TOP 5 Books About Fishing

Fishing stories are as old and as popular as the rivers they hold. To help you fill your time away from the water, we’ve compiled a selection of our favourite fishing books.

Fishing season is over, but it’s not always easy. After a hard day on the water, my favorite summer activity might be relaxing in my hammock with a cold brew and a book. A good fishing story is the best way to get more water fun.

These are my top picks for shelves, fishing packs, and Kindles. You don’t need a Kindle. These books can be downloaded in an e-format that is lightweight and portable.

‘ The River Why’ by David James Duncan

David James Duncan’s “The River Why”, after 35 years of publication, still finds its way to new anglers. Why? It is a novel that blends the spirituality of fishing with the intricacies family, growing up and redemption over the course of time. It’s a book anyone can enjoy, even if they are outsiders. This book was something I loved even before fly fishing was part of my life. That’s my stamp of approval.

‘ 52 rivers: A woman’s fly fishing journey’ by Shelley Walchak

A librarian named Shelley Walchak set off in her new camper to fish every week for a whole year in a brand-new river. This is the best idea ever. Second, she wrote a piece on each one of these rivers. This book is not only an adventure but also a record of the place. Walchak’s adventure is sure to inspire any angler who wants to try new waters or gain the courage to tackle big adventures.

Norman Maclean,’A River runs through It and Other Stories’

Listen. Because most anglers I know have seen the movie, I am including the book. If we want to compare, the actual story is a 40-page novella. I’m not sure how they turned that into a 19-hour movie, but Robert Redford can do anything he wants.

Maclean’s sweet and debaucherous version is a delightful, well-written and great for a riverside break. While the focus is on the first of three novels in the book, the other stories are valuable treasures of time, place, and our human connection with the natural world. They are not to be overlooked. Grab this book! It’s an easy and worthy read.

Joan Wulff’s new fly-cating techniques ‘

Joan Wulff, one of the greatest fly casters ever, shares her secrets in this classic fly fishing book. Things change over time. This book is a testament to Wulff’s great legacy. Even the most novice angler can benefit from over 200 pages of detailed discussion, drawings, or minutia.

Although the techniques can be difficult to master the language is easy to understand. The classic Wulff book is still relevant today. This book is a must-read if you want to improve your rod and reel skills. The specialized blog about fishing (https://fishingmeet.com) said this book is one of the best pieces that they read in the fishing niche. 

” The Longest Silence” by Thomas McGuane

Jim Harrison called McGuane the greatest fishing writer — a remarkable feat coming from the prolific writer. McGuane is prolific all by himself. McGuane is the author of my favourite hunting essay and a screenwriter. He also writes memoirs that are excellent teachers.

The Longest Silence is no exception. McGuane is completely focused on fishing and tells stories about fishing for salmon trout, tarpon, fish, bonefish, and other species. There are 40 stories about fishing that include all types of fish. You can listen to Hal Herring, an outdoorsman and writer, talk about his incredible life as part of the BHA podcast & blast.

‘ Astream – American Writers on Fly Fishing

This book contains 31 of the most important fishing writers of all time. Collections like this are my favorite because they lead me to authors I would never have otherwise.

Pam Houston’s “In the Company of Men”, might take you to her amazing collection ” a Rough Guide to the Heart.” Guy de la Valdene might direct you to his memoir ” on the Water.” It’s a great gift to discover new voices in one place. And “Astream” delivers.

Le Anne Schreiber,’light years: A memorir’

To find great writers of all ages in the outdoors, I have to grind my teeth. Le Anne Shreiber’s tale of rural life and the loss of her father, mother, and brother makes for an intimate and powerful read.

The essays include fly fishing as Shreiber confronts a corporation that dumps sludge in her father’s trout stream. Her work is beautiful and sparse and deserves to be on the shelf.

Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway has been a trout bum for many decades, and he’s made his way onto the rusty pickups that have belonged to them. This book is small but powerful and really reveals the true plight for the fisherman.

This is especially true for the fisherman who forms the book’s main character. You can read the entire Hemingway short story “Big Two Hearted River” online thanks to University of Virginia.

Presenting The Fly: A Practical Guide To the Most Important Element Of Fly Fishing by Lefty Kreh

Joan Wulff taught us about the beauty and power of the cast. Lefty Kreh shows us how to be at the right spot, at the right moment, with the right fly. This large-format book shows more than it tells. It is an excellent tool for visual learners.

This book is applicable to saltwater anglers as well as freshwater anglers. It’s 361 pages long, making it a serious book of knowledge that should be read. Kreh was a master at his craft and this book will allow us to become his collective heir apparent. It’s mine.