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Books for Fly Fishers & Fly Tyers


Books make great gifts for winter reading. Winter gives us time for reflection, study, and preparation for next season. A good book makes a lasting impression. I still cherish and refer to books I’ve had for over thirty years.
Here are some examples, all available from fly shops locally.


Atlantic Salmon Flies & Fishing
by Joseph D. Bates, Jr., 2nd Edition, 1995, Stackpole Books.

First published in 1970, this book has passed the test of time, still the best reference for the subject. Hardcover, Price - $34.95.


Rotary Fly-Tying Techniques
by Al & Gretchen Beatty, 2008, Frank Amato Publications, Inc.

This is the first, long-overdue guide that shows owners of a true rotary fly-tying vise how to realize its potential. Softcover, $24.95.


Tying Flies with Foam, Fur and Feathers
by Harrison R. Steeves III, 2003, Stackpole Books.

Closed-cell foam is a great new material for tying dry flies, and this, the first book on the subject, clearly shows how to use it. Softcover, $19.95.


A Little Thing I Tied Myself
by Don MacLean, 2006, Nimbus Publishing.

Don MacLean is a Nova Scotia fisheries biologist, writer, angler and fly tyer. This book, resulting from years of research and interviews, tells the stories of Atlantic Canadian fly tyers and their flies. Softcover, $19.95.


Dying and Bleaching Natural Fly-Tying Materials
by A.K. Best, 2nd Edition, 2004, The Lyons Press.

This is an excellent instructional and reference book for fly tyers who want to dye materials. Hardcover, $24.95.


Advanced Fly-Fishing Techniques by
Lefty Kreh, 2nd Edition, 2002, The Lyons Press.

This is a wealth of expert advice from a master angler. Hardcover, $29.95


Mayflies “Top to Bottom” by Shane Stalcup, 2002, Frank Amato Publications, Inc.

Stalcup is a real innovator, showing new ways to imitate all stages and types of mayflies.  Softcover, $29.95.


The St. Mary’s and other Waters
by Charles Widgery, 2002, Glenelg Publishing.

You likely know some of the characters the author encountered on the St. Mary’s River. Charlie is a great storyteller with over 60 years of angling behind him. Softcover, $14.95.


Masters of the Nymph 
by J. Michael Migel & Leonard M. Wright, Jr., 2002, The Lyons Press.

This is a brilliant anthology of nymphing lore and indispensable fishing, tackle selection, and fly tying advice. Softcover, $18.95.


The Orvis Fly-Tying Manual
by Tom Rosenbauer, 2000, The Lyons Press.

A great beginner’s guide to fly-tying. Softcover, $18.95.


Tight lines and happy reading.

Please stay on the line …

November 5, 2008 - Gifts for Outdoor Folks

November 19, 2008 - More Gifts for Anglers