The Sportsman's Corner

Winter is often not conducive for effective fly-fishing for trout. Howling winds and freezing temperatures make outings uncomfortable, and cold water temperatures often inhibit the activity of the fish. Many fly-fishermen sink back into rocking chairs near their wood burners and settle in with some winter reading.

Winter reading can help them prepare for the upcoming season. Hundreds of fly-fishing books are available in bookstores, fly shops, or online that will help an angler devise tactics about how to catch trout and what flies might be useful.

A fly-fisherman also needs to have his gear r...