Abel, a pioneer in fly reels, has announced its newest artist series reels, this time with Bonesifh & Tarpon Trust (BTT)—a conservation organization dedicated to protecting tarpon and bonefish habitats and fisheries. This limited collection features two reels and two nippers with artwork by Eric Estrada and Derek DeYoung. The artwork features bonefish and tarpon with color schemes paying homage to the waters these fish call home. Each reel is paired with a matching nipper, which mirrors the color schemes and adorns the Abel and BTT logos.
Eric Estrada with his ROVE 7|9 artwork.
This launch is part of a limited run of reels, with only 100 reels available in each offering. The SDS 7|8 features Derek DeYoung’s artwork, while the ROVE 7|9 features artwork by Eric Estrada, a South Florida native.
A Reel for Conservation:
The Abel x BTT SDS with artwork by Derek DeYoung.
The Abel x BTT collaboration stems directly from the conservation of bonefish and tarpon habitat. For every reel and nipper set sold, Abel will donate $200 to BTT’s ongoing conservation projects restoring mangrove habitats in the Bahamas and protecting bonefish spawning habitat in the Florida Keys. These donations go to the larger goal of raising $50,000 for BTT to continue to further conservation efforts, research, and protection of the fish and habitats saltwater anglers love.
For more information about the Abel x BTT logo, check out Abel’s website here.
Check out our interviews with Eric Estrada and Derek Deyoung below to learn more about their artwork:
The term Euro nymphing has taken the fly fishing industry by storm, and rightfully so. When it comes to its sheer effectiveness, it’s hard to beat. This specialized technique uses heavy flies, long rods, and light lines to optimize the amount of time your nymphs spend in the strike zone. The result is more fish in the net. With the increasing popularity, companies have begun to tailor their gear to Euro nymphing enthusiasts. Reels are an often overlooked part of trout fishing but a crucial piece of the perfect Euro setup. Long rods in the ten to eleven feet range require reels that balance the combo. This minimizes fatigue to effectively keep your flies in the zone all day. With new options flooding your local reel case, here are our picks for the best fly reels for European nymphing.
All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, if you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Choosing a Euro reel is a crucial part of any good Euro setup. While it’s certainly easier now with a fleet of dedicated reels, there is still plenty that went into our picks. We tested these reels on the water and made sure they could handle the issues normal fly reels encounter. First and foremost, the reel had to keep the thin diameter line on the spool. We then looked for reels that were heavy enough to handle long Euro rods. If they met those parameters, the final test of a good reel was the drag. We looked for reels with a smooth drag system and minimal startup inertia. Fishing light tippets, it’s crucial that the drag engages instantly to ensure fish don’t break off on the initial hookup and run.
Sage has always found a way to stand out from its competitors, and the ESN is a prime example. It’s the first Sage reel I’ve had the chance to put my hands on, and I was not disappointed. Out of the box, the attention to detail immediately stood out. The reel is slimmer than others but has a diameter of nearly four inches. When a fish is running at you, the wide diameter gives you the best shot of getting extra line on the spool and staying tight to the fish. It’s paired with a fully sealed carbon drag system and an oversized drag knob. Additionally, Sage took the time to number all the drag settings, making it easy to fine-tune your setup. The ESN also comes with an interchangeable weight system. The options range from 1/2 ounce to 1.5 ounces and can be switched out by removing the spool.
Weight: 4.6 ounces reel weight in addition to interchangeable 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 oz weights
Drag Type:multi-pad disc drag system
Pros:
Full frame design keeps line on the spool
Adjustable weight system balances out long rods
Drag system allows for precise adjustments
Cons:
Only available with adjustable weights in one size
Hardy has been involved in the Euro nymphing space for a while now, making rods like the Ultralite tailored to the demands of competition anglers. At ICAST last year, Hardy took this one step further, debuting their new Averon reel—an all-purpose reel ranging from 3 to 9 wt. In addition, the Euro community got the first-ever technique-specific reel in the form of the Averon Euro Nymph 5000. This reel mirrors the styling of the standard Averon, but that is where the similarities end.
It is packed with features for Euro fanatics, like the wide-diameter spool, full-frame design, and, best of all, the interchangeable weight system. The weight system consists of three rings that sit around the drag knob ranging from 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 ounces. This setup creates an evenly balanced weight distribution and allows anglers to customize their reel to their rod. In addition, the Averon features a smooth drag with almost no startup inertia and precise micro-adjustments to fine-tune the drag to exact specifications. If you’re looking for a reel that can span multiple rods and situations, seriously consider the Averon Euro Nymph reel.
A typical Euro-style fly rod can range anywhere from 10 to 11.5 feet in length. Balancing these extra-long rods with the correct weighted reel can be tricky. Enter the Redington Tilt, one of the few reels with an adjustable weight system. The ingenious design allows anglers to choose from three different one-ounce weights that mount to the reel frame. Having the ability to use one reel on every Euro rod I own is a nice feature. Especially since level lines are universal across rods, a simple weight change has me on the water. This full-frame reel comes with a crisp drag system, an oversized drag knob, and minimal startup inertia. The Tilt features a surprisingly slim and wide profile for fast line retrieval and minimal coiling. At an intro-level price point, it’s a surprisingly good-looking reel with modern styling, two color options, and more features than most.
Set weight and size make it hard to balance specific rods
The Orvis Hydros is a legendary lineup with a reputation as powerful and reliable reels. The newest iteration is the Hydros II Euro Reel, and like its predecessors, it lives up to its name. It features a fully sealed drag with an ergonomic drag knob. Paired with carbon and stainless steel disc washers, the drag is incredibly smooth with little startup inertia. When fishing light tippets, minimal startup inertia is crucial to protect light tippets. The reel is slightly oversized and heavier than the standard Hydros to balance out long rods and aid in line pickup. The full frame design keeps thin diameter lines from slipping between the frame and spool.
Drag Type: Composite-Disc Drag with Stainless Steel Interface
Pros:
Smooth operation
Tight tolerances from Ross’ C&C machine helps keep thin euro line in the reel
Canvas phenolic handle adds grip
Cons:
The drag system is not fully sealed
This classic reel is back, and it’s a game-changer as the first America-made fly reel under $300. Like its predecessor, the Ross Cimarron held up to everything I put it through and excelled. This lightweight reel has a premium feel in the hand. The canvas phenolic handle adds an extra bit of grip even when wet. Paired with a composite-disc drag with stainless steel interface, it’s easy to make micro adjustments to dial in your setup. While not as heavy as other reels, it balances long rods well and is an excellent option for those wanting a crossover reel for all their rods. If you find yourself looking for a heavier option, the 5|6 size adds just enough weight and increases line pickup. Time and time again, Ross has established itself on reliable and clean-looking reels, and the Cimarron is worthy of that reputation.
Prior to the Bauer RVR, I had limited experience with the brand. After multiple days on the water, two things stood out—quality and performance. Bauer prides itself on engineering overbuilt reels with sleek modern designs. In fact, to build the RVR, they had to retool to new 5-axis CNC machines. The result speaks for itself. The RVR has one of the smoothest drag systems we tested capable of handling strong fish and ultra-fine tippets. For a modern-styled reel, it still has a good weight to it for longer rods. The RVR does not have a full frame design, but the over-engineered design results in tight tolerances that minimize the chance of line slipping between the frame and spool. If you’re looking for premium performance, the RVR is amongst the best, but it does come with a hefty price point.
Galvan Fly Reels delivered on its take on a Euro reel. The Galvan Euro Nymph Reel checks all the boxes for a specialty reel. It’s built with a full frame and an oversized spool to minimize line coil and aid in quick pickup. Rather than a weight system, Galvan took the approach of making two sizes for various rods. The 3.5 weighs in at 4.96 ounces and is designed for rods under 10ft 9in. For rods longer, the 3.7 weighs 5.40 ounces to properly balance these longer rods.
To round out its flagship Euro reel, a three-pawl drag system results in a smooth and powerful drag. It has zero startup inertia to protect fine tippets. On several occasions, the drag proved itself on abrupt runs from fish that didn’t want to give in. My only gripe with it is the looks. When you’re paying a premium price, it’s nice to have a reel with a premium design.
Final Thoughts on Euro Reels
Choosing the right reel is the difference maker between lost fish and an enjoyable day on the water. Euro reels exemplify this. These technical pieces of gear must balance long rods well, protect fine tippets, and tackle the issues associated with thin, level lines. While the market has evolved to offer specific reels to European nymphing, there are some that stand out from the rest. Before you go all in, look for a reel that is adaptable and in your budget. From there, it never hurts to test fit on your rod or one similar in weight and length. If you find a setup that feels balanced and meets your standards, you’re ready to hit the water.
Welcome to Music and Fly Fishing, Flylords’ newest series. In this original series, host Wills Donaldson explores the confluence of music and fly fishing through artists who share the same love of fishing. Along the way, he met some incredible characters, shared stories, and caught a few fish as he learned what fly fishing means to these artists. So tune in for a glimpse into what the artists behind hit songs are like on the water.
Colby Acuff and host Wills Donaldson with a Colorado brown trout.
First up on our list is country music artist and former guide Colby Acuff. From an early start, fishing was ingrained in Colby as he camped, explored, and fell in love with the art of fly fishing. Prior to his music career, Colby followed his newfound passion for fly fishing, becoming a guide in his home state of Idaho. In this episode, Colby joins us in Colorado to explore our home waters and share how a local guide quickly rose to a country music star. Tune in and check out episode 1 of Music and Fly Fishing.
Colby Acuff, former fly fishing guide and country music artist.
Reading trout rivers can be difficult until you learn to break it down into “levels, lanes and seams.” Check out this video from Troutbitten to learn about this unique approach and to improve how you’re reading trout rivers.
When winter arrives, the rivers grow quiet. Most anglers retreat indoors, trading rods for the warmth of a fire and the promise of spring. But for those willing to brave the elements, winter offers some of the best trout fishing opportunities of the year. Trout, including big ones, become surprisingly predictable with their movements and feeding habits dictated by the cold. From small six-inch “dinks” to monstrous 30-inch browns—they all behave differently in winter. The scarcity of food drives them to be opportunistic feeders, striking at offerings they might ignore during other seasons. While the natural bugs hatching during winter are minuscule, their infrequency, combined with the trout’s hunger, create opportunities for anglers to experiment with attractor patterns and less-than-realistic imitations. Our list of flies for winter trout will help fool the wariest of trout, making this winter fishing season a successful one.
Trout Behavior in Winter
Trout are cold-blooded creatures, meaning their body temperature and metabolism are directly influenced by the surrounding environment. As water temperatures drop to the mid 40’s or even low 30’s, trout’s metabolic rates slow down significantly, almost to a halt. This physiological change forces them to conserve energy, making them less active in the winter months.
Winter trout can be found in deep, slow-moving sections of the river, often referred to as “frog water.” These areas, typically 5 to 15 feet deep with barely perceptible current, provide the ideal conditions for trout to conserve energy while staying protected from predators and currents. Picture clusters of trout lying motionless at the bottom of these deep pools, waiting for food to drift by. If you can imagine this, you can imagine the setting where thousands of trout inhabit during the winter months. While the majority of trout in winter will be found in frog water, some exceptions exist.
Feeding habits change drastically in winter. Trout won’t chase fast-moving prey; instead, they focus on small, easily accessible meals. Their diet consists primarily of tiny insects, often no larger than a size 18. Midges dominate the menu, with blue-winged olive mayflies (BWOs) making some good appearances. Some anglers will fish flies as small as size 30, but I’ve found success sticking with sizes 18-20, even on the rivers known to have picky trout.
Winter Hatches and Strategies
Winter is typically not synonymous with prolific hatches. Unlike the spring or summer months, when rivers teem with insect life, winter offers only a sparse selection. Midges and BWOs are the primary insects active during this time, with occasional appearances from small stoneflies or larger mayflies. While the insect variety is limited, the scarcity of food can make these hatches significant events for trout.
During winter, there are two primary strategies –
Match the Hatch: On days when midges or BWOs are actively hatching, presenting realistic imitations can yield fantastic results. These hatches, though less frequent, can provide some of the most memorable fishing experiences, especially if you’re lucky enough to encounter rising trout.
Attractor Patterns: When hatches are sparse or nonexistent, attractor flies become invaluable. Bright colors, oversized profiles, and flashy materials can entice strikes from opportunistic trout. These flies work by grabbing the fish’s attention and triggering their predatory instincts.
It’s worth noting that while midges are typically black or dark in color, BWOs have a more olive hue. However, during winter, black or dark olive is often close enough to match either insect. The lack of food in their environment makes trout less discerning, providing anglers with an opportunity to experiment with flies that might not perfectly mimic the natural insects present.
How I Made My Picks
Selecting the top winter flies wasn’t just about my personal preferences. This list represents a blend of my own experiences, insights from fellow anglers, and feedback from fly shop employees across the Western United States. I consulted fishing logs from California, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington—cross-referencing patterns that consistently produced results in winter conditions across rivers and streams in all of these states.
While many generic flies, like the Woolly Bugger or Pheasant Tail Nymph, are reliable year-round, I chose to focus on patterns that excel specifically during the cold months. These flies reflect the collective wisdom of many seasoned anglers and years of personal success on the water.
Best Flies for Winter Trout:
This section is the heart of the guide, providing detailed insights into each recommended fly pattern. These flies are categorized for easy reference, with specific tips for their use and modifications for optimal performance.
The Zebra Midge is the quintessential winter fly. Its simplicity belies its effectiveness—consisting of just a bead, thread, and wire. Having this pattern in black, red, and olive imitates the tiny midges trout feed on during winter. Adding a small dubbing collar can enhance its versatility by mimicking other insects. Fish it under an indicator or as a dropper beneath a larger fly. For deeper pools, pair it with a split shot or a heavy fly to ensure it reaches the strike zone.
This streamlined Euro-nymph pattern excels in winter. The Perdigon’s resin-coated body sinks quickly, making it perfect for reaching trout holding deep. The Spanish Bullet variation in olive (shown above) or black is a personal favorite of mine, but bright colors like pink or purple can also be extremely effective. Incorporate UV materials like Glow Brite when tying for added flash! Also, experiment with oversized beads when tying this fly to get it even deeper!
Bright, flashy, and irresistible, the Blowtorch is a top attractor pattern. Its vibrant colors make it an excellent choice when trout are unresponsive to natural imitations. While it’s effective year-round, its ability to draw strikes during tough winter days secures its place in any angler’s box. If you can find other “hot-tag” flies with pink, red, or chartreuse, these are all blowtorch variations that can be more or less effective depending on the stream you are on.
Love it or hate it, the squirmy worm consistently produces strikes. In winter months, when bug life is scarce, a worm fly may be your best bet. While there are plenty of worm patterns out there, the lifelike movement of a squirmy worm often produces the most strikes. Colors like tan and pink are the best bet for clear winter rivers.
While some purists frown upon egg patterns, their effectiveness is undeniable. Eggs imitate trout or sucker spawn and are a high source of easy protein. When trout are looking for an easy meal, it’s hard to beat an egg fly. In the wintertime, micro-eggs (size 16-20) can be exceptionally productive.
This flashy, slender nymph pattern excels in winter’s clear, cold waters. Its iridescent body and slim profile imitate tiny aquatic insects while catching the light to draw attention. Use it as a dropper or fish it solo in smaller streams. The rainbow warrior benefits when paired with a split shot or heavy anchor fly.
A versatile, large-profile fly that imitates stoneflies, crawdads, or leeches. Its rubber legs provide enticing movement, making it a reliable choice when trout are in the mood for a big meal. Fish it in black or dark brown for the best results. When tying them yourself, or if you can find them, a hot bead (orange or pink) can benefit this fly, depending on the stream you are on.
Add a bead to a Pat’s Rubber Leg for added weight in deeper holes.
A modern take on the Pheasant Tail Nymph, the Micro Mayfly adds color and movement to a classic profile. It’s especially effective during early spring and late winter when small mayflies are the primary food source. I would never fish a day in winter without at least trying this pattern out.
BWO Hatches
BWOs go through several stages: nymph, emerger, dun (sub-adult), spinner (adult), and spent. Each stage presents a unique opportunity for trout to feed, and having flies that imitate these phases can significantly increase your success on the water.
During a BWO hatch, trout may feed on nymphs rising to the surface, emergers just below the film, or adults resting on top of the water. After the hatch, spent BWOs drifting downstream can also attract feeding trout. By carrying patterns that mimic each stage, you can effectively cover all scenarios and adapt to the trout’s behavior at any given time.
BWOs are often active on cloudy days when temperatures are slightly warmer, typically in the low 40s. On such days, trout feeding on BWOs can offer exciting opportunities to fish dry flies, emergers, or nymphs with consistent success.
This realistic dry fly is unmatched during active BWO hatches. Its precise profile and buoyant construction make it a go-to pattern.
Streamers
Streamers are an incredibly versatile option for winter fishing as well, providing a chance to target larger trout looking for a substantial meal. These flies mimic baitfish, leeches, or other sizable prey, making them especially appealing to opportunistic fish in colder months. The beauty of streamers lies in the variety of techniques you can use to fish them effectively: swinging, dead-drifting, jigging, and slow stripping.
A versatile streamer that excels when swung, dead-drifted, or stripped slowly. Its rabbit-strip construction provides lifelike movement, making it a favorite among winter anglers. Carrying this fly in black and olive during winter months creates a large profile in cold water.
Combining the Woolly Bugger and jig patterns, the Jig Bugger is perfect for imitating leeches, crawdads, or minnows. Its jigging action and versatile size range make it a reliable choice in winter’s cold waters. I would carry it in olive, black, brown, and white. There are hundreds of variations of this fly, and they all work well. Find one that speaks to you and you will find success with it. If you tie, tying a couple of these with giant 5+ millimeter slotted tungsten beads can really get you down and serve as a great anchor and attractor pattern.
Final Thoughts
Winter fly fishing is a pursuit of patience, precision, and an appreciation for the quieter side of nature. The chill of a river, the soft crunch of snow beneath your boots, and the thrill of a tug on the line create a unique rhythm that only winter can offer. For anglers who embrace the challenge, this season reveals its own beauty—one of solitude, adaptation, and connection to the natural world. By understanding trout behavior, recognizing key hatches, and selecting the right flies, you not only increase your chances of success but also gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the ecosystems you engage with. This list of the best flies for winter trout will help you land more fish and revel in the beauty of winter fishing.
Many people avoid fishing frog water because it can be difficult to approach. Check out this video from the Huge Fly Fisherman for tips on how to approach fishing frog water.
This Valentine’s Day, show the angler you’re always out chasing fish with how much they mean to you. If you find one you like, be sure to print it out, sign it, and send it on its way! These humorous Flylords Valentine’s Day cards are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any and all fly fishing folks.
For the Go-To Fishing Buddy:
For the One That Got Away:
For The One Who Can’t Catch a Fish:
For The Fly Tyer:
If you’re looking for the perfect gift to pair with your card check out our recommendations below:
Multi-Month TV Blitz Spanning Major Live Sporting Events Including the Daytona 500, The Masters, PGA Championship, March Madness, and MLB All-Star Game
Captains Experiences is a platform that sets out to bring anglers and guides together for quality fishing experiences. Their online platform features an impressive number of guides across fisheries. When you’re traveling, it’s as easy as a few clicks to explore new areas and get out on the water. Their newest campaign sets out to humorously relate to the DIY angler who just can’t get it right. For more information on Captain Experiences and their “Damn Good Guides” campaign check out the press release below.
AUSTIN, Texas – February 13, 2025 – Captain Experiences (“Captain”), the largest platform for booking fishing and hunting guides in the U.S., is Unlocking the Outdoors with its first national ad campaign. Beginning February 15-16, 2025, the campaign will air across Sinclair Broadcast Group’s network, launching with live coverage of the Daytona 500, the Genesis Invitational, and LIV Golf Adelaide.
The multi-month media blitz will reach millions of viewers across major live sporting events, primetime TV, social media, and digital platforms, with placements during NASCAR, PGA Tour, Men’s College Basketball, MLB Baseball, and more. The campaign was made possible by Captain’s partnership with Mercurius Media Capital (“MMC”) and leverages the reach of Sinclair Broadcast Group.
The campaign—“Damn Good Guides”—hilariously contrasts do-it-yourself fishing disasters with the seamless process of booking through Captain Experiences.
The ad features Captain Experiences Co-Founders Jonathan Newar and Attison Barnes, who bumble through a disastrous, self-sabotaged fishing trip. Professional angler and comedian Eeland Stribling plays the voice of reason, cutting between the buddies’ comical misadventures and the effortless, high-octane trips made possible by Captain Experiences.
“Damn Good Guides is the true story behind Captain Experiences,” says Co-Founder and CEO Jonathan Newar. “We’re tossing a lifeline to those who’ve been in the same boat—frustrated with planning the perfect trip. That’s exactly why we built Captain—to make every day on the water count.”
The campaign was developed in partnership with Bullish, a leading consumer investment firm, and MMC, the first institutional U.S. media-for-capital fund. Both firms are investors in Captain Experiences.
The launch of the “Damn Good Guides” campaign follows a transformative year for Captain Experiences. The platform has expanded nationwide, now partnering with over 2,000 Damn Good Guides, offering over 4,000 experiences across the U.S. and beyond.
Captain’s rapid expansion beyond fishing, particularly into hunting, is driving its evolution into a premier outdoor adventure platform. As Captain continues its mission to Unlock the Outdoors, it’s making guided experiences more seamless and accessible across fishing, hunting, and beyond.
About Captain Experiences
Captain Experiences is the largest platform for booking fishing and hunting guides in the U.S. With thousands of vetted Damn Good Guides, 100% Verified Reviews, and instant online booking, Captain makes it stupid easy to Unlock the Outdoors.
Mercurius Media Capital (MMC) is the first US based media-for-equity venture fund launched in December 2023 with ~$90 million in committed capital. Co-founded by Satyan Gajwani and Piyush Puri, MMC builds on over 15 years of experience driving media capital transactions at The Times of India Group, facilitating over $3 billion in media-based investments. MMC has partnered with leading media platforms, including Sinclair Broadcast Group, Televisa Univision, Atmosphere TV, National CineMedia & Willow TV to offer startups access to distinct, large-scale advertising inventory in exchange for equity.
In today’s world, Instagram reels and short-form content dominate the landscape. Sure, they are engaging, but at the end of the day, what are you really getting out of it? A brief escape from reality? A quick dopamine hit? While fly fishing makes up a small subsect of fishing as a whole, it has been intertwined with literature since its early days. These fly fishing books tell a story, one of the intricacies of fly fishing and the time spent on the water that social media simply can’t do.
As the great David Thoreau once said, “Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” Perhaps this is why fly fishing literature is so popular. While many go fly fishing to catch a fish, the feeling you get on the water can be linked to the success of fly fishing books. Great writers like Tom McGuane, John Gierach, and Monte Burke articulate the feeling of fly fishing, the task at hand, and the comfort fly fishing brings many in a masterful and relatable way. More often than not, I’ve read fly fishing books only to realize the way an author crafted their words described a specific feeling and moment on the river I had failed to articulate.
All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
This winter, we thought it was only fair to share some of the greatest works we read in hopes of inspiring other anglers. These works highlight some of the best storytelling and technical information in fly fishing. So find a comfortable seat and dive into the best fly fishing books ever published.
If fly fishing had a bible, Trout Bum could very well be it. Written by the late John Gierach, it should be at the top of every fly angler reading list. For many, the notion of becoming a trout bum is an idyllic fantasy. But, for Gierach and his friends, this is the life they lived in the rocky mountain west. This collection of short stories follows his adventures in a humorous and telling way. For the fly angler, each story opens the door to the reasons behind fishing and life in general. No fly fishing library would be complete without a copy of Trout Bum.
In the late 70s and early 80s, anglers discovered a new type of tarpon fishing. Far from the popular tarpon grounds of the Florida Keys, Homosassa, FL, became a hub for guides and anglers. In Lords of the Fly, Monte Burke shares the stories and characters that called this place home in search of “The Fish”—the first 200 lb tarpon landed on fly. This unique moment in fly fishing history changed the world of saltwater fly fishing forever. While Homosassa is far from what it once was, this book should be at the top of every saltwater angler’s reading list.
The newest book to make this list is Calling After Water: Dispatches from a Fishing Life by Dave Karczynski. In this book, David—a true traveling fishing bum—reflects on his travels and experiences with lyrical prose. He carefully walks the line of reflecting on moments without telling the reader how to feel, leaving that up to your interpretation. Along the way, he recounts stories from far-off places like Patagonia and the Bohemian highlands while also telling stories from his native state, Michigan. Don’t believe us? Just check out this excerpt from Dave’s annual Muskie Camp, and you’ll understand his masterful use of prose and storytelling to convey his message.
You may know the name Andy Mill from his podcast, Mill House, where he dives into the stories and legends of the fly fishing world. Yet, decades before the podcast, Andy established himself as one of the greatest tarpon anglers of all time, winning five Gold Cups, a Don Hawley, and a Golden Fly. His book, A Passion for Tarpon, dives into the history and techniques required to be a successful tarpon fly angler. In many ways, it is a love letter to tarpon, the fish Andy holds near and dear to his heart. It is packed full of incredible imagery, tips and techniques, and the history needed for a masterclass in all things tarpon.
The release of the film A River Runs Through It in 1992 inspired a generation of new anglers. This coveted boom gave fly fishing a new life, fueled local fly shops, and, in many ways, shaped the sport to where it is today. Including the fallacies of “shadow casting,” the film, like others, does not do Norman Maclean’s work justice. A pivotal part of modern fly fishing history, every angler owes it to themselves to read A River Runs Through It.
Joe Humphreys is a legendary figure in the northeast fly fishing culture. At 96 years old, he is still out on the water catching fish. Humphreys is credited with a number of tactics, flies, and even starting the fly fishing club at Penn State. His book, Joe Humphreys’s Trout Tactics, is filled with information every angler should know when seeking to become the best trout angler they can be. Many of his techniques, like tight line nymphing, have been popularized today, so why not learn from the master of nymphing himself?
Kelly Galloup is synonymous with the streamer revolution. If you’ve ever tied on an articulate streamer in search of a big brown trout, you can thank Galloup for that. His work in fly design and streamer fishing techniques is other-worldly. Modern Streamers for Trophy TroutII covers everything a curious angler needs to effectively fish streamers and consistently produce trophy-sized fish. From stripping cadences to fly patterns and where to locate these fish, you’ll leave reading this book ready to find the biggest trout in any river. Just be careful, you may become a streamer junkie.
If you’re snowed in and thinking about summer fly fishing escapes, give Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die a read. This book, as the title implies, covers 50 places to fly fish across the globe. Author Chris Santella explores the places, techniques, and access needed to hit the road in search of wild places and wild fish. Whether looking for inspiration or on a quest to chase fish around the globe, the vivid descriptions and incredible imagery will keep you hooked.
Tom McGuane is widely regarded as one of the best American writers of all time, but at heart, he is an angler. Part of the 1960s Key West revolution, McGuane helped pioneer early tarpon fishing, as seen in the YETI film All That is Sacred. His book, The Longest Silence, showcases his love for fly fishing and incredible prose through a collection of fishing essays. While McGuane has written other great works, The Longest Silence is likely his purest fly fishing book and one that all fly anglers can relate to.
The last book on our list, Hatches II: A Complete Guide to the Hatches of North American Trout Streams, is exactly what it sounds like. This all-encompassing guide to all things bug life is written by Al Caucci and Bob Nastasi. For anglers looking to up their knowledge and implement it on the vise, there is no greater book out there. The book features hatch charts, identification guides, and mayfly life history that would make the most senior biologist proud.
Final Thoughts
Fly fishing books are rich with stories, metaphors, and information spanning generations of anglers. Regardless of what you fish for or how, many of these works transcend the act of fly fishing, offering readers the opportunity to reflect on their own journey. This list is not all-encompassing but highlights some of the works we think are worth reading. Give them a read and check them out this winter, they may just inspire the next chapter of your fly fishing journey.
Mike Ward, a true permit enthusiast, has just shattered the legendary Del Brown record of 513 permit after 17 years of relentless pursuit. His journey with these incredible fish began in Mexico, where he caught his very first permit on his first-ever cast. From that moment, the obsession took hold, and Mike’s passion led him to fish for permit in 11 countries around the world. In fact, he proudly displays a flag from each of those countries in his shop, with plans to add even more in the future.
Over his years of chasing permit, Mike has gained a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. His top tip for anglers aiming to land their first permit? Simply breathe. Slowing the heart rate and staying calm under pressure is key to making that perfect cast in the heat of the moment.
When it comes to flies, Mike’s go-to choices are mostly crabs, though he’ll also throw shrimp and other permit favorites. On his 513th permit—tied with Del Brown’s record—Mike used a custom-made bamboo rod and Sea Master Mark III reel, a fitting tribute to the legend he’s now joined.
But Mike’s journey isn’t over. He’s setting his sights on an ambitious goal: 1,000 permit on the fly. The adventure continues!
