From rods to reels, fly lines to tippets, fishing hats to hip boots, this guide covers everything an angler will need before heading to the water.

If your favorite way to spend the day is stepping into a mountain stream—fly fishing gear in hand—to match wits with an elusive rainbow trout, The Orvis Encyclopedia of Fly Fishing is the perfect companion. Ideal for newcomers looking to get their feet wet, as well as for seasoned fisherman who need a reliable reference, this A to Z guide unlocks the mysteries of the sport, including answers to questions such as:

• Where in Montana will I find the best fly fishing for mountain whitefish? (“Montana,” page 136)
• What kind of fish bite at night? (“Night Fishing,” page 176)
• Which European country has the best fly fishing? (“Scotland,” page 235)
• Can I catch a shark on a fly rod? (“Sharks,” page 240)
• What’s the difference between a Bucktail, a Featherwing Streamer, and a Woolly Bugger? (“Streamers,” page 251)

Written by Tom Rosenbauer, a top instructor at the Orvis Fly Fishing School, and loaded with stunning full-color photographs and clear illustrations of step-by-step techniques, The Orvis Encyclopedia of Fly Fishing serves as a comprehensive course in the fundamentals of the sport.