Western Fly-Fishing Strategies presents valuable tips and lessons with chapters ranging from trip planning, equipment, and tackle, to Western hatches, different kinds of insects, and the special fall season for Western anglers. Also included are useful drawings by Rod Walinchus, full-color fly plates, and photographs of the naturals, as well as thoughts on the future of Western fly fishing.
Simply one of the best books on fishing Yellowstone National Park and western fly fishing in general. Mathews' writing style is relaxed, entertaining, and packed with humorous and insightful anecdotes from his years as a fisherman and guide in and around Yellowstone National Park.
My favorite part of this book is his writing style first and foremost. He writes in a conversational tone that avoids the dry, prescriptive tone that many fly fishing books take on. He writes as if he's leaning against the counter in the fly shop and giving you personal tips and stories to help make your fishing experience in Yellowstone more enjoyable. Although he covers waters outside Yellowstone, it's really the stories and information about the Park that really shine.
My second favorite part of this book is how Mathews provides valuable tips on fly pattens, techniques, and equipment in a simple, straightforward style. He doesn't over complicate fishing and makes it about presentation instead of the newest fly pattern, fly line, or reel that happens to hit the market. This is commendable and impressive from a fly shop owner and really speaks to his love of the sport and with helping people enjoy fishing rather than simply buying new overhyped gizmos. Well done!
Overall, this book will be a staple on my fly fishing library and I will reread it each winter as a prepare for the first spring hatches on my local waters. Great book.