Book review: Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies

Paul Marriner is well known to Atlantic Salmon fly fishermen the world over. He is likely the best known Canadian fly fishing author outside of Canada today. This book by Paul is interesting in that it documents the Atlantic Salmon flies that are currently favored in eastern Canada. As such the book title may be a bit misleading. These fly patterns include both modern new dressings as well as old Atlantic Salmon patterns, Steelhead patterns adapted for Atlantic Salmon fishing, and conversions of Spey and Dee style patterns adapted for use in Canadian waters. Within these boundaries this book is of top quality. The writing is clear, clean, and well thought out. Paul is a quality wordsmith and it shows. The photographs and their color plates are well done and easy to view. Each pattern description has a beautiful photograph of the completed fly immediately above it. In addition, there is a short historical note accompanying most patterns. A very nice touch that gives pattern originators credit for their work. The professional fly tyers with flies in the book are also listed with mailing addresses. Thus, those tyers who would like to purchase sample flies may do so.

If you are interested in tying Atlantic Salmon flies which are successful in Canadian waters these is the book to give you the necessary information.

Overall, a very important addition to the avid fly tyers library and well worth the cost.