reviews

Trout Flies

Reviewed by Scott Richmond

Trout Flies, by Dave Hughes. Published by Stackpole Books. 470 pages in an 8.5 by 11 inch hardbound format. $75 retail. Available at many fly shops and online stores.

ave Hughes' new book, Trout Flies: The Tier's Reference should be in the library of anybody who ties flies for trout. The title says it all: this is an encyclopedic reference of modern trout flies for North America. If you fly fish for trout, and if you tie your own flies--or are thinking of getting into fly tying--this is the only tying book you need. It covers searching flies and imitative flies for all major trout food forms except baitfish. You'll find clear, precise instructions; perfectly reproduced photos; tying techniques; and a close connection between entomology and fly patterns.

For decades, Dave Hughes has packed up his rods and traveled the world in search of trout. His first inclination on any new stream (and quite a few old acquaintances) is to kick up a few rocks and see what's crawling in the crevices. His fishing and tying rest on the solid foundation of his thorough knowledge of aquatic entomology.

But Dave is not some Latin-spouting pedant who demands super-realistic fly patterns. He is an keen observer of trout behavior, and he has a boat-load of common sense. He knows how the bugs look and behave, but he also knows what the trout want. Different situations demand different flies, even if you're imitating the same insect. Dave not only tells you how to tie the flies, he tells you how to use each one to its fullest advantage. Even if you don't tie your own flies, this book is a worthwhile investment; after studying this book, you'll make better decisions about what flies you buy and how to use them.

There are over 500 fly patterns in Trout Flies. Clear directions and photos show you how to tie each one. For some patterns, Dave shows exactly how to tie a certain style, such as emergers or Sparkle Duns, then shows the recipes and photos for useful variations.

The photos really shine in this book. It's clear that both the author and the publisher have taken great care to make sure the photos accurately show the colors and most important features of every fly. It's a pity that more publishers are not so careful.

I feel sorry for whoever writes a book about trout flies for the next ten years, maybe longer. No matter how good a book he or she writes, it will be compared to this definitive reference. Inevitably, most reviewers will conclude with, "It's a useful book, but not as good as Dave Hughes' classic Trout Flies."

This book is a keeper. I predict it will become the standard by which other fly tying books are measured.

Bottom Line: A standard reference that should be on every tyers book shelf. Reviewer Rating: 5

Scott Richmond is Westfly's creator and Executive Director. He is the author of eight books on Oregon fly fishing, including Fishing Oregon's Deschutes River (second edition).

Uploaded 06/01/1999.

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