Barr Flies: How to Tie and Fish the Copper John, the Barr Emerger, and Dozens of Other Patterns, Variations, and Rigs Hardcover – Illustrated, July 23, 2007

Even if you already know how to tie these patterns, this is an incredible book. One of the things I look for in a fly tying book, is does the author give his/her advice on fishing the pattern. John Barr does that very well in this book. I grew up fishing, but only began fly fishing about 3 years ago. I didn't have a mentor, so all my learning came from asking a local fly shop owner a lot of questions and books. If I had to recommend 3 books to a new person, this book would be in the list. The tips given in this book will get you catching fish quickly. Have fun fishing and when you can't fish tie flies for the next trip.

Being new to fly tying I have heard a lot about this book and the flies that John Bart has developed. This is a fantastic book and should be in every fly tiers library. The flies are basic, easy to tight, and catch fish. I've been disappointed with other books that seem to be nothing more than a person's attempt to impress with how fancy, complicated, or how many obscure materials are needed. With John Barr's designs they use basic, easy to find materials that for a beginner is very refreshing. You won't be disappointed with this book.

I came across a little emerger pattern a few years ago. I didn't know what it was but, it's been the best thing in my fly box. I've caught many 18"+ trout on it and even a smallmouth bass and a few Kokanee salmon. Turns out it's the Barr Emerger.Everyone has probably used a Copper John at one time or another.If you tie flies, this is the book for getting familiar with tying these patterns, their many variations, and how to fish them.It's got lots of John's other patterns, great detailed tying instructions, recipes, and color photos.I would recommend it to anyone who likes catching trout on a fly rod.

A great book from an author who doesn't just talk the talk. John Barr is one of the most innovative and creative tyers around today. He also happens to be a superb fisherman. When you team his tying talent up with the artful photography of Charlie Craven you wind up with a "can't miss." That's what this book is. The Copper John, Barr's Emerger and Slumpbuster are three of my favorites. Now I can tie them with not only easy, step-by-step directions, but with crystal clear images as well. This book will stay within arms length on my tying desk.

I just wanted to put in my two cents about this great book and Barr flies in general. I hesitated to try Barr flies for a long time thinking them "Western" flies that our Eastern trout might find insulting. I tied up some Copper Johns and slumpbusters for a Western trip and they worked great in Northern Idaho. So one day I gave them a try on a tough Eastern stream and they worked super here too(helped me avoid a skunk.) They have definately earned a permanent place in my flybox. I'm sure they will in your's too if you give them a try.

What a book! It includes a great mix of information on the design background of each fly, the problem each fly is meant to solve, tying instructions and ideas on how to fish each fly. Barr's flies are all fairly easy to tie, brilliant in design, and fun. I haven't fished them all, yet, but the fisherman I know attest to his skill at fly design.

I finally broke down and bought this book and am glad I did. I had been tying copper johns for years and got the urge to see the rest of John Barr's patterns. The book was well worth the price. The tying directions and the photos are great and the anecdotes are fun to read. All his patterns catch fish, but the Slumpbuster is awesome. Easy to tie, and a real fish catcher.

One of the best in my libray of fly tyining books. Great photos and good stories and some good humor to keep you in the book. I have many Barr flies or some variation of the ones he ties in the book. If you have been tying and fishing for long you know what I am saying.

A good book full of information and tying instructions highlighted by good quality photography.

Loving Amazon for hard to find books, 'Barr Flies' is a must for any fly tyer

Great book with great new flies.

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