50 Best Tailwaters to Fly Fish by Terry and Wendy Gunn
Just over a year Terry Gunn contacted me about a new book he was working on entitled 50 Best Tailwaters to Fly Fish. He asked me to write a chapter about the Henry’s Fork. I’ll be honest, I get asked to do a lot of stuff for other people. Sometimes I commit to do it and sometimes not but in this case, I jumped at the chance and felt honored that Terry wanted me to be a part of this project. Not only do I feel honored to be asked but also the book is noteworthy and something that every traveling fly fisher will need and want.
Almost all of the great trout rivers of North America are tailwaters. The Henry’s Fork, South Fork of the Snake, and the Madison River are all tailwaters and they are featured in the book.
There are actually 56 rivers featured in the book and I’m sure there are others that were missed. A glaring example is the South Fork of the Boise River below Anderson Ranch Reservoir. However, the book gives a wide perspective of some of the best waters across the country. The rivers are organized into four sections: The West, The Rockies, The South and The East. Each chapter provides valuable information on the location and description, hatches, tackle requirements, fishing regulations and more. Contact information for fly shops, outfitters, lodges, hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, bars, and shuttle services is also provided. There is even information about available cell phone service. Each chapter also features a detailed map of the watershed. I can’t think of anything else a traveling fly fisher could need to plan a trip.
Most importantly each chapter was written by a select guide or outfitter specifically picked by Terry Gunn for their knowledge and experience on the rivers they love. I’ve known Terry and Wendy Gunn for at least 25 years. Everything they have done since they first started Lee’s Ferry Anglers in 1989 has been first class and their new book is no exception. I’m proud to share the spotlight with Steve Schmidt, Mike Mercer, John and Amy Hazel, Craig Mathews, Pat Dorsey, Jackson Streit, Darren Calhoun, Tim Tollett, Tim Lenehan, other guides and outfitters I have come to know over the 40 years I have been in the outfitting and guiding business. I know they each have the love and passion for their home water as I have for the Henry’s Fork.
It is exciting to have this new book available for the Christmas season. If you are looking for a gift for your hard-to-buy-for angler you can’t beat this fine book.