Crazy For Rivers

by Bill Barich

"That autumn, I went a little crazy for rivers," writes Bill Barich, and this charming volume captures the essence of this obsession. The hours he spent on various streams became a kind of meditation on family, friends, and the natural world. To anyone who remembers the infinite patience of a grandfather on a lake, or the romance of a mountain getaway with a new girlfriend; to anyone who can recall each fish caught on days that were far too hot, or way too cold, or on rivers too crowded or in canyons too steep; to anyone who has appreciated the trust of an age-old fishing partner, or marveled at the beauty of a leaping trout--to anyone, in fact, who has ever gone a little crazy for rivers, Bill Barich's wonderful memories of a season on the water and a lifetime of fishing will seem both touching and wise. This little book is a gem.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Lilly Runacres · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s perfect. Short, to the point, and evokes so much feeling!!

Am I bias from growing up fly fishing on the Yakima River in eastern Washington with my dad? Yes! What initially drew me to this book is the feeling that I too am crazy for rivers! So much of my childhood wading in next to my dad (though all I really was doing was scarring away the fish- something of which i was continually reminded of by my dad) until I was old enough to ~finally~ get my very own pair of waders and start fly casting for real. So many of the early days spent on a regular spinner and much to my dad and my own surprise actually reeled in the notorious “whale” of ~’06- my very first catch thank you very much!!

This book truly is read like a time capsule for me, with such detail of finding the perfect fishing spots, and the true testament of how badly you want to find that hidden gem, even if it mean driving down sketchy side cliffs and persuading kind park rangers.

I just love it. Special shout out to the Seattle mentions (heyyyy!) I will be reading it again im sure! Thank you, Bill!!

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written book describing the hours spent on pristine, and some not so pristine, streams fly fishing for trout of all sorts. Fishing alone or with a long time friend Barich’s prose brings the reader along on his trips to follow his passion. Only 80 pages long it seemed to hold so much detail. Almost wish that it were a longer read but that likely would have the unfortunate result in diluting the intensity of the descriptions of the streams, surrounding forests, satisfaction of landing even an eight inch brookie, and the pure enjoyment of being at one with nature.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

" 'That autumn, I went a little crazy for rivers,' writes Bill Barich, and this charming volume captures the essence of his obsession. The hours he spent on various streams became a kind of meditation on family, friends, and the natural world. To anyone who remembers the infinite patience of a grandfather on a lake, or the romance of a mountain getaway with a new girlfriend; to anyone who can recall each fish caught on days that were far too hot, or way too cold, or on rivers too crowded or in canyons too steep; to anyone who has appreciated the trust of an age-old fishing partner, or marveled at the beauty of a leaping trout -- to anyone, in fact, who has ever gone crazy for rivers, Bill Barich's wonderful memories of a season on the water and a lifetime of fishing will seem both touching and wise.

"This little book is a gem."
~~front flap

That last paragraph says it all.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book; lucid prose; even if you don't fish, you will want to after reading this book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful - this may be the perfect fishing book, (and makes me wonder if a lot of 300 page books wouldn't be masterpieces if they were cut down by 2/3rds.)

[Mills College Library]

799.1757 B252c 1999