Trout from Small Streams: the 2nd Edition Review
As anglers, we should always endeavor to improve our skill level and knowledge base. Dave Hughes has recently revised two of his pivotal pieces of fly fishing literature the first was his Trout from Small Streams, which was originally published in 2002, but was revised and republished in 2014. It is amazing to think that small stream fly fishing could have changed that much in just over a decade, but with the pursuit of knowledge it is easy as an author to feel your works can become less relevant the more experience you achieve. I don’t necessary believe Dave’s first edition has become dated or less pertinent than it was when it was released and I still consider it a classic, but technology has rapidly improved with both the publishing and the current techniques used to chase small stream trout. The biggest glowing change in the editions is the wonderful full color photos throughout. Each of these plates is accompanied by experienced accounts which translate into a learned text embodied in a short story. The other thing that stands out in this book is the addition of 22 page chapter on Tenkara fishing. Dave doesn’t bring it as the end all be all of small stream fishing, but as another tool to help in the effort to enjoy these fisheries.
Trout from Small Streams isn’t written as a basic text with pen and ink depictions of runs with suspected holding lies and angles of approach showing how the author would dissect a run, ripple or pool. Instead, Dave discusses how his experiences both good and bad have shaped him as an angler and what he has had to do to create successes and increase his probability of catching when conditions are tough. He has it written in a "take it for what it’s worth" sense of style which is epic. As the reader, it is completely up to you whether or not there are takeaways you can apply to your own fishing.
For me, this book was as much about trout behavior, and a more complete thought process around fly fishing, as it was a rubric of small stream specific technique. Hughes discusses his perceptions on trout which can easily be overlaid against many other fisheries with equal success. He works hard to make you a more conscious angler, aware of how your behaviors and action impact how the fish react to your fly. If you allow it, this book will pry at the thinking portion of your brain; you will be amazed at visualizations of situational fishing that become etched in your imagination.
In the chapter "The Essential Fly Box," Dave describes assembling the simplicity of piecing together the necessities of the small stream box, not by exact pattern, but impressionistic ideas based on the local aquatic life similar type streams. Hughes talks about what types of patterns he includes in his limited box and how to be best prepare yourself without carrying a small fly shop in your vest. It not the size of your fly box, but how you stock it.
If you are looking to bring up your game and seeking some inspiration for revisiting your youth by catching pan size trout, Hughes book is a must read. Please pick up a copy and swing by the shop so we can trade notes. If we don’t see you here, hopefully we can trade tips and tricks on the stream sometime.
Cheers, Luke