Seasons of the Steelhead

What is it about steelhead that inspires a $50 coffee table book?

"Seasons of the Steelhead" author Will Godfrey explains:

"There is something magical about chasing steelhead with a fly. It's is my hope that this book will communicate some of the thrill and challenge involved - feeling the strength of the river, choosing the right fly, casting into the seam, experiencing the anticipation of a tug as the fly swings into the sweet spot."

Godfrey lives in Lewiston near the famed Clearwater River. For this book, he collaborated with renowned photographer Drew Stocklein of Salt Lake City.

The photos are what you would expect from a big, slick, glossy book.

It's not limited to Idaho, but the state's steelhead streams are well represented. It includes the Northwest's most famed and picturesque steelhead streams, examines what it takes to catch the elusive fish, and examines the deep connection that anglers have with them.

You will find the obligatory grip-and-grin hero shots, but there's much more. You get a feel for the land that produces these amazing fish throughout the seasons.

You can almost feel the chill of a snowstorm on the Upper Salmon River near Stanley, the sun beating on the back of your neck in August on Oregon's Deschutes River, or the damp chill of a foggy coastal river in November.

Beware, the cost of the book may just be the entry fee. After reading it, you will want to fish the rivers he highlights.

Price: $50.

Publisher: Stocklein Photography and Publishing, www.thestoeckleincollection.com, 788-4593.

Fly-Fishing Guide to the Henry's Fork

It's safe to say Mike Lawson has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Henry's Fork River. Now, he's sharing that with us all.

"Fly-Fishing Guide to the Henry's Fork" is the work of a man who spent his life fishing and working the Henry's Fork as a guide and fly shop owner.

Lawson lives in St. Anthony and founded one of the area's most famous fly shops, Henry's Fork Anglers.

As the subtitle says, there are 80 miles of world-class water on the Henry's Fork that attracts fly anglers throughout the world.

Chapters cover not only the most famous sections of the river, such as Railroad Ranch, it also covers the lakes and tributaries.

There's information about hatches (naturally), and Lawson generously opens his fly box and lists all the patterns he uses during different seasons on the river.

It also shows the variety of waters available for the angler, from small stream brookie waters to the stretches that make the river world famous.

The book is a gateway to information for those who have never fished the river, and will likely provide experienced anglers with insights that will improve their success on their next trip to the Henry's Fork.

If you're planning a trip to eastern Idaho and feel intimidated by the reputation of the Henry's Fork, this book will be a good confidence booster and a great guide to select which sections you want to fish and how to fish them.

Price: $24.95.

Publisher: Stackpole books, www.stackpole.com.

Roger Phillips: 377-6215, Twitter: @rogeroutdoors