One of the most studied yet intimidating aspects of fly fishing for trout is an understanding of insect hatches. This unique book teaches fly fishers enough entomology to be successful, and instead of focusing on insect identification, it stresses learning how to approach trout, how to find where they feed, and how to present the fly so it is accepted as natural food without hesitation. It helps fly fishers catch more fish on dry flies, streamers, and nymphs, and teaches the angler more about trout than the life history of insects. Published in association with The Orvis Company.
TOM ROSENBAUER has been a fly fisher for five decades and was tying flies commercially at age fourteen. He is the author of numerous books, as well as countless articles for American Angler, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, and other periodicals. He has worked for the Orvis Company in various capacities since 1976. He lives in Pawlet, VT.
"You know how some flyfishers will approach a stream and commence making perfect casts to water that would never hold a fish? This book addresses a similar problem, only with bugs instead of casting. I wrote the foreword, partially because Tom is my friend, but also because I loved the premise: how to fish hatches when hatches aren't hatching. Fave sections: "When Trout Ignore Hatches" (been there!); "Toward Simplicity" (limit fancy flies); and "A Strategy for Late-Evening Hatches" ("Be drunk" is not a strategy)--Tom Bie, Editor, The Drake Rosebauer's strength has always been not only knowing all the technical stuff about fly fishing that professional anglers know, but also putting that know-how in the context of an ordinary angler enjoying fishing while learning to be better at it. The pace, tone, and organization of this book are excellent in that regard. This is readable technical stuff, nicely balanced between information and anecdote, and in sync on every page with the narrative we all seek on the water--the experience of a good day's fishing.--Gray's Sporting Journal "Do yourself a huge favor and purchase this book for your personal library or as a present to a good friend or family member. At $35, it is a great investment towards more productive days on the water.--On The Fly Magazine Tom has done a splendid job of bringing together both the history and technical tying instructions for many of our best patterns. The writing is crisp and the photography is outstanding. You will enjoy The Orvis Guide to Essential American Flies.--David Klausmeyer, Editor, Fly Tyer magazine The Orvis Guide to the Essential American Flies: How to Tie the Most Successful Freshwater and Saltwater Patterns lives up to both its title and subtitle. It is a useful, well-designed pattern book for the beginning and intermediate tier, especially tiers who want to cover a basic range of essential flies for trout, bass, steelhead, and saltwater.--Christopher Camuto, Gray's Sporting Journal "Rosenbauer provides some awesome information for tyers of all levels, but especially for novices or those growing in the craft. American classics. You bet. And they're still catching the heck out of fish. If I were you, I'd take a look at this book and add it to my collection. It will be one of the those that frequent your tying table."--Greg Thomas, Angler's Tonic
