For Members

Resources

Curated books, videos, and references for every level of angler.

Learn & Grow

Books & Publications

Beginner-Friendly

A Guide's Guide to Fly-Fishing Mistakes
Sara Low

Practical advice on what to avoid, straight from a guide.

Available: Amazon

Fly Casting Fundamentals
Lefty Kreh

A great starting point for new anglers learning the basics of casting.

Available: Paperback on Amazon, Free on Kindle Unlimited

Orvis Guide to Reading Trout Streams
Tom Rosenbauer

Teaches you how to understand water flow and spot where fish hold.

Available: Amazon

Presenting the Fly
Lefty Kreh

A comprehensive guide to many elements for successful fly fishing.

Available: Paperback on Amazon

Skill Building & Techniques

Fly Fishing for Trout: The Next Level
Tom Rosenbauer

A step up for intermediate anglers who want to refine skills and strategy.

Available: Amazon

Perfecting the Cast
Ed Jaworowski

For improving timing, loop control, and accuracy.

Available: Amazon

The Cast
Ed Jaworowski

A deeper technical dive into mechanics of fly casting.

Available: Kindle

Troubleshooting the Cast
Ed Jaworowski

Helps identify and correct casting problems.

Available: Amazon

Entomology & Fly Selection

Guide to Aquatic Trout Foods
Dave Whitlock

Covers insects, behavior, and how trout feed.

Available: Amazon

Handbook of Hatches
Dave Hughes

Learn to identify hatches and match them effectively.

Available: Paperback on Amazon, Free on Kindle Unlimited

The Bug Book: A Fly Fisher's Guide to Trout Stream Insects
Paul Weamer

A clear and visual guide to aquatic insects and how to fish them.

Available: Amazon

Local Knowledge (Colorado Focus)

Colorado Guide Flies
Pat Dorsey

Features patterns and advice specific to Colorado rivers.

Available: Amazon

Good Flies
John Gierach

A practical look at fly patterns that consistently produce results, with insights on how, when, and why to fish them.

Available: Amazon

Location Guides

Flyfishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
Steven B. Schweitzer

Over 150 fishing destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park detailed with topographic maps, trail profiles, fishing tips, and photographs.

Available: Amazon & St Peters Fly Shop

Magazines & Periodicals

Fly Fishing Magazine

Ongoing publication covering techniques, destinations, gear reviews, and conservation topics. Great for staying current and discovering new tips, tactics, and places to fish.

Available: Print and digital subscriptions at flyfishingmagazine.com

Watch & Learn

Videos

Helpful YouTube videos hand-picked for our members.

Getting Started in Fly Fishing

By Mad River Outfitters

A beginner-friendly series covering all the basics, one step at a time.

  1. Six Basic Things To Get Going — Gear overview to start fly fishing
  2. Fly Rod Weight — Choosing the right rod for your needs
  3. Fly Reels — Understanding reel function and selection
  4. Fly Lines — Types, weights, and when to use them
  5. Leaders and Tippets — How they work and how to set them up
  6. Flies — Common fly types and their purposes
  7. Accessories — Essential tools to enhance your experience
  8. Polarized Sunglasses — Why they matter on the water
  9. The Leader (Deep Dive) — More detail on leader construction
  10. Fishing Flies (Part 2) — Additional fly patterns and usage tips
  11. Fly Fishing Accessories (Part 2) — More gear that helps beginners
  12. Fly Fishing Isn't Just for Trout — Exploring other species

Huge Fly Fisherman — Essential Skills

By Ben Sittig

A Colorado-based guide with a no-nonsense (and funny) take on fly fishing. Great for learning the basics with some attitude.

Fly Shop Etiquette

What to do (and not do) when visiting your local fly shop.

Stream Etiquette

How to avoid annoying other anglers and respect the water.

Mending

Learn how to control your drift and improve your presentation.

Fixing Common Casting Mistakes

Practical help if you're new to casting or struggling with distance and accuracy.

Beyond the Bobber — Nymphing

Learn the basics of nymphing and how it differs from surface fishing.

How to Land Fish with a Fly Rod

A step-by-step for bringing fish in efficiently and safely.

Nets

What kind to use, when to use it, and why it matters.

Trout Identification

Tips for telling the difference between common trout species.

Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes

What to expect when fishing at high-altitude lakes — unique challenges and gear.


Functional Fly Casting Series

By Fly Fisherman Magazine (Ed Jaworowski)

A detailed breakdown of casting mechanics from one of fly fishing's most respected instructors.

Part 1 — Acceleration

Explores the critical role of acceleration in loading the rod effectively.

Part 2 — Rotation & Leverage

Discusses how body rotation and leverage enhance casting efficiency.

Part 3 — Critical Angle

Examines the optimal angle between rod and line for efficient energy transfer.

Loop to Loop Podcast — Ed Jaworowski

An in-depth conversation covering Ed's casting philosophy and collaboration with Lefty Kreh.


Teaching Someone to Fly Fish in One Day

By Ventures Fly Co

Documents an instructor guiding a complete beginner through gear selection, casting, knot tying, and on-water strategies in a single day.