Reviewed by James Castwell
I was impressed by Les Johnson even before I
met him. Having moved to the west coast, I
found myself at a loss on the fishery hereabouts.
The book, Fly Fishing for Pacific Salmon,
had already become a classic, and was recommended.
Les was one of three authors who combined their
various talents and knowledge with great success.
That was back in the mid eighties.
No wonder he was included. A few years before he
had authored Sea-Run Cutthroat Trout.
More of a 'how to' type book. It set the standard
at the time.
Les felt it was time to enlarge on the theme and
he has done so with talent, style and professionalism.
Woven throughout are vignettes of times and places
of actual fishing jaunts and the interesting times
involved, with great photos. A very readable book.
Les has spent several years collecting and
correlating the facts and flies on this
interesting fishery from California through
Oregon and Washington to British Columbia and
Alaska. You will find nearly every stream of
any value the entire way listed and detailed
information on each. Included are the overviews
of each state on management of the fishery.
A large section on the flies, in color of course,
and how to tie them is included. One of the sections
I thought was of importance was on equipment. As
these fish have differing habits, the gear needs
to be able to cover a wider set of conditions.
Les does a fine job of setting up the book, right
from the start he takes you logically through each
important facet of our Cutthroat Trout. The author
makes this statement at the front of his new work.
I like it and include it here.
"I make no claims to be an expert on the coastal
cutthroat. I am quite simply a writer and fly fisher
who has, through the years become closely identified
with this amazing trout. I feel uniquely fortunate
for my association with the coastal cutthroat and
privileged to have been able to work with so many
fine caring people in putting the book together.
I am a very lucky man. ~ Les Johnson April 4, 2004"
Fly-Fishing Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Les Johnson
144 pages
Hardbound (ISBN: 1-57188-334-5) $45.00
Softbound: (ISBN: 1-571-88-33-9) $29.95
Full color, 126 individual fly plates & recipes
Published by Frank Amato Publication
~ JC
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