Hans Weilenmann Pattern Book

[Byron haugh]

I recall asking Hans if he might make a tying video or write a book.

I see a book by him and another on Amazon. I believe it is entitled "365 Flies".

Anyone have the book?

[billhouk]

I have met John van Vliet and have his book. He Is listed as co-author with Hans. Hans' videos are the epitome of thread control. That's more then enough for me to order the book, 365 Trout Patterns from Amazon for $10.03. I'll have It by Wednesday and let you know. My apologies to Hans and John on the Amazon pricing. I hope that doesn't affect royalties...

[Allan]

Thanks for the information and I just ordered it.

[billhouk]

You asked for a review so here it is... 365 Trout Flies Patterns and Recipes for a Year of Successful Fishing By John Van Vliet and Hans Weilenmann, copyright 2013 by Voyageur Press. $30 US, L20UK, and $33 CAN but available from Amazon for $10.03. The book is a small form (6.5in x 8.5in). The paper is off-white and appears to be of good quality being heavy and slick. The spine is solid so the book does not lie flat. The book contains 265 numbered pages.

This is not a book for amateurs as the author's don't waste words. A one page introduction starts each of five sections; Nymphs, Dries, Wets, Streamers and Terrestrials. A few paragraphs on one page covers the About the Authors section.

A beautiful photograph of each pattern accompanies the recipe. Each page contains one or two recipes. The recipes include several classics as well as variations of flies we have come to expect from John and Hans. Each pattern is clearly marked with the tiers initials. John seems to have taken the lead on the brief introductions.

I have several pattern books. There are enough variants and examples of unique flies in this book to make it a valuable addition to your library. The subtitle seems to challenge us to fish every day of the year. While most of us can't do this, this might be a great guide to tying a fly a day for a year.

I heartily recommend obtaining a copy, especially at the Amazon price.

[Byron haugh]

I received my copy of "365 Trout Flies" by John Van Vliet and Hans Weilenmann today.
It is a great little "fat" book. It is in a little different configuration (in terms of size) than the "standard" book we are accustomed to.

Here, it is compared to a "typical" format fly fishing book:





The book is some 264 pages of wonderful photos of completed flies, along with the materials list for each. Seems about half are contributed by John and half by Hans.

In another book review (not here) someone said they were disappointed with the photos of the flies of John Van Vliet. I was happy to see that the photos of his flies are quite nice.........perhaps some are a tad below the quality of Hans'.

As most have said, the book is for the somewhat accomplished tier or for all admirers of beautiful patterns. It is not a "how to", but a "how it should look" book.

Interestingly, many of John Van Vilet's patterns are barbed. I often leave my own flies that way to be crimped later, so definitely not a criticism - simply an observation, but I found it quite a contrast with Hans' barbless/crimped barb patterns.

It's a great little book to get your tying/experimenting juices flowing.

The photos and the exacting dressing of the patterns are really well done.