Even though shelf space is limited, a good fly fishing book is worth having. And, especially around the holidays, it is worth giving or receiving.

If you fly fish, you might consider building up your own fly fishing library. It doesn’t have to be stack after stack, stocked with first editions and rare old-world volumes. A simple stack of books that cater to your area or interests is a tangible resource for when you’re not on the water. Whether you’re the kind of person who will sit for hours or simply flip to a specific page to get the information you need, there are countless books that will be helpful.

Below are five ways to get your collection up and running. The best part is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. There are options for every budget. And it is another hobby that exists on the periphery of fly fishing .

Check out all five suggestions below:

Start with what you have.

You might own one or two fly fishing books. Statistically speaking, you have a larger library than most anglers. But you probably have some other, peripheral books that can go on that shelf. What about hiking guides? Outdoor adventure novels? Favorite issues of Trout, Field & Stream, or The Drake that you have hung onto?  Even if the collection is modest, and although you may whittle things down in the future, you might already have the makings of a nice little fly fishing library.

 Buy a little of what you need… and what you want.

Some of the best books you can get are books that you need. Buy your local guide. Buy the latest book from the expert on what you’re currently into: streamers, euro-nymphing, or fly tying. If you simply follow this pattern, you’ll quickly fill out your shelf with pertinent an helpful books that are uniquely suited for you and your fishing. But don’t forget to throw something in that simply looks interesting.

Put together a wish list (literally).

A gift-giving occasion is always around the corner. Using an online wish list (like Amazon benevolently provides), throw anything and everything in that even remotely interests you. Yes, you can forward the link onto the people who want to buy you something for your birthday. That is helpful because they can pick but also get you something you want. But it is also a helpful tool when you get a gift card, want to read something new, or are trying to remember the name of that book someone recommended.

Consider the classics.

There are some excellent books that have come out in the last five years. That number grows when expanding the selection back to the turn of the most recent century. But  the famous works with staying power are there for a reason. Consider A River Runs Through It, Big Two-Hearted River,  and Trout Bum.  Fishing Small Streams with a Fly Rod, The Orvis Guide to Prospecting for Trout, and L.L. Bean Fly Fishing for Bass Handbook are familiar, but worth owning. And although you can easily find them online…

Head to the used bookstore.

There is a good chance that “the classics” will be easy to find at your local reseller. And with a little bit of looking, something in mint condition isn’t out of reach. Used bookstores are also a great opportunity to pick up a known volume while also being introduced to something you’ve never heard of before. And with the way things are priced, picking  up both (and perhaps another) won’t break the bank.

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Looking for suggestions? Here’s dozen after dozen.

What were the first books in your library?

What is on your wish list?

What are the essential fly fishing volumes?

Let me know in the comments below.