A magisterial biography of the man widely regarded as the most interesting and innovative fly fisherman of the 20th century, based on research into primary sources The most innovative fly-fishing angler of modern times, G. E. M. Skues spearheaded and near-singlehandedly developed the technique of below-surface fly-fishing for trout with nymphs. His pioneering example is now followed by anglers worldwide. During the six years of research and writing for this volume, Tony Hayter traveled widely in Europe and the U.S. to unearth a treasure trove of original and hitherto unpublished material, which throws new light on the life of this great man. Packed with fascinating detail, the book explores many hitherto unrevealed facets of Skues' life and for the first time sets into proper perspective his early clash with fishing author Frederic Halford, as well as his inevitable collision with the diehard dry-fly purists in 1938. Also detailed for the first time through voluminous unpublished correspondence is the major influence Skues had on anglers in Europe and the U.S., culminating in his election as an honorary life member of the New York Anglers Club in 1927. Vividly illustrated with photographs of people and places long gone and changed forever, this book will long stand as the definitive biography of Skues.

Useful advice from the father of nymph fishing Extraordinary observations of the trout's world George Edward MacKenzie Skues has been described not only as the father of nymph fishing but as the greatest fly fisher who ever lived. He was also a modest, humorous, and warmly companionable writer. Both beginners and experts find his work accessible, entertaining, and enormously informative. Skues was that rarest of angling authorities, the iconoclast with a reverential respect for fly-fishing's traditions. A leading student of the sport's history and literature, Skues had a rare gift for sifting through many generations' accumulation of opinion and advice, keeping only what was truly useful and adapting it to the needs of anglers in a rapidly changing world. Skues on Trout showcases one of angling's greatest theorists sharing his hard-won wisdom along his beloved trout streams.

"Wow. What a book and what an undertaking. This should be a must-read for the most exacting fly fisherman. I would guess that it will be one of the most important reference volumes ever written. It should be read and re-read many times."--Ed Shenk, author of Ed Shenk's Fly Rod Trouting • Strategies for fooling tough fish in all types of environs, from tailwaters to spring creeks to Gaspe salmon streams • Breathtaking photos from the top streams around the world • Hundreds of innovative fly patterns with recipes and notes

This inspirational handbook demonstrates time-tested approaches to catching elusive, giant "trophy" trout. Focusing on strategy and technique, this beautifully illustrated guide for both beginning and advanced fly fishermen explains the best methods to employ when fishing for large trout. Tips on locating giant trout, understanding the behavior of the species, and fooling the fish into biting are included.

A look at the development of the sport over the past six centuries. Once limited to trout and salmon, today fly-fishing techniques are used to catch every fish species from minnows to marlin in rivers, lakes and oceans from the Amazon to the Arctic. From the many thousands of fly patterns developed over the centuries, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies focuses on fifty iconic flies chosen to represent the evolution not only of fishing flies and fly tying but also the sport itself. Filled with illustrations and photographs of the flies (the fifty are just the starting point—more than 200 flies are mentioned or shown in the book), as well as profiles of key characters, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies charts the growth and diversification of this fascinating sport from the fifteenth century to the present day and its spread from Britain, Europe and Japan to North and South America, Australia and New Zealand, and now to every country in the world. The evolution of fly-fishing tackle—rods, reels, lines and hooks—is also covered in a series of essays spread throughout the book. Praise for The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies “A delightful ramble along the stream of fishing history.” —Star Tribune “This glorious book of lures will get you itching for a new toy, a new boat, a new rod—anything to experience the relaxation of this old hobby.” —Foreword Reviews

“His presentation of the what, how, when, where and why of the sport is eloquent in the clarity and precision of his writing. He provides a wealth of practical information, embellished with personal observations, and quotes from past masters.” -Richard Robinson, Master professional golf instructor, author, and fisherman “This book is an excellent resource for beginning anglers, and a very entertaining read even for those with decades of experience on the water.” -Justin Witt, International outfitter, guide, contributor to “The Flyfish Journal” ________________________________________________________________________ With fifty years of fly-fishing experience, Al Simpson has written an engaging book about fly-fishing for trout. It is packed with information helpful to anglers of all skill levels. Insights are frequently presented through a streamside experience. Topics include getting started, equipment, casting, trout feeding behavior, flies, reading the water, presentation, and seasons. He also discusses controversial topics like etiquette, stocking, and restoration of native trout. The work is richly enhanced with over 200 color photos and line drawings. It joins the short list of must-reads for trout anglers. The author began fly-fishing in 1962. He lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and has fished the mid-Atlantic’s trout streams extensively. Summers have always included fishing in the northern Rockies. Now retired from the University of Virginia where he practiced and taught cardiology, he and wife Ginny spend their summers in Montana. They frequently travel to trout venues about the globe. A lifetime member of Trout Unlimited, he served as vice president on Virginia’s state council. He works part-time for Orvis as a fly-fishing retail specialist, and teaches fly-fishing. Local sports clubs frequently invite him to speak and conduct fly-fishing clinics. An avid blogger on all things related to fly- fishing for trout, he has an international following.