When it comes to fly fishing, simpler is better. Modern-day fly fishing, like much in life, has become exceedingly complex, with high-tech gear, a confusing array of flies and terminal tackle, accompanied by high-priced fishing guides. This book reveals that the best way to catch trout is simply, with a rod and a fly and not much else. The wisdom in this book comes from a simpler time, when the premise was: the more you know, the less you need. It teaches the reader how to discover where the fish are, at what depth, and what they are feeding on. Then it describes the techniques needed to present a fly at that depth, make it look lifelike, and hook the fish. With chapters on wet flies, nymphs, and dry flies, its authors employ both the tenkara rod as well as regular fly fishing gear to cover all the bases. Illustrated by renowned fish artist James Prosek, with inspiring photographs and stories throughout, Simple Fly Fishing reveals the secrets and the soul of this captivating sport. Winner, Guidebooks, Banff Mountain Book Competition 2014

Flowing from its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park to Three Forks, Montana, where it joins the Jefferson and the Gallatin to form the mighty Missouri, the Madison River is one of the most famous, but also one of the most complicated, trout rivers in North America. This river can have different insect hatches every fifty yards, and ranges from a glassy, spring-fed stream to a tumbling torrent filled with rapids. Its complex variety of waters and habitat defies conventional fly-fishing techniques. In Fly Fishing the Madison, fly shop owner, guide, and noted author Craig Mathews demystifies the river, offering valuable insights and advice to first-time visitors and veterans alike. Covering the various sections of the river, fishing conditions likely to confront you in all four seasons, various insect hatches-including the famous salmon fly-along with a list proven fly patterns and tying recipes for sixteen of the best, Fly Fishing the Madison will prove invaluable to all fly anglers planning to fish this spectacular waterway. (6 x 9, 160 pages, b&w photos, maps, charts)