Books every fly fisher should read

There are loads of great books teaching you techniques and making you a better angler, but this article focuses on the story driven books. This is my short list of fly fishing books that I have found valuable. If you think something is missing let me know and I’ll read it.

A River Runs Through It — Norman Maclean

You’ve likely seen the movie. Read the book too. It’s short and a great read.

The Longest Silence — Thomas McGuane

These essays cover everything from tarpon to trout. Funny, honest, and so well written. The kind of remarks that only come from real time on the water.

Trout Bum — John Gierach

Gierach shows the obsessive nature of fly fishers in a self-deprecating funny way. Trout Bum is full of accurate observations about the environment and internal workings of the angler. You just might find yourself on a lot of the pages.

“If people don’t occasionally walk away from you shaking their heads, you’re doing something wrong.”

— John Gierach

The Optimist — David Coggins

Coggins is a great writer and the man has impressive style. Give it a read.

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These books aren’t going to replace time on the water. Nothing does. But on a winter evening when the rivers are frozen and the next trip is months away, a good fishing book is the next best thing to being there.