Handbook of Western Fly Fishing (DK Pocket) [Paperback]

Paul B. Downing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

The how and where to fly fish for trout in the western waters. Since moving to the West, Paul Downing has meticulously recorded his fishing journeys. In this book, he unselfishly shares his observations, insights and knowledge gained. Every fly fisher, whether he or she is a novice or experienced angler, will find something of value in this book.

Learn how to: fish pocket waters, fish on the edge, and sight fish; nymph deep runs, strip streamers, and fool midging trout; fish lakes and ponds and fly fish for pike; fish the two rigs needed to catch western trout; use the twelve flies that work throughout the West; discover your own western waters; find great fishing opportunities in each western state; select and fish with a guide; and float western waters.

Paul B. Downing is an avid fly fisher, freelance writer and conservationist. He has fly fished extensively from the Rocky Mountains to Alaska. Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologists to restore the greenback cutthroat trout to its native waters has fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams. Noted for his clear, concise writing, he shares his experiences, his secrets and his love of the West and the fish that live there.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Paul Downing, a member of the Alpine Anglers Chapter in Estes Park, has made a very valuable addition to our fly fishing libraries with his new book. In some 225 pages he covers an immense amount of ground; from Taos to Fairbanks, with frequent stops along the way to touch on entomology, tackle, techniques, memories, favorite spots, and much, much more - even (gasp) pike. He includes a trememdous bibliography of source material for the armchair angler along with a well-chosen selection of black-and-white photographs. I especially liked his comments on rod weights and fly patterns in that he avoids the glitzy and focuses on the standards that have been proven over time. Paul writes with an elegant yet very readable style. When you cannot get to the stream because of weather, family or the job, this volume will do well as a substitute. This will quickly become a favorite resource for the experienced western fisherman seeking new waters and it will make a superb present for your eastern fishing buddy who is contemplating his first western fishing trip. --Rocky Mountain Streamside, Harry B. Ledyard reviewer,Summer 2001

...Paul Downing has meticulously recorded his fishing journeys. Every fly fisher...will find something of value in this book. --Brian McKinley, Outdoor Writer.

About the Author

Paul B. Downing is an avid fly fisher, freelance writer, and conservationist. He has fly fished extensively from the Rocky Mountains to Alaska. Working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologists to restore the greenback cutthroat trout to its native waters has fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams. Noted for his clear, concise writing, he shares his experiences, his secrets and love of the West and the fish that live there.

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Majestic Press; 1st edition (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962531162
• ISBN-13: 978-0962531163
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,118,692 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A treasury of great information, June 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Handbook of Western Fly Fishing (DK Pocket) (Paperback)

I've been reading everything I could get my hands on about fly fishing for the past year. This book is by far the best of the bunch to date. If you fish in the West, this is a book you'll want to own. Packed with great advice that will help you catch (and release) more fish. For me, the chapter on pocket water techniques alone is worth the price of the book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How to and where to fish, May 4, 2002

By 

Austin W Condon (Estes Park, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Western Fly Fishing (DK Pocket) (Paperback)

Novices and experienced anglers alike will find helpful information in Paul Downings "Handbook of Western Fly Fishing". Whether you are looking for tips on rigging or how to find and care for a guide, you will find a wealth of information in this compact book. I particularly enjoyed the first person stories of real adventures one can often experience while exploring new areas in search of fish. But then, Paul also makes it clear that the reason people fish isn't always the fish they catch, but the places they get to explore and things they get to enjoy on the way.

A good read whether looking for specific info, or just enjoy fishing stories. I recommend it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Looks great from the table of contents, till you actually read it, December 6, 2005

By 

F. Gomez (Chatham, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Handbook of Western Fly Fishing (DK Pocket) (Paperback)

I bought this before a monthlong trip to MT hoping it would be a good resource. The author has bitten off more than he can chew--too shallow, not authoritative, and not the book I thought it would be