A Fly Rod of Your Own

January 23, 2017
Noted fly-fishing writer Gierach (At the Grave of the Unknown Fisherman) chronicles his adventures with rod and reel on some of the most remote lakes and streams in North America, from the Labrador taiga to the grizzly-infested forests of the Alaskan outback (as well as favored spots closer to his Colorado backyard). These undertakings generally involve pre-dawn risings, four-wheel drives, floatplanes, taciturn guides, and
of course, fish, although—as Gierach practices catch-and release—they’re all the ones that got away. Twenty-
one chapters explore the realms of fly-fishing, from camp cooking to casting strategies. Gierach’s deceptively laconic prose masks an accomplished storyteller. He isn’t a humorist per se, but his alert and slightly off-kilter observations place him in the general neighborhood of Mark Twain and James Thurber. He’s dead serious about fly fishing, but he also recognizes its inherent contradictions and is astute enough to project those absurdities onto the larger range of human aspirations and endeavors. This voice of a thoughtful, cantankerous, and tolerant fisherman in late middle age unifies the various chapters and keeps the pages turning. In his introduction, he writes, “Those who fish already get it... don’t waste your breath on those who don’t.” Yet even for those whose idea of paradise isn’t standing thigh-deep in an icy stream for six hours hoping for a bite, Gierach is charming company.

February 1, 2017

In evocative style with effortless humor, Gierach (All Fisherman Are Liars) creates a colorful portrayal of his adventures with a disparate and interesting group of travel companions. These escapades range from Colorado's wildfires and devastating floods in the fall of 2013 to flying in bush planes in the northern reaches of Labrador, Canada, and, of course, fly-fishing. The text brings to life fly-fishing locations and their surroundings throughout the continental United States, Alaska, and parts of Canada--and will have many reaching for a map to locate the remote rivers and camps, plan a fishing trip or outdoor escape, or simply to gain context. The striking detail and jargon of fishing spots and techniques will appease those already in the sport and have them quickly reaching for their waders, though it is dispersed enough to engage novices, providing a window into a way of life that few understand or glimpse. VERDICT A must for fisherman and outdoor enthusiasts, this book may also have wider appeal, as it is as much about travel, friendships, and navigating today's world as it is about fly-fishing. [See Prepub Alert, 10/31/16.]--Zebulin Evelhoch, Central Washington Univ. Lib., Ellensburg, WA

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