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All Fishermen Are Liars
This “elegiac tribute to the elusive art and ineffable pleasure of fly-fishing” ( Kirkus Reviews ) shows us why life’s most valuable lessons—and some of its best experiences—are found while fly-fishing.
For John Gierach, “the master of fly-fishing” ( Sacramento Bee ), fishing is always the answer—even when it’s not clear what the question is. In All Fishermen Are Liars, Gierach travels around North America seeking out quintessential fishing experiences, whether it’s at a busy stream or a secluded lake hidden amid snow-capped mountains. He talks about the art of fly-tying and the quest for the perfect steelhead fly (“The Nuclear Option”), about fishing in the Presidential Pools previously fished by the elder George Bush (“I wondered briefly if I’d done something karmically disastrous and was now fated to spend the rest of my life breathing the exhaust of this elderly Republican”), and the importance of traveling with like-minded companions when caught in a soaking rain (“At this point someone is required to say, ‘You know, there are people who wouldn’t think this is fun’”). And though Gierach loses some fish along the way, he never loses his passion and sense of humor.
Wry, contemplative, and lively—that is to say, pure Gierach— All Fishermen Are Liars is a joy to read—and, as always, the next best thing to fishing itself. “From the early days…to his present cult status, Gierach’s candor and canniness at the water’s edge have been consistent…His grizzled, laconic persona is engaging and the voice of the common angler” ( The Wall Street Journal ).
For John Gierach, “the master of fly-fishing” ( Sacramento Bee ), fishing is always the answer—even when it’s not clear what the question is. In All Fishermen Are Liars, Gierach travels around North America seeking out quintessential fishing experiences, whether it’s at a busy stream or a secluded lake hidden amid snow-capped mountains. He talks about the art of fly-tying and the quest for the perfect steelhead fly (“The Nuclear Option”), about fishing in the Presidential Pools previously fished by the elder George Bush (“I wondered briefly if I’d done something karmically disastrous and was now fated to spend the rest of my life breathing the exhaust of this elderly Republican”), and the importance of traveling with like-minded companions when caught in a soaking rain (“At this point someone is required to say, ‘You know, there are people who wouldn’t think this is fun’”). And though Gierach loses some fish along the way, he never loses his passion and sense of humor.
Wry, contemplative, and lively—that is to say, pure Gierach— All Fishermen Are Liars is a joy to read—and, as always, the next best thing to fishing itself. “From the early days…to his present cult status, Gierach’s candor and canniness at the water’s edge have been consistent…His grizzled, laconic persona is engaging and the voice of the common angler” ( The Wall Street Journal ).
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
67 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
John Gierach
40 books235 followersJohn Gierach was an American author and freelance writer who lived in Larimer County, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 7, 2017
It's always fun to putter around on a trout stream whether you're walking or boating the waters with Gierach. He takes you along to exotic and wild locations while you're most likely confined to the recliner or reading a few lines before the lights go out. I'm not a trout fisherman but you don't need to be to enjoy an outdoor escape with this talented author. A great book to beat back cabin fever.
November 15, 2019
All Fishermen Are Liars is a nonfiction book about fly fishing by John Gierach. All Fishermen Are Liars depicts John’s various adventures fly fishing around North America and his opinion on everything related to fly fishing. The one main character, John Gierach, is a 73-year-old fishing author who lives in Colorado. John has been fishing since he was five and started writing books at 16. He likes bamboo rods and brown trout. All the other characters are very secondary and change chapter to chapter. Each chapter is a different adventure. I enjoyed this book because of its relatable topics (to a fly fisherman), and fun stories. I did not really find anything to dislike about this book. If you are a person who likes the outdoors and fishing you will love this book, however there is a lot of terminology that you will need to know. The book All Fishermen Are Liars describes John’s adventures fly fishing. From lodges in Labrador to four-wheeling in the Rockies, John takes the reader on his adventures around North America. This book is written for fly fishers but can still be enjoyed by anyone.
October 30, 2020
Really enjoyed this book because it makes me realize how fortunate I am to enjoy the outdoors while I am fishing. It is not about the catching it is about the experience and the company of the people that I share my time with..
June 13, 2014
I've never read any any of Gierach's books and picked this one up simply based on the title. He is a great writer and you can see his passion for the sport in his storytelling. I'm not a fly fisherman nor have I ever touched a fly rod, but Gierach's stories read in a way that can captivate any fisherman. Everything can be applied to just about any kind of fishing and I found myself often nodding and laughing because of the connections he is able to make with all types of fisherman. No matter how you fish a lot of the same things are going to happen. I couldn't put this book down. I would say to myself one more story and three more later I would finally turn out the light to go to bed.
An interesting side note...I never looked at the Geirach's picture until after I was done reading and although I could guess his age by the stories of being a hippie and being in the Haight/Ashbury district I thought his writing voice came off much younger.
An interesting side note...I never looked at the Geirach's picture until after I was done reading and although I could guess his age by the stories of being a hippie and being in the Haight/Ashbury district I thought his writing voice came off much younger.
July 20, 2024
"All fishermen are liars, except you and me, and sometimes I wonder about you."
Another great collection of tales by John Gierach. They are fun and hilarious. Everyone needs to read and re-read all of this author's books. It is great to share his fishing experiences.
Another great collection of tales by John Gierach. They are fun and hilarious. Everyone needs to read and re-read all of this author's books. It is great to share his fishing experiences.
June 18, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sale/
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/yachts-for-s...
https://numberoneboats.com/yachts-for...
May 26, 2021
As someone who doesn't fish (let alone fly fish), writing a review of Gierach's work feels a bit sacrilegious. However, I'm going to do so anyway-even if I am approaching this reading only as an observer, versus a participant, of the sport.
Gierach's voice is incredibly accessible, I never became lost in terminology or overwhelmed by what I didn't know. Throughout the reading of "All Fisherman Are Liars" I enjoyed the sense of conversational storytelling that he employed in his writing.
The way Gierach shapes his writing manages to flow in a way that feels slow, while still retaining the level of interest found in work that is going somewhere. At times I felt as though I was hooked and he was playing the line, seeing if he could reel me into his way of seeing life, nature, and his experiences as a fisherman. Part of this dance was in how Gierach maintained balance between his sense of pride in his knowledge regarding fly fishing and his stance that he wasn't among the top tier of fly fisherman. This technique worked well while I was reading, but once I set the book down I wondered about how much of that was his true take on his abilities, and how much of it was crafted for the reader.
I have a soft spot for authors who manage to write about the things they love in a way that translates into a treatise on how to live. That was a subtle but consistent note throughout "All Fishermen are Liars" and one that I appreciated.
3.4
Gierach's voice is incredibly accessible, I never became lost in terminology or overwhelmed by what I didn't know. Throughout the reading of "All Fisherman Are Liars" I enjoyed the sense of conversational storytelling that he employed in his writing.
The way Gierach shapes his writing manages to flow in a way that feels slow, while still retaining the level of interest found in work that is going somewhere. At times I felt as though I was hooked and he was playing the line, seeing if he could reel me into his way of seeing life, nature, and his experiences as a fisherman. Part of this dance was in how Gierach maintained balance between his sense of pride in his knowledge regarding fly fishing and his stance that he wasn't among the top tier of fly fisherman. This technique worked well while I was reading, but once I set the book down I wondered about how much of that was his true take on his abilities, and how much of it was crafted for the reader.
I have a soft spot for authors who manage to write about the things they love in a way that translates into a treatise on how to live. That was a subtle but consistent note throughout "All Fishermen are Liars" and one that I appreciated.
3.4
February 15, 2025
It was a bittersweet experience reading All Fishermen Are Liars after learning that one of my favorite authors passed away in October 2024. Chapter one, A Day at the Office, describes Gierach's life from a third person perspective. It almost made me wonder if he had a premonition of his death. I am sure that was not the case, because he wrote and published two additional volumes after All Fishermen Are Liars. I live in Colorado, and I, therefore, have a bias toward his stories around fly fishing in the Centennial State. It seemed that in this installment, there was much more content involving travel and trips to destinations more distant. He developed a great love of steelhead fishing, so I completely understand the inclusion of chapters surrounding that pursuit. My favorite chapters aside from chapter one were: K Bar T, New Water, Rods, The Mile, Lodges and Wyoming. Rods was particularly interesting, as I learned that Gierach is a collector of fly rods. He claims to have owned one hundred during his life up until that point in time, with fifty remaining in his possession. It made me wonder what became of or will become of all those fly rods, because I do not think he had any offspring. As usual, Gierach offers his opinions abundantly, and he sprinkles his essays with heavy doses of wry humor and much self deprecation. There are two more books on my list to be read, but I will surely miss John Gierach.
February 26, 2025
I’ve always enjoyed John Gierach’s storytelling—his ability to turn a quiet day on the water into something worth remembering. This book certainly has its moments. There are some fantastic stories here, the kind that make you want to drop everything, grab your rod, and find a stretch of water where the trout are rising. His descriptions of old fishing buddies, remote destinations, and the philosophy of the sport still have that familiar charm.
But for some reason, this one just didn’t grab me the way his other books have. Maybe it’s because the essays feel a little more meandering, less focused. There are glimpses of his usual wit and wisdom, but at times it felt like I was just along for the ride rather than truly hooked.
That said, there are a few gems. His stories about fishing in Newfoundland, dealing with eccentric guides, and the inevitable moments when everything that should work somehow doesn’t—those are classic Gierach. If you’re a fan, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy.
But for some reason, this one just didn’t grab me the way his other books have. Maybe it’s because the essays feel a little more meandering, less focused. There are glimpses of his usual wit and wisdom, but at times it felt like I was just along for the ride rather than truly hooked.
That said, there are a few gems. His stories about fishing in Newfoundland, dealing with eccentric guides, and the inevitable moments when everything that should work somehow doesn’t—those are classic Gierach. If you’re a fan, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy.
July 20, 2017
I've only ever fished very occasionally but I read this anyway because I like Gierach's writing and like a good bit of rural banter on the tube.
This is an enjoyable collection of essays that read like long columns. Gierach can be funny, and he is certainly knowledgeable and skillful, both in fishing and in writing. And he can, in spots, add weight to his writing, expressing something of his personal experience. He goes on a bit too much about gear for my taste but those parts can be skipped and still leave a good read.
This is an enjoyable collection of essays that read like long columns. Gierach can be funny, and he is certainly knowledgeable and skillful, both in fishing and in writing. And he can, in spots, add weight to his writing, expressing something of his personal experience. He goes on a bit too much about gear for my taste but those parts can be skipped and still leave a good read.
June 7, 2024
This was another really-solid, predictably-good Gierach book. There was no obvious connective tissue between the chapters, but there were some especially enjoyable chapters mixed into the batch. I especially enjoyed the first chapter. I've read enough Gierach by this point to have a good image of his life—or at least his life he chooses to share—but the first chapter was uniquely thorough and engaging, and filled in the few gaps I had in my vision of the author.
November 28, 2022
The book is about a guy who loves to fish. It is a bunch of his fishing stories from around the world. My favorite is the one when he go's to the green river because I like to fish there a lot. I really like this book because it is all true stories and a lot of them are very funny. Overall it was a very good book
February 25, 2024
I like his writing and especially what he loves about the outdoors and fishing. The description of taking the life of a chinook was great. The book bogged a little for me with technical aspects of fly fishing which makes sense since I don’t fly fish (yet!) so my enjoyment went down a little for that but I like this dude and likely will read more of his stuff.
February 22, 2022
Beautiful and exciting nature narrative from the fishing perspective across many adventures a really quick read and fun. Very informative and interesting full of facts and history along with the fishing adventures
February 24, 2025
It is going to be hard for me to give anything John Gierach writes any less than 4 stars. He is that good.
While reading this book I laughed out loud, read passages to my family, and nodded knowingly many times. A great winter read…
While reading this book I laughed out loud, read passages to my family, and nodded knowingly many times. A great winter read…
February 2, 2018
A great collection of eloquently written short stories about life and fly fishing.
January 29, 2020
Any Gierarch book is fantastic.
July 7, 2020
Another solid entry! Really enjoyed the Wyoming cutthroat story, and the quip about being destined to fish in the wake of the the first President Bush... :)
September 7, 2021
Love this guy
May 4, 2022
More great fishing stories by one of my favourite authors. If you enjoy fly fishing you will surely find something to like in one of Gierach's books!
May 22, 2022
Another great collection of fishing stories to get lost in when you’d rather be out fishing yourself.
June 26, 2022
Great fishing stories, but got a bit sales-y in some chapters. Need to plan a trip to Labrador asap.
July 27, 2023
Brilliant
July 30, 2023
This is such a beautiful book. I enjoyed reading it. Likely due to my aspiring fly fishing adventures.
February 5, 2024
So what part was the lying??
December 27, 2024
Reminded me a lot of John McPhee
April 16, 2025
Just another great read by an author that I have come to genuinely enjoy.
August 22, 2025
If you like Giearch, you will enjoy this. I just don’t think it’s as good as his others. Too much lodge, not enough journeys
October 19, 2025
Very unimpressive antidotes from a guy who managed to make a career of fishing and writing about it.
November 7, 2015
Anything fish-related catches my eye, even though I am not really a fisherman. That is why I am interested in books like this, to better learn why people like to fish. If you were to read only one book to do the same, this is a good choice. I am fascinated with the beauty of ichthyofauna, trout in particular, but wouldn’t know where to begin if handed a fly rod. I had to kind of pass over some of the technical terms, like the numbers assigned to pieces of equipment. However, after reading enough of this I feel I have a better sense of the tools. This is not textbook-like information but rather the author’s personal experience and how he uses the gear in the field.
In sports championships, the better announcers are mindful of their audience, which often includes a spike in “fair-weather” fans. They use the same terminology they normally would, but also explain things for the infrequent viewers. Gierach’s writing is like that. Good for people new to fishing, even better for those already hooked. Fishing is, as he realizes, an inexhaustible subject to write (and talk) about. As for the craft and construction of flies, the possibilities really are endless, and the only way I think someone could know what all of these parts do is through years of experience. It is not surprising that a book about fly fishing spends so much time describing the diversity of flies – and rods, too. It made me think of guitars and their strings, a world I do know.
The author is based in Colorado, and travels to various destinations in upper North America for this book that is more like a collection of related essays than a continuous storyline. The style flows like the fast, clean water of a good trout stream, and most chapters end with a sort of ‘moral of the story’. He works in details of day-to-day life, and the journey over time, with just the right amount of humor to bob it along, making you feel like you’re there with him and his friends. There are nice sketches by Glenn Wolff at start of each (brief) chapter that match the writing in their rugged elegance. If you look close, there’s even an Audubon’s warbler, the western race of one of my favorite visiting birds, the yellow-rumped warbler. So, lots of details on the art of fly fishing, not as much about the fish themselves, but still a good read.
Note: I won a copy of this title through Goodreads' First Reads.
In sports championships, the better announcers are mindful of their audience, which often includes a spike in “fair-weather” fans. They use the same terminology they normally would, but also explain things for the infrequent viewers. Gierach’s writing is like that. Good for people new to fishing, even better for those already hooked. Fishing is, as he realizes, an inexhaustible subject to write (and talk) about. As for the craft and construction of flies, the possibilities really are endless, and the only way I think someone could know what all of these parts do is through years of experience. It is not surprising that a book about fly fishing spends so much time describing the diversity of flies – and rods, too. It made me think of guitars and their strings, a world I do know.
The author is based in Colorado, and travels to various destinations in upper North America for this book that is more like a collection of related essays than a continuous storyline. The style flows like the fast, clean water of a good trout stream, and most chapters end with a sort of ‘moral of the story’. He works in details of day-to-day life, and the journey over time, with just the right amount of humor to bob it along, making you feel like you’re there with him and his friends. There are nice sketches by Glenn Wolff at start of each (brief) chapter that match the writing in their rugged elegance. If you look close, there’s even an Audubon’s warbler, the western race of one of my favorite visiting birds, the yellow-rumped warbler. So, lots of details on the art of fly fishing, not as much about the fish themselves, but still a good read.
Note: I won a copy of this title through Goodreads' First Reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews