John Gierach, beloved angling author and fly fishing icon, passed away last week at the age of 78. Gierach authored more than twenty fly fishing books over the course of his writing career, and his words leave an indelible mark on the fly fishing world. Supremely talented yet unfailingly modest, Gierach had a remarkable gift for making readers feel as though they were on the water with him. Consider this an appreciation post for an individual who spent a lifetime sharing the magic of the sport that we love.
John Gierach's inaugural book, Trout Bum
This article covers:
John Gierach's fly fishing beginnings
John Gierach was born in Illinois and raised in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. After earning an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Ohio’s Findlay College, he moved west to Colorado and began a life dedicated to fishing and exploring the Mountain West. While working at a silver mine, Gierach began fly fishing every day – laying a foundation for the next five decades, during which he would become the most popular fly fishing author of his era.
John Gierach's influence on the fly fishing world
Gierach’s inaugural book, Trout Bum, was published in 1986 and established him as the face of a generation of fly anglers that aspired to a life of targeting wild trout, using bamboo rods in small mountain streams. Over the years, “trout bum” became a colloquial term of endearment for those that make the brave choice to pursue fly fishing at the expense of money, relationships, and just about everything else. Though Gierach’s life choices may not resonate with everyone, his books share stories of many close friends made on the water, as well as countless lasting memories. Gierach, the original "trout bum," showed many readers that such a life is possible — and maybe even rewarding.
John Gierach’s legacy
John Gierach will be remembered as a gifted fly angler and a better writer, and his legacy will persist through the individuals who have been guided to the water by his words. His books – under a layer of lightheartedness and self-deprecation – offer a strong conviction that wild fish and the places they inhabit must be preserved. Wild trout and their habitats, as well as countless fly anglers, are better off as a result of John Gierach’s life's work. We’ll leave you with a quote from the individual that managed to distill into words the peace and solace that many find in fly fishing:
“They say you forget your troubles on a trout stream, but that’s not quite it. What happens is that you begin to see where your troubles fit into the grand scheme of things, and suddenly they’re just not such a big deal anymore.”
Pick up any one of his fly fishing books, and you’ll find that there’s plenty more wisdom where that came from.
Here’s to John Gierach, and to a fly fishing life well lived.
Frequently asked questions about John Gierach
What is AnyCreek?
AnyCreek is the leading online resource and marketplace for outdoor guided experiences. Trusted by world-class guides, AnyCreek streamlines their back office to help them focus on their craft. Discover and book your next adventure with confidence.