Morris & Chan on Fly Fishing Trout Lakes

If you are relatively new to fly fishing, particularily trout fishing this is a must have. I've been fishing for many years but just recently moved to an area that has primarely trout fishing lakes. Friends have explained certain things to me, but this book covers it all and more. It's more information at your finger tips than you can get from friends or a guy at your favourite tackle shop. Nice illustarations of some knots that are useful as well.

This book is short, to the point, and answered my questions about fly fishing in lakes (what are the different kinds of sinking lines and which one do I use? what kinds of flies/nymphs should I use? what are some techniques for fishing deep? etc.). The authors did not add "filler material" as many fly fishing authors do: there is no long chapter teaching you all the methods of fly casting nor narratives of the authors' own fly fishing adventures. I did enjoy the smattering of humor throughout (another reviewer didn't appreciate the bit about the Moors and Spain). My favorite was the tip on fishing with two in a boat: "If your partner calls out and you are already casting...inform him of the potential problem: 'Oh my God - No!' is popular."

I found this book to be quite useful. It is indeed a beginning text on the subject but if you, like myself, have spent most of your time fishing on streams you will find this a good jumping off point for fishing small lakes. There is much useful information in this book covering the nature of small lakes and the trout that you will find there. Specific information is given on the insects found there and their imitations. Basic techniques are covered as well as fishing craft. I would recommend it for someone starting out with lake fishing.