1. Troutnut Forum
›
2. Fly Fishing
›
3. Best Literature

As a beginner fly fisherman and an out of work English Major whose friends all prefer spin reel fishing I've been voraciously reading more or less anything to do with fly fishing. This of course includes Troutnut, catalogs, reviews and what not but am only now beginning to understand the sheer mass of literature around this wonderful subject.

I recently raided my (passed) grandfather's library and to my pleasant surprise found it well stocked in books. I'm simultaneously tackling Trout Madness by Robert Traver (this book lives in my car), A 1923 edition of Trout-Fishing For The Beginner by Richard Clapham, and will soon begin The Well Tempered Angler by Arnold Gingrich. Also included in the library: The Atlantic Salmon, Out of the Mainstream- Philip Crowe,The Making of a Trout Stream- Eric Taverner, among other "how to" and informationals.

I've also found the nearly everyone (even non-fisherman) seem to have a favorite fly fishing novel and my father was quick to pass along The River Why by James Duncan which I'm also digesting.

My question is this (especially with the on coming cold weather), what's your favorite novel, book, story, how to, or other wise related to fly fishing page turner and what's it offer the Constant Reader?

MarshallP - I've read The River Why and enjoyed it, a couple other novels you might try are Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It and Other Stories" and Hemingway's "The Nick Adams Stories".

I liked The River Why too, but was disappointed by the movie. However, as another English major, I typically expect that the book will be better than the movie anyway. Nick Lyons writes some fine tales as well.

Ernest Schwiebert's stories about fly fishing are my favorites.

Sounds like you have your hands full already. Yes to Jason's referral to Ernie...My favorite short story being his, "Portrait of the Pere Marquette".

Yes to John Voelker (Robert Traver)...another Michigan treasure he was.

Yes to Louis' suggestion...His collection, "Fisherman's Bounty", if you can find it, is a collection of others short stories that you will re-read.

I'm partial to Charlie Fox..."This Wonderful World of Trout", and his "Rising Trout".

I'm reluctant to reveal this one, but, Datus Proper's, "What the Trout Said: About the Design of Trout Flies and Other Mysteries"...We lost him way too early!

Finally. Charles Ritz, "A Fly Fisher's Life: The Art and Mechanics of Fly Fishing".

Spence

The Longest Silence Thomas McGuane
Fishless Days. Angling Nights Sparse Grey Hackle

Since you're in NH: "Striper Moon" by Ken Abrames. Might just have you adding a 10wt, stripping basket, nocturnal habits, and chin stubble to your fishing odyssey.

late to the thread, but golly! no one has listed my favorite philosopher/angler: John Gierach. many books, most still in print, one, All Fishermen are Liars, new in stores last April.

his use of the English language has this former teacher in awe.

if you can get hold of Trout Bum, don't miss "The Fly Rod". open closet doors still make me nervous...;-)

Don't know if it was mentioned but how about "Trout Madness" by Robert Traver and "Secret Places of Trout Fishermen" and "Fishing the Morning Lonely" by George Mendoza.

I've been really enjoying Trout Madness. I keep it in my car to slow myself down. Those vignettes are all to easy to zip through and I want to make it last. I've ended up in Bozeman MT this week before I start work back in RI and am debating going on river trip but its averaged 20F all week and I didn't bring an warm fishing gear!!!