Good Fly Fishing Reads

As we come down the final stretch of winter, our focus has been on tying flies and our minds have been on sunny days standing in the river with a bend in the rod.  I find myself reading the same books year after year and each time picking up on something new.  As we have more experiences on the water, it's easier to relate to these great authors of fly fishing books.  

Being a guide, I find myself learning new tactics, but also going back to basics and reading about fly fishing from the ground up.  Many of the terms and techniques are good reminders when working with new fly fishermen.  A great book for the beginner or the expert who wants a good refresher is The L.L. Bean Fly-Fishing Handbook by Dave Whitlock.  It's a recommended read for any newcomer!

​

For those who are familiar with Maine waters or who want to learn about some new spots, I recommend A Fisherman's Guide to Maine​ by Kevin Tracewski.  I spent some time with Kevin eight years ago when I was fairly new to fly fishing.  He guided my father and I on a pond near Katahdin where we had a great day on the water fishing an epic green drake hatch.  His book can be extremely helpful for those looking to explore new waters in Maine.