The Masters On The Nymph

Ever wonder what it would be like to take a fishing trip with the country’s best anglers? Author Jason Randall fishes with fly fishing giants such as George Daniel, Landon Mayer, Lefty Kreh, Ed Jaworowski, Ed Engle, Gary Borger, and Joe Humphreys and shares their top nymphing techniques, flies, and tactics with you. Randall covers everything from rigging flies, reading the water, casting, and fighting fish as he travels the country, from Pennsylvania to Alaska, in his quest to learn the methods of the masters.

Upstream nymph fishing has developed from the minor tactic of G.E.M. Skues into a universally-accepted method wherever fly fishermen fish for brown trout and grayling. The history of nymph fishing is notable for the argument between F.M. Halford, the dry-fly ultrapurist, and Skues, culminating in the debate on the legitimacy of fishing nymphs on chalkstreams and the later fallout between Frank Sawyer and Major Oliver Kite. For the first thirty years of the twentieth century, nymph fishermen were held in contempt and often considered little better than poachers on many chalkstreams. Nymph fishing started and was developed in England and then spread, along with nymph patterns, around the world through the writings of Skues and others and the travels of English anglers. Over the last fifty years, the English method has been adapted and developed to suit local conditions, particularly in the United States.

Includes a 72-minute DVD demonstrating basic nymph fishing techniques Color photo sequences to teach 11 different nymph fishing methods, including Czech, hinged leader, Leisenring lift, and wet-fly swing Detailed information on imitating mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, true flies, scuds, and sow bugs In nature nothing happens without a reason. The difficulty for the angler is merely that the reason is hidden some way beneath the surface.--G. E. M. Skues During the considerable periods of time trout spend feeding exclusively on underwater food forms, nymph fishing can be the most productive, if not the only way to catch fish. But understanding what occurs below the water's surface can be a challenge for even the most experienced angler. In Nymph-Fishing Rivers and Streams, aquatic entomologist and long-time fly fisherman Rick Hafele shares the information necessary to successfully decipher the mysteries of trout life. He starts by explaining their feeding patterns--where trout feed, when they feed, and what's available for them to eat. Sections on tackle and pattern selection help anglers sort through equipment and imitations to find the best outfit for their needs. The DVD complements the photos in the book that show various methods for nymph fishing. Also included is an angler's field guide to nymphs with details on their habitat, importance to trout, and the most effective patterns and fishing tactics to imitate them.

Provides step-by-step instructions on tying five hundred trout flies and offers information on tying techniques, tools, and materials.

Slaymaker see fly fishing not only as a sport that gives great pleasure but also as a tool of conservation. The reader can gain the skills to catch fish on flies and is introduced to a philosophy that fosters conditions to ensure the sport's future.

First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.