All Fishermen Are Liars

January 27, 2014
A book from Gierach seems to have become a new rite of spring, something that can be scheduled and looked forward to like opening day for the avid fisherman. Probably the best-known and well-liked fly fishing writer around, Gierach won’t hurt his standing with this his 17th volume of essays. As usual, this isn’t a work for those looking to learn to cast or who want stories that brag about numbers or size of fish caught. Instead, Gierach muses on topics that are tangential to the actual act of fly fishing, like the pleasures of getting lost along a river, the mystery of steelhead flies, what makes a good rod, and the culture and subculture of fishing lodges. Of course, there is lots of fishing involved—interwoven with talk about relationships, work, nature, or travel, Gierach fishes in places like Montana, Wyoming, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland. Though the stories are similar to those in his previous works, Gierach’s mischievous sense of humor and profound sense of good fortune that he gets to fish for a living make this another must-read for anyone—anglers and non-anglers—thanks to Gierach’s playful and poetic prose, which brings to life such contemplative endeavors.