Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass

This book is an outstanding book on smallmouth bass fishing with a flyrod. The book has a wealth of information on equipment, smallmouth bass food and habitat, and techniques and baits for various stream and lake conditions. The recommendations and recipes for his flies are excellent. They really catch fish. Having met and spoken with Mr. Murray on several occasions at his fly shop and at various seminars, I can almost hear his voice while reading the descriptions and examples in the book. He hides nothing. I have owned the book for three or four years and review it regulary when preparing for a trip to the stream or when tying up some smallmouth flies. No smallmouth fishing library should be without it.

This is probably the most comprehensive discussion of smallmouth bass fishing on the fly. The techniques are very well described and easy to implement. The fly discussion is great, and is what is most often neglected in other books. Most other books seem to concentrate on top water poppers and crayfish imitations. In addition to these, there are other foods that the smallmouth eats and this book provides the flys to emulate them as well as how they should be fished. There are some 'top secret' flies in here that really work.The book concentrates on stream fishing. I live on a large small mouth fishery - a northern river that is almost a lake. This sort of water was not treated completely and for that I would suggest looking for another book in addition to this one. However, this is the place to start.

This is a book which you will refer to time and time again. It is my most often referred to book on fly fishing. Murray presents a fine balance of practical advice with stories of his experiences on the streams of Virginia. He is the authority on the subject.

Mr. Murray is one of the top 5 smallmouth fly rodders in the country. His book is easy to read, straight forward. A number of good illustrations. Also includes a number of fly patterns with tying instructions. The only thing missing worth noting, no mention of fishing for smallmouth in lakes.