Fly Fishing Literature - Reading It and Writing It

essays and musings on fly fishing for native trout

This page is dedicated to the art and craft of fly fishing writing—reading it and writing it.

On those days when I’m not frothing the water with fly and line, I’m often laying down lines in a notepad or reading someone else’s lies they have left lying on the page. I have a couple of hundred books on fly fishing. Most of them are not guidebooks or how-tos, but rather fit into the "literature" genre. I thought it might be fun to share some of my joy of reading with you.

I have a couple dozen pieces that I’ve written about fly fishing: stories, poems, travelogues, etc. I don’t consider myself an expert (although I have had a couple of things rejected by magazines), but I thought I might share a few of my ramblings about the writing of fly fishing writings.

I may occasionally get carried away with $5.00 words when a 20¢ word would do. I’m just fascinated by words and language and sometimes get carried away. I don’t consider myself a snooty highbrow when it comes to writing. And I certainly don’t have any training or knowledge in critiquing books and articles. I plan on writing my reviews and insights from a "Regular Joe" point of view—right from the gut. I hope you find some interest in the words shared in this section.

—Scott

Please head over to StoryArc to check out some top quality outdoor literature online.

Index to My Pieces (most recent on top):

Title	Summary
The Trout Whisperers	Two men on their annual fly fishing trip to Montana rescue a woman, and get in trouble with the law while trying to discover the mythical "Gooseneck Creek."
On Trout Streams and Salmon Rivers	A collection of short (3-4 pages) narrative pieces about trout and salmon fishing which originally appeared in “The Anglers’ Club Bulletin” or “The Atlantic Salmon Journal.”
A Place In Mind	A fiction book dealing with friendship, place and loss.
Riverwalking	This book contains 20 essays about rivers, but it’s not a "fishing" book. The rivers are just means to discuss other topics of life. Nice book. (this link will take you to Goodreads website where I have reviewed the book)
Rivers of Memory	My review of Harry Middleton’s last book. It contains eight essays about his memories of water and fishing those waters.
The Language of Fishing	Explores some words related to fishing.
Fly Fishing – Writing Categories	Fly fishing writing can be put into different categories. This information is probably of more use to the aspiring writer.