Here I present to you a small collection of literature which might be interesting to the grayling fly fisher. Additionally, you will find other books dealing with the subject of fly fishing (or photography) in general. Have a glass of scotch whisky, read and relax!
“This book arose out of a winter of frustrating weather which inhibited my usual weekend grayling fishing. Instead of fishing, I worked off my frustration by writing and thinking about fishing.“
TITLE: The complete book of the grayling
AUTHOR: Ronald Broughton
PUBLISHED BY: Robert Hale, London (2000)
ISBN: 0-7090-6423-3
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
A book written by the president of the Grayling Society (UK), it deals with the occurence of the grayling (
Thymallus) in rivers and stillwaters. The hot spots around the world are described by the author. The reader gets advice by acknowledged experts on method, tactics and tackle. The book was first published in 1989 (
Grayling - The Fourth Game Fish) and even though it is no longer in print I highly recommend this book for the serious grayling fly fisherman. Check out the 2nd hand book shops!
TITLE: Fisch des Jahres 1997 - Die Äsche
AUTHOR: Jürgen Plomann, Lutz Meyer, Elisabeth Mathes, Oliver Born
PUBLISHED BY: Verband Deutscher Sportfischer e.V., Offenbach (1997)
ISBN: -
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Brochure published by the Verband Deustcher Sportfischer e.V. to call attention to the discerning status of the grayling. Mainly environmental aspects and the critical status of the “fish of the year“ are presented. Only in German available.
TITLE: Trout & Grayling - An Angler´s Natural History
AUTHOR: Norman Maclean
PUBLISHED BY: Adam and Charles Black, London (1980)
ISBN: 0-7136-2044-7
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Norman Maclean gives an introduction into trout and grayling biology. Although written by a scientist this book is not too technical and holds a lot of good information about fishing methods.
TITLE: Die Äsche: Thymallus thymallus / Die neue Brehmbücherei Bd. 640
AUTHOR: Martin Baars, Elisabeth Mathes, Herbert Stein, Udo Steinhörster
PUBLISHED BY: Westarp Wissenschaften, Hohenwarsleben (2001)
ISBN: 3-89432-881-9
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
A small but valuable book about the grayling. Contains useful information about biology (systematics, anatomy, growth, food, reproduction) and ecology (habitat, conservation, protection). There is even a very short chapter on fishing methods. Only available in German.
TITLE: Der vernachlässigte Edelfisch: Die Äsche - Status, Verbreitung, Biologie, Ökologie und Fang
AUTHOR: Alexis Dujmic
PUBLISHED BY: Facultas Universitätsverlag, Wien (1997)
ISBN: 3-85076-444-3
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
“The neglected noble fish“ is another booklet on grayling status, distribution, biology and ecology. The reader will find additional information and the fly fisher valuable tips. Only available in German.
TITLE: Grayling
AUTHOR: R.V. Righyni
PUBLISHED BY: Swan Hill Press, Shrewsbury (1996)
ISBN: 1-85310-778-6
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
First published in 1968 the Grayling-book by “Reg“ Righyni is a much sought-after fishing classic. Some might think its contents are out-of-date and they are probably right, but there is no harm in reading of the old techniques. And sometimes it is good to remember the old knowledge, because the fly fisher of these times had their reasons to fish for grayling the way they did...
TITLE: The essence of flycasting
AUTHOR: Mel Krieger
PUBLISHED BY: The Countryman Press, Vermont (2001)
ISBN: 0-88150-505-6
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Well, is there any need to introduce this man to the fly fishing community? Guess not. Mel Krieger was the master of fly fishing and this is his book. It is superbly written. Not only for beginners it will give you the necessary understanding of fly casting. Combined with one of his DVDs it will enrich your casting style. Was there anything better? Yes – a lesson with the master himself, but unfortunately these times are gone...
TITLE: Flyfishing for grayling
AUTHOR: John Roberts
PUBLISHED BY: Excellent Press, Ludlow (1999)
ISBN: 1-900318-11-3
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
In “Flyfishing for grayling“ John Roberts takes a slightly more scientific approach. All information provided focus on the interest of the grayling fisherman. Therefore the reader is about to read chapters about food, fly fishing methods, grayling flies (including detailed dressing information). I agree with what is printed on the wrapper: “This is an authoritative book of the greatest value to all grayling fishermen.“
TITLE: Hemigway on fishing
AUTHOR: Nick Lyons
PUBLISHED BY: The Lyons Press, Connecticut (2000)
ISBN: 1-58574-144-2
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Ernest Hemingway was a passionate fisherman. No wonder that many of his writings pay tribute to (fly) fishing. Ok, he might have been more interested in trout, but nevertheless he captured the feeling one experiences while fishing so well. Here, in a single book, all of his stories (fully or excerpts) have been collected. Fishermen will enjoy this collection.
TITLE: Fisch sucht Fluss: Die Not der Äsche (Spezial 2007)
AUTHOR: Beatrix Mühlethaler
PUBLISHED BY: Pro Natura, Switzerland (2007)
ISSN: 1422-6235
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
A very nice magazine by the
Pro Natura, which is the largest conservation organisation in Switzerland. Basic information about the grayling (Animal of the year 2007). Very good underwater images. Also available in French: Pro Natura magazine spécial l'ombre 2007.
TITLE: Das komplette Handbuch: Fliegenfischen & Fliegenbinden
AUTHOR: Dr. Malcolm Greenhalgh (Illustrations: Denys Ovenden)
PUBLISHED BY: Scherz (1998)
ISBN: 978-3502192824
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Unfortunately out of print this book about fly fishing and tying is outstanding. Learn about the natural food and how to imitate it, about the important insects month after month and their matching dry flies, nymphs etc. Additionally the reader gets detailed information about tying materials and fly tying itself. Fantastic book with fantastic illustrations. So many fly patterns that are also important to the grayling fly fisherman.
TITLE: Oliver Edwards - Meine Besten Fliegen
AUTHOR: Oliver Edwards (Illustrations: Peter Gathercole)
PUBLISHED BY: Paul Parey (engl. Merlin Unwin Books) (1994)
ISBN: 978-1873674086
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
There is a man from Yorkshire / England, who not only calls a nice classic car his own, who speaks with that enjoyable accent and who is also a fine fly fisherman. But above all he is one of the best fly tyers. If you were fortunate you have met him on a fly fishing fair or at least have seen one of his DVDs (Essential skills): Oliver Edwards. His first book Flytyers' Masterclass was published in 1994 and contains essential patterns like the Klinkhåmer. Clear and short instructions and detailed illustrations help to tie flies. Put it next to your tying vise!
TITLE: So fängt man Äschen
AUTHOR: Franz Menzebach
PUBLISHED BY: Paul Parey (1966)
ISBN: -
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
By mere chance I got this charming little paper book. Even though this book is quite old it still holds a lot of interesting information. There are five chapters dealing with the biology of the grayling and how to catch it. Main emphasis lies on fly fishing, but other methods are mentioned, too.
The author shows a lot of respect and admiration. It´s just fun reading it.
TITLE: Grayling - How to catch them
AUTHOR: H.G.C. Claypoole
PUBLISHED BY: Herbert Jenkins LTD (1957)
ISBN: -
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Another small but great book comes from a book series called "How to catch them". The press once wrote about it: "Packed with sound information". "Contains much information." "Sure of a position on any fisherman´s bookshelf." The figures in the text might not meet todays standards, but it is enjoyable to read.
TITLE: Grayling - The Fourth Game Fish
AUTHOR: Ronald Broughton
PUBLISHED BY: The Crowood Press (1989)
ISBN: 1-85223-203-X
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
This is actually the first version of "The complete book of the grayling" in which Dermot Wilson (former president of the Grayling society) as a forword following words wrote:
"I sincerely hope that it [the book] will successfully provide a new insight into the genus Thymallus. I also hope that the grayling fishermen who read it may gain by hearing of the various techniques of fishing favoured in other countries, And above all I hope that these pages will add to the enjoyment already given by the grayling to so many people."
TITLE: The Compleat Angler (The Contemplative Man´s Recreation)
AUTHOR: Izaak Walton (and Charles Cotton)
PUBLISHED BY: Dover Publications (2003)
ISBN: 0-486-43187-8
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
This edition was chosen substitutional for all other publivcations of Izaak Walton´s famous book, first printed in 1896. It´s a literary and nature classic. Interesting enough some sections were actually written by Charles Cotton, because Walton was a bait fisher and therefore knew almost nothing about fly fishing. Finally, 23 years after the book was first published, a new text about fly fishing was added to The Compleat Angler - meanwhile the 5th edition.
"Some, better pleas´d with private sport, Use tennis, some a mistress court:
But these delights I neither wish, Nor envy, while I freely fish."
TITLE: Perhokalastajan Harjus (Flyfishing for Grayling)
AUTHOR: Mikko Halonen and Stanislaw Cios
PUBLISHED BY:
Nordic Pro-Fly Fishing (2008)
ISBN: 978-952-92-1537-9
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
What shall I say? This is one of the finest grayling books I have ever seen! More than 324 pages packed with magnificent photographs. This book leaves no doubt why fly fishing for grayling in Finland is so highly appreciated. Even though the text is in Finnish only, I highly recommend this book for everyone who is in love with the lady of the stream. Even without understanding the text the reader gets lots of information (e.g. there are more than 115 Pics of special grayling flies!). This book should find its way onto your bookshelf. Read and then travel to Suomi!
Move cursor over book cover to see a selection of pages!
TITLE: Fishing Huts – the angler´s sanctuary
AUTHOR: Jo Orchard-Lisle
PUBLISHED BY: Excellent Press (2008)
ISBN: 1-900318-36-9
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
It was Charles Cotton´s fishing „hut“ (the one you see on the book cover!) that triggered a wish in me to learn more about these refuges for anglers. For me these buildings have something which makes me feel very comfortable. All the more I felt very grateful when I learned about this book – a beautiful book about fishing huts in the UK. From the first to the last page it is fascinating, even moving! „And then, the very best time of all, back in the hut at the end of the day the whine and whisky flows again, and as the October night creeps in early, the hut is the only light along the river...“ (from the foreword written by Chris Tarrant).
TITLE: FliegenFischen (Magazine)
AUTHOR: Michael Werner (Chief editor)
PUBLISHED BY
: Jahr Top Special Verlag
ISSN: 0178-0409
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
This is the leading magazine in Germany. Michael Werner is a fly fishing enthusiast, which is clearly visible in the making of the issues. No matter where or what, you´ll will read it here. And I´m also grateful for the possibility to get my science based articles published. Six issues per year, it comes out on a bi-monthly basis. For more information go to the website of
FliegenFischen!
TITLE: FlyLife (Magazine)
AUTHOR: Rob Sloane (Chief editor)
PUBLISHED BY
: FlyLife Publishing Pty Ltd
ISSN: 1324-2288
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
The fishing in Australia and New Zealand can be spectacular. Need proof? Read FlyLife from down under! This is not just another fly fishing magazine, because the quality is second to none. Beware: the content of the issues may lead to spontaneous travel planning, I mean look at the cover. That´s a trophy trout. Ok, you might not have the money to fly there, but people need a goal and this is a nice one. Until then reading and dreaming is healthy, too. Published quarterly. For more information go to the website of
FlyLife!
TITLE: FlyFishing & FlyTying (Magazine)
AUTHOR: Mark Bowler (Chief editor)
PUBLISHED BY
: Rolling River Publications Ltd
ISSN: 0959-8383
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Magazine of the year, consumer magazine of the year and editor of the year – yes, this is another great magazine about fly fishing. Due to the many aspects every issue deals with, readers get a huge amount of information and thus inspiration. 12 issues per year. For more information go to the website of
FlyFishing & FlyTying!
TITLE: Hardy´s Anglers´Guide and Catalogue
AUTHOR: W. F. and L. R. Hardy
PUBLISHED BY: Hardy Bros. (Alnwick) Ltd, 1957
ISBN: n/a
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
I´ve chosen this old Hardy catalogue from 1957(!) representative for all other similar catalogues House of Hardy has ever published. To me, these catalogues are not just a simple list of available fishing tackle, no, they are fly fishing history. Jim Hardy says in the movie
”The lost world of Mr. Hardy": "The catalogues were distributed all over the world to people and they looked upon these as christmas presents coming to them." Indeed, even after more than fifty years I felt the same when my vintage catalogue arrived...
Move cursor over book cover to see a selection of pages! Click on Hardy hand-logo for complete Pdf of catalogue!
TITLE: Oliver Edwards´ Flytyer´s Masterclass – A step-by-step guide to tying 20 essential patterns for the fly fisher
AUTHOR: Oliver Edwards
PUBLISHED BY: The Flyfisher´s Classic Library / Coch-y-Bonddu Books, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-904784-21-0 (spiral bound – as seen on the left)
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Something we´ve been waiting for: the reprint of one of the best fly tying books. Internationally acclaimed fly tyer Oliver Edwards describes step-by-step in highly detailed illustrations and written instructions, the tying of twenty of his key patterns. And not just a reprint – choose between different editons (De luxe edition with fly, Standard Flyfisher's Classic Library edition, spiral-bound hard back; for more details visit:
The Flyfisher´s Classic Library!). This is cetainly a must have!
Move cursor over book cover to see a selection of pages!
TITLE: The House the Hardy Brothers Built
AUTHOR: James Leighton Hardy
PUBLISHED BY: Medlar Press, 2006
ISBN: 1-899-600-70-1
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
From the book jacket: „Apart from being a true record of the development of a unique company, the book contains many fascinating snippets of angling history and folklore. Some strange and funny things happened at Hardys over the years...“ Indeed, this book is highly recommended by me! Not only written for those, who admire Hardy tackle, but also for those, who like to read about fly fishing history. If you have seen
The Lost World of Mr. Hardy, this book is a must read - otherwise you will not fully understand what the people are talking about.
TITLE: The Curtis Creek Manifesto - A fully illustrated guide to the stategy, finesse, tactics and paraphernalia of fly fishing
AUTHOR: Sheridan Anderson
PUBLISHED BY: Frank Amato Publications, Inc.
ISBN: 978-0-936608-06-8
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
One night at one of our club meetings we were (as usual) discussing fly fishing books, when someone mentioned a comic book about fly fishing. My instant thought was: ”Is that a good idea?" It is! I got my copy yesterday and I think it´s great. Frankly, I don´t like this potatoe-nosed mate, but this is a personal opinion and the rest is just brilliant. I paid for mine only 8 Euros (including shipping to Germany via amazon), which makes this comic book the perfect deal. Find out about Curtis Creek. Move cursor over book cover to see pages!
TITLE: Fly-fishing for Alaska´s Arctic Grayling – Sailfish of the North
AUTHOR: Celilia Kleinkauf
PUBLISHED BY: Frank Amato Publications, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-57188-457-2
SYNOPSIS / COMMENT:
Cecilia ”Pudge“ Kleinkauf is a grayling aficionado. For more than three decades she has fished for grayling and thus became an expert. This book is really for those who love the (Arctic) grayling. It´s a well written book which includes a lot of great photographs and many useful information: biology, practical advise, flies, etc. In a way I hate this book, because it gives you ”itchy feet" and you just want to travel to the Arctic. Move cursor over book cover to see pages!
