Telling On The Trout

Brilliant insights into how trout act and why, with color photos, color illustrations, diagrams, and charts.

Selects thirty-three trout pools and streams, delineating ways to determine the water conditions and wade, cast, and fish in each situation

Leaping effortlessly from bright streams into the human imagination, the trout has an ancient fascination that can be traced back to Stone Age cave dwellers, and it thrives today in our diet, religion, folklore, history, science, literature, and, of course, fishermen’s tales. James Owen reveals here why the trout beguiles us so. Taking myriad forms, the fish has a vitality and physical beauty that brings to mind pure waters and quiet, outdoor spaces. This biography of the trout showcases the animal as sacred fish, edible fish, farmed fish, and a fish of scientific investigation. In telling this story, Owen follows the trout around the world: starting in Europe and North America, he then follows the voyage that took the creature from England to Australia in the nineteenth century. Along the way, he presents a diverse cast of characters, from obscure British saints and fly-fishing nuns to visionary inventors, jazz singers, and counterculture novelists—all united by this magical animal. Trout will delight and surprise anglers who have ever cast a fly and anyone who has caught a glimpse of its stunning camouflage.

Lakes are one of the most challenging opportunities available to today's fly fisher. Stillwaters offer a long active season with numerous hatches and presentation challenges. Fish grow big and fat and many fishers find this appeal hard to resist. But the transfer from rivers and streams is often difficult, especially if a prolonged trial-and-error approach is adopted. This book examines the stillwater fly fisher's kit bag, expectations, and offers an introduction to the diverse stillwater food sources. The Orvis Guide to Stillwater Trout Fishing explains everything the aspiring stillwater fly fisher needs to be successful and build a sound foundation that will last through a lifetime plying stillwaters.