The first time I was exposed to John Gierach’s writing, I was just beginning my journey as a fly fisherman. His words felt like an invitation into a world where fishing was more than a sport—it was a way of life, a philosophy. His storytelling, filled with humor, humility, and a deep respect for nature, resonated with me like no other writer had. Gierach had this rare ability to make you feel like you were sitting beside him on a riverbank, just talking about life while the water flowed. His passing leaves a void in the fly fishing community, but his stories will continue to inspire and connect anglers everywhere.
John, may you rest easy on the banks of an endless, crystal-clear stream. The trout rise steadily, and the only sounds are the whisper of the line and the soft gurgle of the water. It is a fly fisherman’s paradise where the hatch never ends, and the stories are always worth telling.