Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes

by Gary LaFontaine

Gary LaFontaine needs no introduction. He was renowned worldwide for his innovative fly patterns, his books, and his enormous influence in the world of fly fishing and fly tying. In this classic work on fishing for trout in the high-altitude lakes of the West, LaFontaine turns his considerable talents to this highly specialized but also endlessly absorbing aspect of fly fishing.
In characteristic form, LaFontaine tackles his subject with zeal, packing in loads of equipment, including scuba gear, to do his research. The chapters alternate between stories about the sheer fun of fishing mountain lakes with hardcore, how-to fishing lessons.
LaFontaine uses his quirky wit and iconoclastic vision to peel back the mysteries of this fishery, including distribution of fish, primary food sources, and feeding patterns. Other chapters cover seasons, weather, fly patterns, and even how to use pack animals to reach your high-altitude destinations. Gary distills this research into a captivating amalgam of hard information and entertaining anecdote.
FLY FISHING THE MOUNTAIN LAKES will make you think and make you laugh. And you might catch a few more trout on your next mountain lake expedition.

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Andrew Wayment · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I’ve ever read on high mountain lake fishing. I’ve always been a fan of Gary LaFontaine, but this book puts him into legendary status for me. This book was very informative, but he tells enough stories along the way to make it interesting. I can’t believe I didn’t read this book earlier! I want to put on my backpack and head for the alpine lakes right now and it’s still January. Wish we had more from Gary. He died too young.

[Bradley Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you're a seasoned fisherman, the fabled angler Gary LaFontaine likely has something to teach you about fly fishing mountain lakes. Beyond simply a how-to guide wit, whimsy, and the ability to weave on heck of a yarn make this an enjoyable read.