Fly Fishing Book Review by Bob Triggs - Little Stone Flyfisher : Guide

Fly-Fishing Canada From Coast to Coast to Coast Written by 33 members of the Outdoors Writers of Canada Edited by Robert H. Jones Publisher: Johnson and Gorman 544 pages, 275 color photographs ISBN 0-921835-56-6 $49.95

This book, published in 2001, is an encyclopedic introduction to fly fishing in Canada. The breadth of subjects spreads out before the reader like a wheat field in the prarielands. Many of the writers here have opted to illuminate the same or similar subject matter. While no single article is untenuously long, in fact some are quite brief, together they serve to inform and encourage. Reading this book has me dreaming of all things fishy in Canada.

Of particular interest was the thorough presentations regarding such species as Chub, Carp, Garpike, Sheefish and Whitefish, Suckers and Crappie. There's even a great article on "dry fly" fishing for Pike. Fresh water and Saltwater are well represented and, as the title says, from coast to coast to coast. There is enough information in this book to provide any angler curious about fishing in Canada with the beginnings of a solid trip plan. Though a little short on exact locations, maps etc, the articles are very generous in their expose of some well kept Canadian secrets. Amongst my favorite essays was "Exotic Alternatives", with some interesting thoughts on some not so thought about fish. And don't worry, all the favorite trout and salmon are covered as well, in great detail.

But it is hard to have a favorite article from this book because so much of it is so good. The reading on Cutthroat Trout alone is extensive, but then so is the information about Walleye and Salmon and Cod. It is a refreshingly balanced work in this day of trout mania. Surprisingly to me there were quite a few recipies attatched to many of the articles, and some of them sound pretty good. The book is loaded with a beautiful photo essay of Canada's many diverse fly fishing opportunities. The fly section features over 100 flies, some with recipies, many of them photographed. Several related articles outline scavenging opportunities for the frugal, or downright adventurous tier- simply hilarious . A contributor's biography section follows, as well as an exhaustive listing of fishing shops across Canada.And it's fully indexed. Much of the work will have you smiling from time to time, but consider this a serious reference for the serious anglers library.

 

Article	036
Created	6-4-2004
Modified	9-19-2005
Author	Bob Triggs
Rating	(None)