Gary LaFontaine needs no introduction. He was renowned worldwide for his innovative fly patterns, his books, and his enormous influence in the world of fly fishing and fly tying. In this classic work on fishing for trout in the high-altitude lakes of the West, LaFontaine turns his considerable talents to this highly specialized but also endlessly absorbing aspect of fly fishing. In characteristic form, LaFontaine tackles his subject with zeal, packing in loads of equipment, including scuba gear, to do his research. The chapters alternate between stories about the sheer fun of fishing mountain lakes with hardcore, how-to fishing lessons. LaFontaine uses his quirky wit and iconoclastic vision to peel back the mysteries of this fishery, including distribution of fish, primary food sources, and feeding patterns. Other chapters cover seasons, weather, fly patterns, and even how to use pack animals to reach your high-altitude destinations. Gary distills this research into a captivating amalgam of hard information and entertaining anecdote. FLY FISHING THE MOUNTAIN LAKES will make you think and make you laugh. And you might catch a few more trout on your next mountain lake expedition. Tired of squeezing in shoulder-to-shoulder amongst the horde of other fly-fishers at your usual tailwater? Go climb a mountain instead. In his primer on the joys of fishing mountain lakes, Gary LaFontaine reveals the tantalizing secrets behind such angling exotica as ice-out, floss blow lines, the rollover scud, and four-legged hiking companions (i.e., pack animals). If that's not enough to prime the calf muscles and fire the imagination, consider the possibility of lunker cutthroats cruising the shallows of a remote alpine lake, or perhaps a Hollywood-attired golden trout glinting in the sunlight as it rises for a bivisible. Sure beats tangling your line with some oaf on the San Juan. The author of such thoughtful and innovative instructionals as Caddisflies , The Dry Fly: New Angles , and Trout Flies: Proven Patterns , LaFontaine is a trustworthy guide to the higher altitudes. Fly Fishing Mountain Lakes is more streamlined than those other tomes, but it still benefits from the author's patented M.O.: observe and adapt. There are chapters on tackle, fly selection, and stillwater tactics--and thankfully the wisdom (some of it fairly technical) is peppered with anecdotes, good humor, and log entries from the author's own expeditions. The main drawback is a cursory overview of how to choose a destination. Much of the fun--and skill--of fishing the high country is studying topographic maps and researching old fish-stocking plans. No angler, after all, wants to hike 10 miles cross-country to a lake brimming with stunted four-inch brookies. But that's a minor quibble. Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes is an entertaining and eminently useful addition to the angling library. --Langdon Cook Stillwater lakes set high in Montana's mountains present challenges above and beyond those encountered by more traditional stream and river fly fishers. Most moving waters offer a more predictable fish habitat and don't require a pack animal and great stamina to reach with suitable accoutrements for a few days of fishing and camping. LaFontaine's expertise comes from years of experience and study in this environment?he is the author of several fly-fishing books and a frequent contributor to fly-fishing magazines?and he shares his wisdom and joy on every page. Chapters alternate between humorous anecdotes and practical advice on angling techniques and strategies that can be used to advantage from the spring thaw 'til the winter ice-up. Chester, "the world's smartest fishing dog," is a featured laugh-getter in several passages. Recommended for large fishing collections and where regional interest warrants.?Will Hepfer, SUNY at Buffalo Libs. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.