The Classic Dry Fly Box

After the terrific success of Mike Valla's first book, 'Tying Catskill-Style Dry Flies', it's pleasing to see that Mike has released a new work on the history of 100 famous old flies and fly patterns of the Catskill region.

Mike's proven record on sourcing historical facts and his authentic approach, research and the flies he has put together in this book, is a credit to him.  As an example, Mike's search to obtain the correct hooks that were used in the original tyings went world wide and finally, he found what was needed, would you believe, not far from home!  This just goes to prove how diligent Mike was in reproducing these flies for this book.

I'm still awaiting my Limited Edition copy; there may be some left, so I suggest you get in touch with the publishers.

Back Cover

The Classic Dry Fly Box

by Mike Valla

A glimpse inside the Dry Fly Box of Mike Valla! Join him as he takes a tour of the history of the Catskill-style dry fly, from the Abbey to the Yellow Spinner, with 98 other stops in between. From the popular to the obscure, Valla delves into the history of these marvelous flies, masterfully weaving quotes from Gordon, Cross, the Dettes, Bergman and other legends with his own personal anecdotes about growing up in the Catskill tying tradition. Fully illustrated with gorgeous color photography and complete with dressing appendix.

Published by The Whitefish Press (November, 2011) • Softcover Trade Edition • 128 Pages • Full Color Throughout • Dressing Appendix for all 100 Flies • List Price: US$29.95

Available from The Whitefish Press (www.whitefishpress.com)

MIKE VALLA'S BOOK

Tying Catskill-Style Dry Flies

As many of you who visit my website would be aware, one of our guest fly tyers, Mike Valla, has written a book about the history of the dry flies of the Catskills and his close friends the late Walt and Winnie Dette; Mike tells how they taught him to tie flies and fish the many streams that encompass this world famous region.

Well, guess what, I just received my copy and all I can say it is simply fantastic, great photography, great layout and production work.

Mike has done a wonderful job in writing a book that is destined to become not only a very wanted addition to any library but a true classic.

Famed American author Eric Leiser writes of this book:

“Valla’s insatiable desire for perfection shows in this text. He has done his homework”.

You may say I am a little biased in my review because Mike is a friend of mine and that I am in this book but I can honestly say this it is an honour to be included in a work of this calibre. If you are into the Catskills, its history its fly tyers and those other fly fishing legends that have thrown a fly over these waters, then this book is a must for you.

Mike, congratulations, a job well done.

You can order Mike's Book direct from the publishers:

Headwater Books for$49.95 us.

The ISBN 978-1-93475-01-9

Email Media@headwaterbooks.com

Cheers,

Mick