Sometimes a really good book doesn’t check all the boxes that you assume it should.
For example: a book on birds might be what you, a fly fisher, needs. Or, a Rocky Mountain angler could benefit from a book about Pennsylvania fly fishers. Or, a book about buffalo may very well be the best book you read this month.
Curious as to why I’ve used those examples? Good. Because I have some more book recommendations.
As I’ve done for all of the entries in my “Fly Fishing Books” series, I’ve spread the selections over three rough categories:
- Guide (regional, site specific)
- Technical (methods, locations, fly tying)
- Literature (novels, biographies, history)
Check out one kind of each book, why I suggest it, and a bonus read below. And follow the links in the headings to get a copy for yourself.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Eastern Region
I am quite aware that this book has nothing to do with fish on the surface. But if you spend time on the water, you’re going to see birds. Spend enough time on the water, and you may very well observe how the presence of certain bird species and the behavior of particular birds align with what fish are doing. Or, you might just enjoy knowing a little bit more about the wildlife you see. This compact, easy to navigate volume from the National Audubon Society is a great companion for a glove box or backpack. You can identify birds by color, shape, or genera.
Spring Creeks
, Mike Lawson
If you like fishing spring creeks, Lawson’s book is chock full of eye candy. Flipping through it is a recipe for daydreaming of slick pools and waving weed lines. Beyond that, it is one of the most comprehensive books on this kind of hydrological environment out there. There are a significant chunk of chapters devoted to insects. The attention to western spring creeks is also helpful, as eastern “limestone” treatments are much more common on fly fishing bookshelves.
Waters of the Valley: 50 Years of the Cumberland Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited, Michael Klimkos
Mike is a friend of mine; but I’d recommend Waters of the Valley regardless of if I knew him or not. This passion project was not only the result of a lot of research, but the product of decades of experiences and relationships. Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley is one of the most important places in the history of American fly fishing. The Trout Unlimited chapter there has played an important role. Regardless of where you live or fish, if you appreciate the study of angling culture this is a book that is well worth your time.
American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon
, Steven Rinella
I received this book less than a week ago, and have had to throttle myself to not consume it to the detriment of other important tasks. You probably know Rinella from MeatEater. As good as the content that he creates and produces through that platform is, this book is that much better. Part history and part narrative, this engaging read will capture your attention if you’re into hunting, biology, anthropology, cooking, survival… basically if you’re reading this you’ll enjoy reading that.
Want more book recommendations? Take a look at a few dozen ideas over on this page.