Forward
By Brian Chan
Kamloops, British Columbia

Some seven years ago Phil Rowley excitedly told me about the success that he had on a newly developed Chironomid pupa pattern dubbed the "Chromie". I looked at the pattern and must admit I was skeptical about its potential. It was a radically different pupal design, from the black head to the tail. Unfortunately, it sat in my fly box far too long before I was "Chromied" and realized why it worked and the innovative thought behind its design. The Chromie is just one of many proven stillwater fly patterns presented in Fly Patterns for Stillwaters.

Phil has spent countless hours on and at the shores of lakes studying the food sources that make up the diet of trout. He took this keen interest one step further by setting up home aquariums to more closely observe the movement, development and actual emergence of aquatic insects. Phil has combined these personal observations with his artistic ability to create flies to form the basis of this unique book on stillwater fly patterns.

Fly Patterns for Stillwaters is more than an instructional fly tying manual. Each chapter focuses on a particular food source beginning with a detailed account of its life cycle. From there, Phil presents his theories on pattern design and use of the most recently developed fly tying materials. Phil also presents many effective stillwater patterns that have been crafted by other dedicated contemporary tiers. All flies presented are introduced with specific fishing strategies as recommended by the pattern originator. Tying instructions are clear, straight-forward and accompanied by detailed close-up step photography.

Consistently successful fly-fishers understand the links between trout food recognition, their life cycles and how they move through the water. This book providesinsightful information on all these topics, plus patterns that should be in every lake angler's fly box. Fly Patterns for Stillwaters will be a long-standing stillwater fly pattern reference book for many years to come.

"Because you never stop learning"