Wonderfully written + highly informative = One of the best reference books I have ever seen. Both books in this series (Nymphs volume I & II) are absolutely great. Very detailed descriptions of practically every species of Mayfly, plus fly tying recipes for each one. This book is recommended for both beginners to fly fishing and fly tying, as well as those seasoned veterans who are looking for a comprehensive reference.

Wonderfully written + highly informative = One of the best reference books I have ever seen. Both books in this series (Nymphs volume I & II) are absolutely great. Very detailed descriptions of practically every species of Mayfly, plus fly tying recipes for each one. This book is recommended for both beginners to fly fishing and fly tying, as well as those seasoned veterans who are looking for a comprehensive reference.

This is no dry treatise on entomology. The stories and anecdotes in this delightfully entertaining tome have made this one of my most cherished books in my fly-fishing library. It is not something to be read in one sitting, however; more on the order of something to be savored over the years.

If you are wondering if this is a book for you, go to the library and sample it. If you are like me, you will have a difficult time putting it down.

Of course the book is (obviously) primarily a highly technical reference book; I am unashamed to admit being completely unqualified to review this aspect of the book.

Ernie, is an enlightened flyfisher and writer. The narrative is beautiful so are the colour plates of nymphs in the centerpages.
I was a bit disappointed in the lack of photography.
Lots of dressings throughout the book which could do with a photo of the pattern.
I regard this book as a must have althgough I feel it could be well embellished by addition of colour photography.
Pier

This is an excellent book that combines so many different elements. Schwiebert has enough biology information that this was the reference for a long time; but it is really his famous literary skills that make this book. I guess it would date me but I can remember the first Schwiebert story I read in an ancient Flyfisherman magazine - you could always tell them because people spoke in italics, not quotes!

The book is chock full of stories and suggestions; in particular you can read Schwiebert's ideas on the ideal fly rod, fishing during a big stonefly hatch and the art of matching the hatch for nymphs.

The colour plates are gorgeous and the paper was very high quality - my copy still looks brand new. If you see a copy I highly recommend buying it.

This is an excellent book that combines so many different elements. Schwiebert has enough biology information that this was the reference for a long time; but it is really his famous literary skills that make this book. I guess it would date me but I can remember the first Schwiebert story I read in an ancient Flyfisherman magazine - you could always tell them because people spoke in italics, not quotes!

The book is chock full of stories and suggestions; in particular you can read Schwiebert's ideas on the ideal fly rod, fishing during a big stonefly hatch and the art of matching the hatch for nymphs.

The colour plates are gorgeous and the paper was very high quality - my copy still looks brand new. If you see a copy I highly recommend buying it.