The Honest Flies Of Joe Howell, Idleyld Oregon: Volume V in the Honest Flies Series Paperback – November 11, 2021

In some respects, people will see this as a picture book, with photos of 31 steelhead flies and 24 trout flies tied by Joe Howell. The steelhead flies date back as far as 1997, and some of the trout flies are likely twenty or thirty years old.Joe’s tying skills have been honed over decades, starting in the days when he was a kid in the 1950s, tying for log-truck drivers who traveled the North Umpqua – fly fishers who were friends of his dad.Joe tied the humble Wooley Bugger and Spruce Fly; the classic Orange Gordon and Trueblood Special. He also tied the elegant Orange Heron and Moon Shadow Spey. Decades of experience and an artist’s eye guide his hands. His work reflects tradition and the highest standards of the craft. His trout flies were a model to help students learn to become artisans themselves. Anglers from far and near learned to depend on Joe’s flies for fishing – as well as appreciating the fishing stories shared at his shop.Joe’s steelhead flies have been featured in books and magazines far more prestigious than this book. I’m honored to show you these Joe Howell steelhead and trout flies – plus several images of the river he loves, recorded on artist’s easel and camera.Every tyer who examines Joes flies will appreciate his skill and his eye for proportion. Some of you are hoping to compare your own patterns with those of an expert. Some of you are hoping for hints to improve your own tying skills. The photos here will allow you to do both.I hope that you will smile as you browse the images of his flies and art in this book, just as I as I do every time I flip through the pages.Welcome.Jay Nicholas, November 2021 Read more