Most Trout Don't Read: Lessons from Time on the Water

by Scot Bealer, Lea Frye (Photography)

Contrary to popular belief, trout are not intellectuals! However, they are keen observers of their environment and well attuned to the elements important to their survival. If you plan on chasing them with a fly rod, you need to learn how to pay attention to those details. True mastery of the sport isn't about memorizing lots of facts, but rather having a sense of curiosity and spending time out on the water.

Scot leads you on a journey of discovery, recalling occasions when he, or sometimes his clients, learned important lessons. His stories are warm, funny, and full of great advice to improve your skills and better enjoy your time on the water. His comments on gear, guides, and other aspects of the sport are based on decades of practical experience.

The images from Lea's camera bring Scot's stories to life and will leave you yearning to get out there. If you enjoy fly fishing, being outdoors, or just want to learn more, you will love this book.

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Scot’s background includes teaching, guiding and even a stint as the head instructor at the L.L. Bean Fly Fishing School. He has fished all over the country and introduced hundreds of people to the sport of fly fishing. He currently lives with his wife Lea Frye in Helena MT. When he is not out on the water fishing, he splits his time between helping Lea with her wildlife photography, and working as an instructor in the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks “Hooked on Fishing” program.

Reviews

[Jackie Laverdiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you picked this book for the photos of Montana scenery or for the fishing instruction, stories and information, you have struck gold!

This book is full of practical information for any fisherman. It is about fly fishing but as a spin fisherman, I found his tips very valuable to my sport as well.

Every chapter is a story. Every chapter is a lesson, from how to cast or set the hook, where to find the fish (big and small), and how to fish in different seasons. Scot also covers fishing equipment, flies, how to dress for the environment and the temperatures.

Here is a taste of Scot’s advice:

“Slow down and take time to see what is going on. Practice every time you go out.”

“Pay attention to the bugs! Fish just see food and eat it. You can learn what the food is, imitate it and catch plenty.”

“When you fish with kids, it’s not about fishing, it’s about having a great time.”

The icing on the cake is the beautiful photographs on almost every page.
The photos cover different species of fish, many lakes, rivers and streams, and the Montana wildlife that may interrupt your fishing experience.
Lea has an eye for interesting and beautiful photo shots.

The book is printed on high quality glossy paper. It is a wonderful read!

[Steve Yugovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, This book is an amazing read! If you are just starting out in the world of fly fishing, or even if you've been at it for several years, this thing is packed with insightful information. The Author does a wonderful job of explaining some of the ins and outs of fly fishing, but does it through sharing many of his adventures, experiences, and mistakes in the world of fly fishing. This book will not disapoint, and the photography that goes along with it is simply amazing...Get you copy today!!!

[Pam G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the title of this book! It is full of great photos, too. Each nice, short chapter is full of information for the avid fisherman and for those interested in trying fly fishing for the first time. The author draws you in with his life stories. The winter stories were my favorites. The book is a great size for you to take along with you. (P.S. I don't fly fish, but my husband does. I'm giving it to him.)