Joan Wulff's Fly Fishing

Originally published in 1991 and reissued in paperback in 2024, this is Joan Wulff’s comprehensive guide to the sport she has spent a lifetime mastering and teaching. Written from a woman’s perspective but valuable for any angler, it covers everything from choosing tackle and tying on flies to reading water, wading safely, and playing fish with skill.

Why Start Here

Wulff has written several books, but this is her broadest and most accessible. While her casting technique books are legendary among intermediate and advanced anglers, this guide addresses the full scope of fly fishing, from gear to strategy. Her decades of teaching at the Wulff School give her a rare ability to anticipate exactly where beginners get stuck, and her writing is warm, practical, and free of jargon. If you are new to Wulff or to fly fishing, this is the place to begin.

What to Expect

A concise 192-page guide that covers the fundamentals without overwhelming you. Wulff writes with authority and patience, drawing on personal anecdotes and her experience teaching students of all backgrounds. The book addresses the physical realities of casting, including how to generate power efficiently regardless of your build, and offers honest advice on everything from clothing to stream etiquette. It reads quickly and works well as both a cover-to-cover introduction and a reference to revisit as your skills develop.