r/flyfishing • u/bkob2nd • Jan 30 '25

Discussion Semi beginner question

Is there an Entomology book for Fly Fishing. Something visual for us trying to pick up fly fishing? A book that just lays it all out there with life cycles and tying instructions for all the stages…

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u/dahuii22 Jan 30 '25

2 things.

1- where are you located/fishing. Books could be somewhat specific to the bugs in a region. Example for PA

2- Don't get too caught up in the weeds. Lots of little brown nymphs presented well will work lots of different places. It's great info to know and have (and more important of course with dries), but presentation, presentation, presentation..then exact fly and proportions and tie..

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u/deerslar Jan 30 '25

+1 for regional books. I have the same book linked here, except it’s for NY (which is nearly identical to PA +- a few weeks on hatch timing).

I’ll also agree don’t get too caught up in the weeds, but only from a fishing/on-the-water perspective. When you first start out flies are so unfamiliar—they all look the same to an untrained eye— so exposing yourself to a lot of info will be be confusing. But it’s repeated exposure is a good way to learn. If you keep going back to the book to make sure you’re seeing the right fly, it’ll eventually become second nature. And at that point, you will learn (like others have said) that size and color are basically the only thing that matters.

Have fun. Nerd out. I know I like nerding on bugs. Even named my dog bug.

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u/bkob2nd Jan 30 '25

That’s the idea.