Fishing with Ray Bergman

Published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1970 and edited by Edward C. Janes, this collection represents the work of Ray Bergman, one of America's most influential angling writers. Bergman's expertise and practical wisdom shaped American fly fishing and established many conventions of modern fishing literature.

The book compiles Bergman's most important writings on fishing technique, fly patterns, and fishing philosophy. Bergman was renowned for his scientific approach to angling, combining empirical observation with practical experience to develop effective fishing strategies. His work covered everything from fly selection and casting techniques to reading water conditions and understanding fish behavior. The collection represents decades of accumulated fishing wisdom from one of the sport's most respected practitioners.

Ray Bergman served as fishing editor for Outdoor Life magazine for many years and wrote several influential books on fishing, including Trout (1938), which became a classic in the field. His approach emphasized systematic experimentation and careful observation, bringing scientific rigor to what had often been treated as purely intuitive activity. Bergman's influence extended throughout American fishing culture, affecting both recreational anglers and professional guides.

The book appeared during the golden age of American outdoor writing and reflected the growing sophistication of American angling culture. Bergman's work helped establish fly fishing as both sport and art form, influencing the development of American fly patterns and techniques that remain standard today. His emphasis on conservation and ethical angling helped shape modern attitudes toward sustainable fishing practices. The book's publication by Knopf, a prestigious literary publisher, reflects the elevation of outdoor writing to serious literary status.