With a double-page spread devoted to each pattern, featuring step-by-step instructions in full colour, and ring-bound so that it will lie flat on the bench or table top beside the fly-tying vice, this is the ideal reference book for anglers who wish to tie their own versions of the most successful patterns in current use.

Peter Gathercole starts with an introduction to fly-tying basics, materials, equipment and techniques. He divides the flies themselves into five categories: Dry Flies, Nymphs and Bugs, Wet Flies, Streamers, and Hairwings and cover patterns that have a proven success record in catching trout, salmon and grayling in rivers and lakes throughout the world.

On each spread there is a key indicating which species the fly is designed to attract, a brief description of when and how it should be used, a full-colour photograph of the finished fly indicating the materials used for the body, rib, hackle, etc., the range of hook sizes for which the pattern is suitable and, on the facing page, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for tying.