I put together a list of five fly fishing books that I think every angler should read. If you enjoy trout fishing and want to have more fun doing it because you've read up on the skills and techniques involved, dive in.

One note before the list: all of these are widely available on Amazon and in most fly shops, but check your local library first. Fly fishing books are more commonly stocked than people expect, and inter-library loan will find almost anything. A couple of these are dense enough that borrowing before buying is genuinely sensible — you'll know within a chapter whether it's for you.

Selective Trout by Swisher and Richards

Looking for a classic read? Dive into one of the more detailed and scientific approaches to fly fishing. Swisher and Richards literally dissect fly fishing and put it on display for you. This book was a gift to me from my mentor and friend, and it gave me an extreme foundation to build on.

Seasons for Trout by Hafele, Hughes, and Morris

When you look at the seasons and start to understand what food is coming alive for fish — then break that down to where the food lives, how the atmosphere changes, and what all of that does to the feeding propensities of fish — you get a winning combination. Having three perspectives only makes it better, especially without having to buy three separate books.

Nymph Fishing by George Daniel

George breaks down nymphing in the only way he knows how: super detailed and specific. You become surgical in nature when you read George's books. Pair it with my article on understanding nymphing and wet flies.

Moving Water by Randall

Currents are the superhighways that deliver food to fish, so understanding them brings a ton of insight your way. Randall walks you through how to read them and what to execute to be successful when you see them.

Trout Tracks by McLennan

McLennan brilliantly writes essays on fly fishing with beautiful illustrations to keep you entertained. If you like short stories, this is a must-have. It's like buying 50 small fly fishing books in one, and a lifetime of entertainment.

Bonus read: Reading Trout Water by Dave Hughes

When I first started angling, this was one of the best books I read. Hughes uses science to help you recall the numerous images he details and why fish are lying where he depicts them. Real-world photos and detailed stories make you an expert at reading water for fish.

Where to find them

Any of these can be picked up on Amazon, ordered through your local fly shop, or borrowed from your library. Supporting a local shop is never a bad move — and if you ask, there's a decent chance someone behind the counter has read the book and will tell you whether it suits how you fish.

Or start with something shorter

If you'd rather have something practical to read tonight, I've written a few eBooks that are instant downloads: the Beginner Fly Fishing eBook covers the fundamentals, Dry Fly Tactics for Selective Trout goes after picky fish, Tips and Tricks for Fly Fishing is a grab bag of things I wish I'd known sooner, and Essential Elements of Destination Travel for Anglers is for anyone planning a trip.

Prefer to listen?

If reading isn't your thing, or you want something for the drive to the river, here are 10 Fly Fishing Insider Podcast episodes worth your time — a mix of saltwater and freshwater, from Seychelles flats to stillwater tactics.