm Knopp and Robert Cormier

Fly Fish the Trout Lakes with Jack Shaw

[MTB_FlyFisher]

Just a quick note in case you're not aware...

Library fees are $0 / year and they've got quite a decent selection of fly fishing books to borrow. Quite a few of the books I see recommended here are usually available at the library, and this would give you a chance to flip through a few of them to decide if there's one that you want for your shelf without dropping a bunch of money on a few different titles.

Regarding good beginner books, I'd highly recommend some of the ones put out by Orvis, specifically anything authored by Tom Rosenbauer. I found that he usually does a good job of explaining things in more novice friendly terms and the books themselves are typically quite well put-together with easy to understand diagrams / photos.

[professori]

Originally Posted by MTB_FlyFisher

Just a quick note in case you're not aware...

Library fees are $0 / year and they've got quite a decent selection of fly fishing books to borrow. Quite a few of the books I see recommended here are usually available at the library, and this would give you a chance to flip through a few of them to decide if there's one that you want for your shelf without dropping a bunch of money on a few different titles.

That depends entirely on your local library. Some libraries are well stocked, others next to nothing.

[MTB_FlyFisher]

Originally Posted by professori

That depends entirely on your local library. Some libraries are well stocked, others next to nothing.

Agreed.

However, in Calgary the library will freely deliver books on hold from any other Calgary library to your local branch. Unsure about Edmonton or other locations, however if the OP is in Calgary, it's a great option to look into.

[32-40win]

Gary Lafontaine's book on Caddisflies is like an encyclopedia on Caddis.
Skip Morris did a good one on mayflies as well, lot of his research was done around Kamloops. Art Lingren and Jack Shaw out of BC, both have good books for BC out there. Fly Fishing for Pacific Salmon by Barry Thornton is good.
Quite a bit of good reading on Phil Rowley's Flycraft Angling site.

[tallieho]

Originally Posted by mihai.bunda

Hi all,

I'm a novice to fly fishing, and I was wondering if there are any books out there that you would recommend?

Pretty much anything that you found helpful...entemology... fly patterns.. I want to get a better understanding of the different hatches, techniques,etc.

Thank you in advance!

Another option; Is check out your local flyfishing club,they generally have every current & old literature books,dvd etc. .For all aspects of the sport,on a sign out basis.Hook & hackle club amazed me as too what they have...

[Weedy1]

Presentation by Gary Borger. By far one of the best books you will ever find.

https://www.amazon.ca/Presentation-G.../dp/0962839256

[haggis57]

Morris and Chan on Fly Fishing Trout Lakes by Skip Morris and Brian Chan is a great place to start if you are going to fish stillwaters.

[professori]

I have just put down "Seasons for Trout" by Skip Morris, Dave Hughes and Rick Hafele. Very excellent book for angling in flowing water. The trio also did another book, "Tactics for Trout". There seems to be a lot of the same information crossing over between the 2 books, but again, you really can't go go wrong with these three authors.

[mihai.bunda]

Wow! Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I have quite a list to look at!

[mihai.bunda]

Originally Posted by MTB_FlyFisher

Just a quick note in case you're not aware...

Library fees are $0 / year and they've got quite a decent selection of fly fishing books to borrow. Quite a few of the books I see recommended here are usually available at the library, and this would give you a chance to flip through a few of them to decide if there's one that you want for your shelf without dropping a bunch of money on a few different titles.

Regarding good beginner books, I'd highly recommend some of the ones put out by Orvis, specifically anything authored by Tom Rosenbauer. I found that he usually does a good job of explaining things in more novice friendly terms and the books themselves are typically quite well put-together with easy to understand diagrams / photos.

Thank you! I definitely made myself a library account and started looking at the books that are available (there are also ebook available)

[kranky]

Commonsense Fly Fishing - Ray Ovington - ISBN 0-8117-2167-1

Lots of good advice in here. An easy, entertaining read as well.

[spurly]

I have bought a few Flyfishing books off of Chapters online site.
Good selection reasonable price, and free shipping.

[Calgaryguy1977]

Alberta's Trout Highway
Fishing the Forestry trunk Road
It's the greatest fly fishing book I've read. It really encouraged me to get out and explore western Alberta. He talks about a lot of different things in the book....I found almost all of it to be useful.
He talks about what flies he uses and where and also talks about some hatches.

[jgib01]

Originally Posted by mihai.bunda

Thank you! I definitely made myself a library account and started looking at the books that are available (there are also ebook available)

Good old 799.124

[Passthru]

Originally Posted by Calgaryguy1977

Alberta's Trout Highway
Fishing the Forestry trunk Road
It's the greatest fly fishing book I've read. It really encouraged me to get out and explore western Alberta. He talks about a lot of different things in the book....I found almost all of it to be useful.
He talks about what flies he uses and where and also talks about some hatches.

This x10. This book is my flyfishing exploration bible when I'm out there.

[CraigJ]

Originally Posted by Passthru

This x10. This book is my flyfishing exploration bible when I'm out there.

I vote this one too. Hella hard to find, but well worth it when you do...

[Jack fish hunter]

Originally Posted by Calgaryguy1977

Alberta's Trout Highway
Fishing the Forestry trunk Road
It's the greatest fly fishing book I've read. It really encouraged me to get out and explore western Alberta. He talks about a lot of different things in the book....I found almost all of it to be useful.
He talks about what flies he uses and where and also talks about some hatches.

Best book hands down.

[fudd-cap]

Seems most of the great local "how to" books have been covered. A great fishing read that won't teach you as much, but will probably increase your desire to get out and explore more rivers is "Chasing Rumor" by Cameron Chambers.

[Bigfeet]

Couple more written by Alberta authors:
Which Fly Do I Use? - Darren Banasch
Fly Fishing Western Trout Streams - Jim McLennan

[RoscoeT]

I would put a vote in for Reading Trout Water by Dave Hughes.
Great detail on simply what trout need and how to spot good lies.