Standing in a River Waving a Stick

Of course, Gierach's life is one extended fishing trip, so he sets out for pools and streams from Montana and Michigan to British Columbia and his own Colorado, musing along the way on subsets of that last fair question like technique versus inner grace, the number of fish you actually catch, the stories you come home with, and the company you choose to cast your lot--and flies--with. As expected with Gierach, the essays of this spirited array are less answers in themselves than provocatively enjoyable journeys through a richly literate and detailed landscape of interesting bugs (the chapter called "Boatmen"), obsessions ("Getting Stuck"), local streams ("Taking It Personally"), and even a memorial service held off until the fish were biting ("Jordan River"). In the end, Gierach is left where he began, "certain that on the day I become a truly sublime fly-fisher, all my failings will be overshadowed and all my demons will swim under rocks and stay there until I go away." Until that day comes, he'll just have to take solace from the way he continues to hook us pleasurably on the natural resources of his own prose. --Jeff Silverman

Product Description
"The solution to any problem -- work, love, money, whatever -- is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be."

In Standing in a River Waving a Stick, John Gierach visits his favorite trout-filled waters, from the Colorado foothills to British Columbia and points between, recounting both memorable fishing spots and memorable fish. With his trademark combination of wit and wisdom, he discusses such topics as the differences between fishing in ponds and fishing in streams; what makes a good fly pattern; the ethics of writing about undiscovered trout waters; and the fly-fisher's progression from Stage One -- "when you fish from dawn to dusk without a break, get quickly drunk on something cheap, [and] spend the night wrapped in a wet blanket" -- to something slightly more civilized.

Gierach takes in his surroundings with the keen and appreciative eye of a naturalist, whether he's observing the hatching patterns of flies, catching subtle clues to the presence of potentially big fish nearby, or taking note of the local denizens in his wry and philosophical way ("Rural people understand that life is basically a dangerous, unmanageable mess, so when things go wrong, their suspicions are confirmed and it's just a blessing no one was killed").

Rich in fishing lore, humor, and the seasoned know-how that has won Gierach a devoted readership, Standing in a River Waving a Stick is sure to delight readers everywhere -- fly-fishers or not.

I always enjoy a good fishing story and this book has many. Beyond the story, I enjoyed the insights into the subculture of flyfishermen, fishing guides, and small town folks fighting to keep their way of life.

Lastly, the book provides interesting insight on a differing view of wildlife conservation. This is a complicated issue.


Practical advice along with the humor   August 8, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I enjoy the author's often irreverant humor but along with that is a lot of useful, practical advice. I've often said that we give fish too much credit. Mr. Gierach points out that fish are being taken at the same time by fishermen using significantly different patters and the like. Through the humor you develop the feel of what is really important and what really isn't so impotant.


Don't know why I enjoy him so much   August 28, 2000
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

This guy is a classic self-indulgent leftover Hippie. But he captures the essence of flyfishing, and the outdoors in general, in a most compelling way. His life view is a delightful antidote to the urbanized, "Orvisized", SUV'ed approach to the sport (or art form) called flyfishing. I REALLY enjoy reading him (though I would prefer that he not be allowed to vote).


the best fly fishing book around   July 9, 2000
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

when I got the book and started reading I could not put in down. It is the beast book I have Read in a long time. i try to keep up on all the fishing books and this one is top of the line, The man is a true fly-fisherman and it shows in his book. I liked it so much i went out and bought more to give to my fishing buddys. keep up the good work.