The definitive and comprehensive guide to strategies for fishing insect hatches on trout streams throughout the world.
One of the most studied yet intimidating aspects of fly fishing for trout is an understanding of insect hatches. This unique book teaches fly fishers enough entomology to be successful, and instead of focusing on insect identification, it stresses learning how to approach trout, how to find where they feed, and how to present the fly so it is accepted as natural food without hesitation. It helps fly fishers catch more fish on dry flies, streamers, and nymphs, and teaches the angler more about trout than the life history of insects.
Chapters include a basic overview of entomology, how trout feed, how currents affect trout, how to read the water, and how to predict hatches and find trout feeding on them. There is also a selection of flies that will imitate a myriad of insects to fool fish no matter what species they are feeding on. In addition, The Orvis Guide to Hatch Strategies debunks common myths and stresses that fly fishing for trout during hatches is enjoyable and intellectually stimulating—not a chore.
“You know how some flyfishers will approach a stream and commence making perfect casts to water that would never hold a fish? This book addresses a similar problem, only with bugs instead of casting. I wrote the foreword, partially because Tom is my friend, but also because I loved the premise: how to fish hatches when hatches aren’t hatching. Fave sections: “When Trout Ignore Hatches” (been there!); “Toward Simplicity” (limit fancy flies); and “A Strategy for Late-Evening Hatches” (“Be drunk” is not a strategy).
—Tom Bie, Editor, The Drake
"Rosebauer’s strength has always been not only knowing all the technical stuff about fly fishing that professional anglers know, but also putting that know-how in the context of an ordinary angler enjoying fishing while learning to be better at it. The pace, tone, and organization of this book are excellent in that regard. This is readable technical stuff, nicely balanced between information and anecdote, and in sync on every page with the narrative we all seek on the water—the experience of a good day’s fishing."
—Gray’s Sporting Journal
“Do yourself a huge favor and purchase this book for your personal library or as a present to a good friend or family member. At $35, it is a great investment towards more productive days on the water.”
—On The Fly Magazine
