Fly fishing is an advanced form of fishing. Once you work up from putting a worm on a hook with a normal rod, you can try your hand at the artful practice of fly fishing.
The pace, practice, and art of fly fishing require some knowledge, though. It’s tough to dive right in and start catching fish. The gear is different, the strategy is a little more nuanced, and you might even need some advice from a few fishermen in your area.
The point is, you need some kind of guide to get started.
We’re going to look through some of the best books on fly fishing in this article. You’ll find information on the strategy, history, gear, and more. Hopefully, one of the following selections will lead you to your next big catch.
Let’s get started.
Check Amazon- Ideal for beginners
- Explains how to choose and use rods, reels, and lines and how to cast
- Written in an easy-to-understand, entertaining style by Tom Rosenbauer, who won the Angler of the Year award by Fly Rod & Reel magazine in 2011 for the book
- Includes instructive line drawings by Bob White
- Appropriate for experienced anglers who want to hone their craft
Check Amazon- 352 pages.
- Written by a lifelong fly fisher with decades of experience, Ed Quigley.
- Offers old secrets to fly fishing.
Check Amazon- Written by Charlie Meyers and Kirk Deeter
- The book is written in an entertaining, straightforward manner with a focus on providing practical information
- Provides 240 fishing tips
- Tips include how to evaluate water, place and drift flies, wading, "fighting" a fish, and much, much more
- This guide is like having an expert angler on call whenever you need answers about a particular aspect of fishing.
Check Amazon- 297 pages.
- National Outdoor Book Award Winner for Outdoor Literature.
- Written by fly fishing historian Mark Kurlansky.
Check Amazon- 144 pages.
- Teaches how to find fish, identify their depth, and decide what type of fly to use per the situation.
- Illustrated by fish artist James Prosek.
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Books About Fly Fishing
1. The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, Revised by Tom Rosenbauer
Our choice for the #1 Best Overall book about fly fishing is The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide. The revised version of this book, which is the gold standard in fly fishing information, is up-to-date on gear, strategy, and much more.
You’ll learn how to choose and care for your rods, leaders, knots, lines, and more. You’ll also get access to clear illustrations on casting. Further, you’ll have a glossary of strategies for different types of water, streams, and targets.
Each fish requires a different catching strategy, and you’ll get information on catching each of the primary fly fishing targets. The book is comprehensive, coming in at 408 pages.
It’s available in Kindle and paperback formats. A few reviewers said that this book includes a lot of good information for beginners, but that they’ll need to “watch a lot of YouTube videos” to see the techniques in action as well.
Pros and Cons of The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, Revised by Tom Rosenbauer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This 408-page book is the gold standard of fly fishing information and it has been revised to include up-to-date gear, strategy, and more. | A few reviewers said that this book includes a lot of good information for beginners, but that they’ll need to “watch a lot of YouTube videos” to see the techniques in action as well. |
| Learn about rods, leaders, knots, lines, and more. | |
| You’ll also receive clear instructions on casting and a glossary of strategies for different types of water, streams, and targets. | |
| It’s available in Kindle and paperback formats. |
- Ideal for beginners
- Explains how to choose and use rods, reels, and lines and how to cast
- Written in an easy-to-understand, entertaining style by Tom Rosenbauer, who won the Angler of the Year award by Fly Rod & Reel magazine in 2011 for the book
- Includes instructive line drawings by Bob White
- Appropriate for experienced anglers who want to hone their craft
2. Fly Fishing For Dummies by Peter Kaminsky
If you’re an absolute beginner on any subject, the “Dummies” books, like Fly Fishing For Dummies by Peter Kaminsky, are typically a decent place to start. This 384-page paperback book will more than fill you in on fly fishing basics.
You can think of this book as a sort of beginner’s textbook on fly fishing. It’s available in paperback and Kindle formats.
You’ll find useful images, diagrams, descriptions, strategies, and more. Most importantly, though, you’ll get a well-rounded understanding of fly fishing’s basic gear and principles in Fly Fishing for Dummies.
One British reviewer lamented that half of this book was only useful in America.
Pros and Cons of Fly Fishing For Dummies by Peter Kaminsky
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| If you’re an absolute beginner, this 384-page paperback will fill you in on fly fishing basics. | One British reviewer lamented that half of this book was only useful in America. |
| It’s available in paperback and Kindle formats. | |
| This beginner’s textbook on fly fishing includes images, diagrams, descriptions, strategies, and more. | |
| By the time you finish this book, you’ll also have a good understanding of fly fishing’s basic gear and principles. |
3. Fly-Fishing Advice from an Old Timer: A Practical Guide to the Sport and Its Language by Ed Quigley
Fly-Fishing Advice from an Old Timer is a 352-page exploration of Ed Quigley’s life as a fisherman.
He’s fly fished across the globe and worked with just about every midge, emerger, fly, stream, rod, or reel you’re likely to find. The book explores some of the time-worn secrets that can only come from someone who’s spent thousands of hours practicing the sport.
Quigley also offers suggestions for future learning on each topic. You’ll get suggestions for different websites, videos, books, and articles that could help you refine any given skill.
You can find this book on Kindle, and it’s available in paperback form as well. If you pay close attention, you’ll learn to make flies as you stand in the stream while fishing.
A few reviewers said that much of Quigley’s writing was too detailed and specific, such as what brand of shoelaces he prefers.
Pros and Cons of Fly-Fishing Advice from an Old Timer: A Practical Guide to the Sport and Its Language by Ed Quigley
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This 352-page book was written by Ed Quigley, a fisherman who has fly fished across the globe. | A few reviewers said that much of Quigley’s writing was too detailed and specific, such as what brand of shoelaces he prefers. |
| He has worked with practically every midge, emerger, fly, stream, rod, or reel in existence. | |
| The author offers suggestions for future learning, including websites, videos, books, and articles to help you refine specific skills. | |
| It’s available in Kindle and paperback formats. |
- 352 pages.
- Written by a lifelong fly fisher with decades of experience, Ed Quigley.
- Offers old secrets to fly fishing.
4. The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers
The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing has over 1,000 excellent reviews on Amazon and is composed of direct tips. Rather than a weaving narrative on fly fishing, you’ll find here straightforward advice that you can apply directly.
The book is 224 pages and available in Kindle and hardcover formats. Written by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers, two notable anglers, the book drops a direct line into their thoughts and journals over the course of their lives as fly fishermen.
Get access to 240 tips on casting, fly placement, reading the environment, choosing equipment, fly selection, and much more.
Several reviewers indicated that this book was “just OK.” Others said that it is not a “how to” book; rather, it is a book of fly fishing tips.
Pros and Cons of The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book has over 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon. | Several reviewers indicated that this book was “just OK.” |
| It’s composed of straightforward tips that you can apply during your fly fishing adventures. | Other reviewers said that it is not a “how to” book; rather, it is a book of fly fishing tips. |
| This 224-page book is available in Kindle and hardcover formats. | |
| It was written by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers, two renowned anglers. | |
| You’ll find 240 tips on casting, fly placement, reading the environment, choosing equipment, fly selection, and much more |
- Written by Charlie Meyers and Kirk Deeter
- The book is written in an entertaining, straightforward manner with a focus on providing practical information
- Provides 240 fishing tips
- Tips include how to evaluate water, place and drift flies, wading, "fighting" a fish, and much, much more
- This guide is like having an expert angler on call whenever you need answers about a particular aspect of fishing.
5. The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing by Mark Kurlansky
The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing is an exploration written by historian Mark Kurlansky.
Kurlansky takes a dive into the history of fly fishing, its art, and its targets; salmon, trout, char, and more. While this book doesn’t give direct tips on how to fly fish, it will give you a massive appreciation for the craft and history of the sport.
Kurlansky is a notable historian of everyday objects with unappreciated histories. He has written deep-diving books on salt, cod, paper, oysters, lies, salmon, milk, and, of course, fly fishing.
This book is 297 pages and is only available on Kindle and Audiobook. It was also the National Outdoor Book Award Winner for Outdoor Literature.
Some reviewers said that the book was somewhat boring since it focused on the history of fly fishing rather than the author’s experiences. Another stated that the book is “full of untruths,” about specific rivers.
Pros and Cons of The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing by Mark Kurlansky
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book was written by historian Mark Kurlansky. | Some reviewers said that the book was somewhat boring since it focused on the history of fly fishing rather than the author’s experiences. |
| It’s a history of fly fishing: its art, and its targets; salmon, trout, char, and more. | Another stated that the book is “full of untruths,” about specific rivers. |
| It does not provide direct tips on how to fly fish. | |
| The author has written a number of deep-dive books about everyday objects with unappreciated histories such as salt, cod, paper, oysters, lies, salmon, and milk. | |
| This book is 297 pages and is only available on Kindle and Audiobook. | |
| It won the National Outdoor Book Award for Outdoor Literature. |
- 297 pages.
- National Outdoor Book Award Winner for Outdoor Literature.
- Written by fly fishing historian Mark Kurlansky.
6. Simple Fly Fishing (Revised Second Edition) by Yvon Chouinard (Author), Craig Mathews (Author), Mauro Mazzo (Author), James Prosek (Artist), Russell Chatham (Foreword)
Simple Fly Fishing is a brief, 144-page look at simplifying your fly fishing process. In lieu of fancy gear, this book teaches the reader how to find fish, identify their depth, and decide what type of fly to use in respective situations.
You’ll also get lessons on how to make the fly look lifelike. The book, which is available in paperback or Kindle formats, is illustrated by notable aquatic artist James Prosek. These illustrations illuminate various ideas put forward in the book.
One reviewer preferred the previous edition because he dislikes the forward. A few others said that this book entitled Simple Fly Fishing made it sound unnecessarily complicated.
Pros and Cons of Simple Fly Fishing (Revised Second Edition) by Yvon Chouinard (Author), Craig Mathews (Author), Mauro Mazzo (Author), James Prosek (Artist), Russell Chatham (Foreword)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This 144-page book is a look at simplifying the fly fishing process. | One reviewer preferred the previous edition because he dislikes the forward. |
| Instead of fancy gear, it teaches readers how to find fish, identify their depth, and determine what kind of fly to use. | A few reviewers said that this book entitled Simple Fly Fishing made it sound unnecessarily complicated. |
| You’ll also learn how to make the fly look lifelike. | |
| This book is available in Kindle or paperback and is illustrated by notable aquatic artist James Prosek. |
- 144 pages.
- Teaches how to find fish, identify their depth, and decide what type of fly to use per the situation.
- Illustrated by fish artist James Prosek.
7. Guide to Fly Fishing Knots: A Basic Streamside Guide by Larry V. Notley
Guide to Fly Fishing Knots is exactly what it sounds like.
You might think all knots are the same out on the water, but that’s simply untrue. Understanding a versatile number of knot forms will help you a great deal in the process of fly fishing. Not only will you save time, but you’ll improve your odds of catching fish.
The book is only 32 pages and can accompany you on your next fishing trip. Use this as a simple, effective guide for all knots pertaining to fly fishing.
It’s only available in paperback.
Several reviewers said that the information in this book was “basic.”
Guide to Fly Fishing Knots: A Basic Streamside Guide by Larry V. Notley
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Using the right knot will improve your odds of catching fish. | It’s only available in paperback. |
| This book is only 32 pages long, making it a simple, effective, and portable guide to all fly fishing knots. | Several reviewers said that the information in this book was “basic.” |
- 32 pages.
- A succinct guide to the different fly fishing knots.
How to Choose the Right Fly Fishing Book
Everyone’s a little different when it comes to learning styles, so you might benefit from any one of the books above.
If you’re someone who enjoys learning about the context and processes that go into creating a sport like fly fishing, then The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing or Fly-Fishing Advice from an Old Timer might be great places to start.
Once you’re fully satisfied with your understanding of the sport’s history, you can move into something like The Orvis Guide.
Note that a true guide like The Orvis Guide or Fly Fishing for Dummies is highly suggested. This is a difficult sport. Most people will not be able to select and use the equipment needed to catch fish without any instruction.
Not only will you not have fun, but you’ll be frustrated if you don’t know what you’re doing. So, a guide is key. Once you’re situated and understand the process of fly fishing, you can invest in one of the books of tips above like The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing to get some new ideas.
The 7 Best Books About Fly Fishing for New Anglers FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it hard to fly fish?
Fly fishing isn’t necessarily “hard.” It is, however, a sport that one can improve over a lifetime. Expert fly fishing is about spending enough time in the water to have an intuitive understanding of the line, the fly, the water, and the fish.
A person can catch a fish without being an expert, but fly fishing can be a personal practice much like martial arts or meditation.
Why do people love to fly fish?
Fly fishing is unique to traditional fishing because it requires constant movement and focus. People describe it as a “captivating” experience that engages your body and mind equally.
Further, the fisherman is standing in or alongside a stream in the midst of nature, oftentimes alone. Engagement with nature, physical activity, and feelings of accomplishment are all things that improve mental well-being.
Finally, catching a fish is something that’s almost objectively enjoyable, particularly if you’ve waited a long time to do it.
How long does it take to learn fly fishing?
Fly fishing isn’t extremely hard to start doing. Odds are that a beginner will learn the ropes decently well after a few times on the water if they have the right instruction.
As it goes with anything, you will learn faster as you start going fly fishing more. If you have an experienced person to go fishing with, you’ll likely improve faster.
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