I was contacted several weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in reviewing a new book coming out of Stonefly Press by Terry and Wendy Gunn...50 Best Tailwaters to Flyfish. Seeing as I'm always looking for a good read , especially one that concerns my favorite pasttime , I jumped at the opportunity to get a copy hot off the press when it became available.
Last week the box arrived on the front porch to my delight , kind of like Christmas a month early ,which is always a good thing! I spent a little time that first evening perusing through the pages and reading about a few tailwaters I've always wanted to fish as well as a couple that I've had the pleasure to frequent right here in my own backyard. Right off I could tell that this was a well put together book , not just another fly-by-night author repeating the same generic drivel that there seems to be too much of today. With it's beautiful color photographs and detailed maps , this book is as pleasing to the eye as it is good reading. By the time I put the book down I had this unmistakeable urge to call in sick the next day and spend the time drifting a size #20 scud pattern through some of my favorite tailwater runs.
I admit that I'm normally not a huge fan of the kiss and tell type of fishing publications. Most of the waters I fish need more fishing pressure like an eskimo needs an icemaker. That being said , tailwaters are an entirely different entity from the small spring-fed creek with that special run you'd like to keep to yourself. With ever changing water patterns and conditions as well as miles upon miles of fisheable water , you definitely have to do your homework a little before visiting one of these tailwater gems.
Over the next week or two I got the opportunity to spend a little more time looking through the book and was very impressed with the quality and amount of information the authors were able to give for each body of water. From reading about the tailwaters in the book that I've had the chance to fish , the information is spot-on and gives the visiting fisheman just enough advice to get them started in the right direction , yet not overwhelm him.
The authors have done a very nice job of giving you enough in-depth information to get started planning a trip to one of these destinations and have a pretty good shot at being successful (just "pretty good" because hey...it is still fishing!). Along with the basic helpful information concerning the waters and fish themselves they also tried to give the reader some special insight through the viewpoint of some of the locals for that particular piece of water ,many of whom spend their entire lives learning the nuances of that particular system. In my personal experiences I've found that local information can't be beat and I appreciate the fact that the authors took the time to talk with local guides and fishermen and include this in the book. From local hatches to what water conditions you can expect and the proper methods to use for fishing them , this informative book looks to cover all of the bases for the fisherman who is planning a first time visit to one of these bodies of water.
Coming from a guy who has spent his share of days scratching his head trying to figure out tailwater trout, I can assuredly tell you that there is a definite learning curve to becoming a successful fisherman on the top tailwater fisheries in the country. Whether you are chasing big browns on the White River right here in my backyard or looking to hit one of the great bug hatches on a Western tailwater like the Frying Pan , this book will go a long way in helping you to have a successful trip.
With Christmas right around the corner , if you're looking to fish any of these magnificent tailwaters in the near future , I'd recommend putting a little bug in Santas ear that this book would make a great gift idea!
If you're interested in checking out the book for yourself you'll find it available through StoneFly Press publications....Good Reading!
