A Modern Dry-Fly Code

by Vincent C. Marinaro

A Modern Dry-Fly Code has been described as "the best angling work of the last half century" and "the first original American contribution to fly fishing." It is a towering classic - intense, knowledgeable, and written with exacting care. Forty-seven years ago, when it was first published, it was far ahead of its time; today its insights into the behavior patterns of insects and feeding trout, its development of new and highly effective fly-fishing techniques, and its dramatic innovations in dry-fly dressing will remain valid and highly effective. Marinaro's reevaluation of the importance of terrestrial insects and his development of such patterns as the Jassid, the Ant, and the Pontoon Hopper expand the fly-fishing season far beyond the traditional period. His patterns, shown in full color, are widely acclaimed and used with striking success throughout the country. His valuable streamside studies remain models for anyone who would observe the most mysterious and intriguing of fish - the trout. Finally, A Modern Dry-Fly Code presents the first complete treatise on America's now-famous limestone waters, a generous ratio of practical lore and engaging reminiscence, and a profound rationale for the art of fly fishing. (53/4 X 81/2, 298 pages, color photos, b&w photos, illustrations)

Genres: Nonfiction

298 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Chris Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the more important books - by reputation at least - in fly fishing. It was a critical step in the development of fly fishing, particularly with dry flies during the period right after WWII. At its best, Marinaro presents a fresh take on trout, their etymology, their feeding behavior, and the imitations most likely to 'take fish'. It also provides a nice sense of the middle part of Pennsylvania limestone streams that so much consumed his life. The writing is formal - lawyerly (Marinaro was a tax attorney) and at time quite turgid, unlike the waters he describes.

One welcome reaction: this was not a story of capturing the 'big one' in Patagonia or fishing in the far west up in the Winds, helicopter fishing, if you will. It was about close to home waters, about learning the local streams well and completely, caring for them and living in their presence and the life they maintain. Not a bad thing and all too often lost today.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, a classic in Dry Fly (and all Fly) Fishing literature! Any words I would say would pale in comparison to the magnitude and simply the wonderful nature of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of reading this book, and gleaned several novel pieces of information from this book that, while written in a prior era, are very much applicable to fly fishing in today's age; these principles have stood the test of time.