The holidays have different meanings for each of us.  Tradition is a word that is bantered about this time of the year in conjunction with killing our Christmas tree, Oyster dressing, parties, music, church services, and lastly presents.  Presents seem to be a higher priority these days than when I was a boy since then, the day after Thanksgiving, as well as Thanksgiving itself, was time for pheasant and duck shooting, not shopping.  My family spent time afield; grandfathers, uncles, and cousins-along with a passel of dogs from well-bred lines to mutts-strolled muddy fields and fence lines.  With that said, we did receive Christmas presents, and my favorite presents each year were the sporting books that Santa, along with my parents and grandparents, slipped under our tree.  We would open these after our noon meal on the 25th, and I would spend the rest of the day reading stories of trout and birds.  This was the start of books being a large part of my life. 

As this Christmas draws near, the book that will be under the tree this year will be Fly Fishing the Harriman Ranch of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River.

This new title by noted long time Railroad Ranch Guide John McDaniel is not only a look into one of our country's best trout streams but also a treatise on sight fishing for large selective trout with dry flies.

 The "Ranch," as many call this section of the Henry's Fork, is a flat, placid piece of water that is home to not only larger than life trout but hatches as well. Some of my best fishless days have come on this stretch of water. The mayflies are prolific, and caddis swarm in mass.  The fish feed cautiously, mainly on naturals but can be fooled by a well dressed fly and even better drift.  It is for these reasons that Mr. McDaniel's book should be read by any enthusiastic dry fly angler.

This hard cover book Published by Whitefish Press not only discusses the water's rich history and bug life but talks about angling strategy from a very experienced angler's perspective.  The author guides on this water and personally fishes the river as well.  He is a focused student of this trout stream.  The third chapter titled "Finding and Approaching Fish" is a must read for dry fly anglers.   Chapter Five, titled    "Hooking and Landing large Trout on Light Tackle," provides insight that all anglers can absorb.  Along with these two stellar chapters, McDaniels discusses casting, presentation, flies, and conservation.  Well placed four color photographs and line drawings accent the author's text.  With that stated, it is the concepts held within the pages that will hold the reader's attention and improve one's fishing. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that my good friend Per Brandin wrote the introduction to this book.  Per is not only a very talented bamboo fly rod builder but one of the most intellectual anglers  I know. He told me of this project a few years back and said I would enjoy this work once published.  He was correct.

I recommend Fly Fishing The Harriiman Ranch whether you fish out west or on the Muskegon.  It is full of insight that will improve your angling. 

Christmas is about believing.  Angling as well is about the same thing.  Believing.  Believing the sulphers will hatch or the drakes will fall.  Many of you know that I am a just a big kid.  A big kid that wants Santa to bring me a spinner fall and a large sipping trout under the tree, but in case that doesn't happen I am going to wrap a copy of this new book and slide it under the tree to me from my dogs.  We will have a Christmas lunch, and just like the little kid of 40 years ago, I will spend my Christmas afternoon reading and dreaming of trout.

Happiest of Holidays 

Glen Blackwood

To purchase this book, please contact Glen by phone at 616.866.6060 or simply send him an email.