The Dry Fly And Fast Water: Fishing With The Floating Fly On American Trout Streams, Together With Some Observations On Fly Fishing In General (1914)

By George Michel Lucien La Branche

Book Overview

""The Dry Fly and Fast Water"" is a comprehensive guide to fly fishing in American trout streams, written by George Michel Lucien La Branche and originally published in 1914. The book covers a wide range of topics related to fly fishing, including the equipment and techniques necessary for success, as well as some observations on the sport in general. La Branche's focus is on the use of the floating fly, or dry fly, and its application in fast-moving streams. He provides detailed descriptions of various types of flies, their construction, and how to fish them effectively. Additionally, the author offers insights into the behavior of trout and the best times and places to fish for them. Throughout the book, La Branche emphasizes the importance of careful observation, patience, and skill in the pursuit of this challenging and rewarding sport. With its practical advice, detailed illustrations, and engaging prose, ""The Dry Fly and Fast Water"" remains a classic work on fly fishing and a valuable resource for anglers of all levels of experience.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1164168746
• ISBN13: 9781164168744
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Classic!

Perhaps the most important book in the history of fly fishing in America. La Branche proved that dry flies can take trout on fast water, and revolutionized fly fishing in America and the world. La Branche, unlike Theordore Gordon, believed that presentation was more important than matching the hatch. Though some might take issue with that, few will argue that presentation is not important; and so this book offers essential information on casting, presenting, and fishing different types of water. For anyone interested in becoming a better dry-fly fisherman, I believe this is the book to start with.

Review of LaBranche's Dry Fly and Fast Water

This book is essential reading for all fly fishermen, particularly those living in the northeast. In addition to the text, this edition provides beautiful illustrations, both drawn and photographs, an appendix with a copious selection from La Branche's letters to fellow British fisherman G. E. M. Skues, and four pages of color plates featuring images of fly patterns developed and used by La Branche. My only complaint with the volume is the large number of spelling errors throughout, including the author's name on the cover. I would suggest this particular edition, however, for anyone especially interested in the selection from La Branche's letters, the color plates, or for anyone willing to overlook an occasional spelling errors for an absorbing and informative read.

Flyfishing American cascading rivers at it best.

"Published 100 years ago + this title remains the defining work on fast water and cascading American rivers. Learn from the best where to position your fly and how to create an artificial hatch. Unlike the Chalk streams of England or the limestone of Pennsylvania, La Branche pioneered mountain water, cracking the code and sharing it with us the readers. Although many works have since been published on dry fly fishing these typically focus on flat water and natural presentations without "drag". This is one of the few (only) titles which deals with fast water typical of the Frying Pan or West Branch of the Ausable. If you are up to the wading challenges of such water and wonder where all the fish are or how to get them interested in your presentations this is the book for you. One of the Fly Fishing 50 from my list.