Flyfisher's Guide to Northern California

Rating:
Summary: Missing a few things (Like where these streams are located)!
Review: I picked this book up for some ideas of fly fishing areas nearby (I live in Northern California). Not having lived here very long, I was not familiar with the specific rivers and their even general locations on a state map of California (and given that these are supposed to be big fishing areas and I fancy myself as begin geographically literate - shame on me!). The editor has not deemed fit to include a well marked overall map of the area that leads one to the specific rivers in question -- you are assumed to know where the areas are and how to get there already, I figure, or if there is some rhyme or reason for locating these streams on the big map, it was not obvious to me.

From the text perhaps even a passing familiarity with the rivers in question themselves is assumed - though it will definately be useable to me once I figure out where these waterways might be!

To be fair it does appear that there is good information to be had, but the location of the rivers in questions on a map of the state might be good. There *is* a map in the front -- just begging for the locations detailed in the book to be clearly indicated -- how about having it done that way in a new edition?

I will have to get a map or a different book to take advantage of this one, so if you don't alerady know the locations of these waterways - you have been warned!

Rating:
Summary: Very good reference for the major areas of Northern CA
Review: This book is a collection of writings from different authors who have an intimate knowledge of the rivers they write about. The book is very well organized - giving you maps, tactics, and lodging information. If you are new to Fly Fishing or new to Northern California this book is a must.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: This book is fine if you want to go to one of the 6 or 8 most famous trout streams in CA, but if you want to try one of the several thousand other places to fish, it has nothing. A much more complete reference is "California Fishing" by Tom Stienstra. While it isn't fly-fishing specific, it is a much more comprehensive book, and rates places based not only on the fishing, but on camping spots, number of people, and scenic beauty, which are at least as important as the fishing, in my opinion. Stienstra's book also includes detailed maps and directions to the places it reviews.

Ditch this book and pick up Tom Stienstra's instead.