Selective Trout [Paperback]

Carl Richards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1988

Here is completely revised, expanded, and reset edition of the book that revolutionized modern fly fishing for trout--now in full color.

SELECTIVE TROUT has been hailed as the most revolutionary new approach to trout-fly imitation of the twentieth century. Fly Fisherman magazine called it “the most important book on fly fishing of this decade.” Writer and angling historian Paul Schullery said in American Fly Fishing that the book “outlined many of the most important mayfly hatches in the best-known trout-fishing regions, and from that solid entomological foundation it introduced a striking and still-provocative series of flies. . . .” In calculating the effect of its impact and practicality, Joe Brooks said that “both beginners and veterans benefit immeasurably.”

Now this fly-fishing bestseller—with more than 150,000 copies sold—is back in a new, thoroughly updated edition. The new SELECTIVE TROUT is completely revised and expanded to include hatching charts for the whole country, identification keys for caddisflies and stoneflies as well as mayflies, the latest entomological information, proven new fly patterns, and much more. This new full-color edition, with more than 150 handsome illustrated by the distinguished angler-artist Dave Whitlock, is a must-have for all fly fishers.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Today's trout are becoming more and more "selective," harder to catch - and no wonder: they are presented with an endless variety of flies by growing numbers of fishermen. But the authors of Selective Trout maintain that the real reason fly fishermen fail is that they do not present the right fly - and here is their solution. It is a clear, down-to-earth presentation of some startling new ideas about fly fishing for trout - ideas that break with tradition but which have now proven their value to thousands of fishermen. Along with full descriptions of their famous new No-Hackle and Paradun patterns, you'll find a hatching chart covering the entire country, complete information on how to fish the "super hatches" of mayflies, and the latest word on streamside strategy, night fishing, feeding habits, and much more. It's the new "bible" for fly fishermen; all predictions have been proven true. You can't afford to fly-fish for trout without having read this book! (81/4 X 103/4, 198 pages, color photos, b&w photos, illustrations, charts)

About the Author

DOUG SWISHER is the co-author, with Carl Richards, of Emergers, and Fly Fishing Strategy. He lives in Naples, Florida.

CARL RICHARDS is the author of Prey, and co-author, with Dick Pobst, of The Caddisfly Handbook. He lives in Rockford, Michigan.

DAVE WHITLOCK is the author or illustrator of many fine angling books, including Dave Whitlock’s Guide to Aquatic Trout Foods, Fly Fishing Strategy, The L.L. Bean Fly-Fishing Handbook, and The L.L. Bean Fly Fishing for Bass Handbook. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press (July 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 094113072X
• ISBN-13: 978-0941130721
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,044,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Selective Trout - Enhanced, March 16, 2006

By 

Daniel Wolfe (Scottsdale, Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Selective Trout: Revised and Expanded (Hardcover)

The revised edition of Selective Trout actually is an expanded and enhanced edition. There is a significant difference from the initial edition. Some of the hatches have been renamed. If you ever had trouble locating that third PMD, it's gone. Color pictures of the mayflies still are included but along with the descriptions. There is additional discussion of Caddisflies, which is greatly expanded, as well as, Stoneflies, with patterns and hatch charts for both. The sections on Midges, Craneflies, Dragonflies, Aquatic Moths and Terrestials includes more information and additional patterns. The presentation is also enhanced by good quality paper and great color illustrations. This is what I had hoped for in a revised and updated edition.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Angle, September 4, 2010

By 

Randy Kadish "Author of The Bad, The Good and... (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Selective Trout: Revised and Expanded (Hardcover)

When this book came out it was controversial, as the authors advocated the idea that trout are more selective feeders than we thought, and that matching the hatch, more than presenting the fly, is so vital.

To be successful, according to the authors, anglers must kick up some rocks and then use a small net to see what insects are in the stream. Guessing is no longer good enough.

Also, the authors advocate that in slow water trout will prefer very small and/or no-hackle flies to bigger and/or hackled ones. (Smaller flies have trouble breaking through the surface film and are, therefore, more vulnerable than bigger flies.)

To this day many anglers will argue against those theories, but to me what's so important about this book is that it changed my approach to fishing.(After reading this book I bought many size 22 to 26 midges.)

The book is also a great hatching guide, and has a lot of information about how insects behave and how certain flies should be fished.

While I'll never be as scientific of an angler as the authors, and while I'm not going to carry a portable fly-tying kit to a stream, any book that helps me think outside of my box deserves five stars.

The illustrations, though not professionally drawn, are very helpful.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, May 21, 2011

By 

Eagle "An avid reader" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Selective Trout: Revised and Expanded (Hardcover)

I just received this book yesterday and am really thrilled with the overall appearance of the book and the fluid writing. The art work and photography are exceptional. The book covers almost all aspect of entomology one can think of that is useful to the fly fishing addicted. In depth discussion can be found on how to identify the various hatches, apparently clear and useful fly patterns and much more. This second edition is a huge expansion over the first, that in its own right is a great book also.

My advice is to buy it now. I know I will get many hours of excellent reading, fly fishing and tying with what is between the two covers of this book!