"Lani Waller has drawn on long experience and a deep love of steelhead to write a book that few steelheaders will want to be without."--Thomas McGuane
"Lani Waller has a passion for these beautiful creatures that comes across on every page. And Bob Hooten brings a thorough approach to the science."--Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia
"Waller . . . sees, feels, and writes about [steelhead more deeply and colorfully than any person I know. Beginner or expert, you will not be able to put this book down until you've read every single word."--Dave Whitlock
Steelhead legend Lani Waller covers the essential elements of fishing for trophy steelhead with prose as beautiful and surprising as the fish themselves. The blend of how-to and why-to not only captures the essence of these elusive fish but also uncovers what it takes to consistently bring them to hand. Waller shares his techniques for swinging wets and waking dry flies, including proper approach, presentation, and his favorite fly patterns, both classic and contemporary. Chapters on hunting trophies, equipment, casting, and conservation provide readers with a life's worth of wisdom learned from his time on the water.
Waller brings along some of his friends to help contribute to the book. Steelhead expert Bob Hooton's chapter on steelhead biology is a concise overview of the steelhead's life cycle, biology, and behavior; artist Dave Hall illustrates Waller's swinging techniques; and photographer Ken Morrish's stunning images capture the magic of the fish and the rivers they ascend each year.
This all-star cast of steelhead fanatics has created a classic book that honors the fish as well as those who chase them, whether in the Pacific Northwest of United States, the wilderness streams of British Columbia, or the hundreds of tributaries that run into the Great Lakes.
About the Author
Lani Waller has pursued steelhead for over four decades and is considered one of the foremost experts on trophy British Columbia steelhead. He was inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame in 1997. He lives in Novato, California. Photographer Ken Morrish is chief operating officer of Fly Water Travel in Ashland, Oregon, and his photography and writing is featured in numerous publications, including Patagonia, Outside, Fly Fisherman, Fly Rod and Reel, and Northwest Fly Fishing.
“This is the new "Holy Grail" of steel head fishing. Written and documented in a way that all fly fisherman will understand and relate to. Lani Waller is a great story teller and his life experiences on rivers can not be replaced. This is a passionate book that really tells you there is more to fly-fishing then just catching fish, enjoy the journey, care for the species. “ --Robbie Bloom
"Here comes a unique book about steelhead fly-fishing, written by a man who has dedicated his life to that anadromous fish so special to many of us. Lani Waller is not only a great angler; he is also a fantastic story teller and poet. His words are genuine; they surface naturally from a philosophy of life that he has built over the years along the rivers of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, to name a few. Many of Lani's tales emerge from his many hours spent in the Skeena River basin, the Mecca of steelheading, and more precisely on the Babine River, so dear to him, and where he almost lost his life.
In this book, Lani goes through all interesting aspects of our sport: gear, tackle, flies, techniques, and more importantly how to read the water and how to present your fly to the fish. There is especially a very interesting section about why a steelhead takes a fly. That helps you understand why steelhead react like they do, makes you think like one, and will let you know how to present your fly according to the given situation.
