The ever-popular Gierach shares insights, musings, and countless stories from the profound to the funny to the downright absurd that he’s collected over a lifetime of fishing. His first book in 3 years, Gierach gives us a book that is wry, contemplative, and as lively as ever, as edifying as it is entertaining. 256 pgs.

From the Pacific Northwest to the Upper Midwest to the Canadian Maritimes, “America’s best fishing writer” (Houston Chronicle) shows us why life’s most valuable lessons—and some of its best experiences—are found while fly-fishing.

For John Gierach, fishing is always the answer—even when it’s not clear what the question is. He’s fished for steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, bull trout in British Columbia, bonefish in Mexico, and pike in the Upper Midwest. He’s even tried winter fly-fishing and braved the remote Alaskan wilderness. Through it all, he has nurtured his enduring love for the sport.

Traveling around North America, Gierach seeks out great fishing experiences with one goal in mind: to have a good time and maybe catch some fish. He talks about fashion in flies and fly-tying, about the mysteries of why certain flies work, and about the etiquette of fishing a popular spot. He reflects on how it feels to approach a new stream, acting nonchalant while experiencing intense excitement and anticipation. He also muses about fishing rods: “Although I own enough rods to build a picket fence around my property, I can sometimes be convinced that I need just one more.” And though Gierach loses some fish along the way, he never loses his passion and sense of humor.

By John Gierach - 2015