What do you think?
Rate this book
On Fly-Fishing the Northern Rockies: Essays and Dubious Advice
Anyone would be hard-pressed to find a pastime more emblematic of the western spirit than fly-fishing. Liberating, poetic, wild, soothing and inspiring, it pushes the boundaries of the mind. In essays ranging from introspective to ironic, angler authors Chadd VanZanten and Russ Beck distill the purest truths of fly-fishing into essential, often humorous rules of thumb. With kernels like "always tell the truth sometimes" and "all the fish are underwater," wade into the blue ribbon waters of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah to reflect metaphysically on these lines of practical wisdom.
144 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2015
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 30, 2017
Chad and Russ are the coolest. I didn't know much about fly fishing, but their writing is so poetic and clear that I feel a connection to it now. I might need to try my hand.
April 23, 2020
Worth the read!
If you enjoy fly fishing or just the outdoors in general, then you will enjoy the stories found in this book!
If you enjoy fly fishing or just the outdoors in general, then you will enjoy the stories found in this book!
July 4, 2015
I am no fisherman, fly angling or otherwise. I read this book because I'm best friends with one of the authors and he thrust a signed copy into my arms with the inscription "Hey! I wrote another book!" So, I took it upon myself to read it.
It would have been nice if "On Fly-Fishing the Northern Rockies" had started with a primer of sorts or maybe a glossary in the back could suffice for those of us who have no idea what Beck or VanZanten are talking about when they talk about the various flies they tie or fish with, or the techniques, rods, lines, nets, waders, or gloves they use while they fish.
Aside from the technical jargon related to fly fishing, the writing is down-to-earth and homey. It was interesting how the authors tied in connections to fishing to spiritual, business, relationship, and academic references. Heck, they found ways to relate everything in life to fishing.
Perhaps what was conveyed most strongly by this collection of essays was their undying passion for fly fishing, which, as far as I can tell, is relatively new (only in the last ten years or so) for both of these gentlemen. In addition to fishing, they clearly have a newfound appreciation for nature through fishing and that's clearly conveyed through these essays.
So, if you're looking for a fun read about fishing, about hiking, camping, and wading in the rivers of the Western Rockies, this is it. I'm sure there will be more to come from these guys.
It would have been nice if "On Fly-Fishing the Northern Rockies" had started with a primer of sorts or maybe a glossary in the back could suffice for those of us who have no idea what Beck or VanZanten are talking about when they talk about the various flies they tie or fish with, or the techniques, rods, lines, nets, waders, or gloves they use while they fish.
Aside from the technical jargon related to fly fishing, the writing is down-to-earth and homey. It was interesting how the authors tied in connections to fishing to spiritual, business, relationship, and academic references. Heck, they found ways to relate everything in life to fishing.
Perhaps what was conveyed most strongly by this collection of essays was their undying passion for fly fishing, which, as far as I can tell, is relatively new (only in the last ten years or so) for both of these gentlemen. In addition to fishing, they clearly have a newfound appreciation for nature through fishing and that's clearly conveyed through these essays.
So, if you're looking for a fun read about fishing, about hiking, camping, and wading in the rivers of the Western Rockies, this is it. I'm sure there will be more to come from these guys.
September 10, 2015
A beautifully written love song to trout and rivers, to tied flies and makeshift motels, to mountains and friendship. I have never cast a fly rod, but this book allowed me to go along on the fishing trip and be one of the gang. Chadd and Russ write with humor and humility that celebrates their passion at its best and worst moments.
June 13, 2015
Beautiful, thought-provoking essays splashed with humor. Even if you don't like fishing, this is an enjoyable read.
January 1, 2018
Fantastic read for fly fisherman and the fishing genre
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews