Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders By John Gierach

Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders: A John Gierach Fly-Fishing Treasury

Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders by John Gierach is a timeless collection of fly-fishing essays that belongs on every angler’s bookshelf—right next to their fly box and favorite bamboo rod.

This thoughtfully curated treasury gathers standout essays from six of Gierach’s classic works, including Trout Bum, Even Brook Trout Get the Blues, and Another Lousy Day in Paradise. The title playfully nods to life’s inevitabilities—because in fly fishing, leaky waders rank right up there with death and taxes.

Why Anglers Love This Book

Blending dry humor with reflective insight, Gierach captures the heart of the fly-fishing life:

• The beauty and unpredictability of trout streams

• The quiet reward of solitude on the water

• The camaraderie found in fishing partners and campfire conversations

• The humbling reality of gear failures and missed casts

More than just fishing stories, these essays use time on the river as a lens to explore nature, friendship, aging, and what it means to live deliberately. Gierach’s writing is accessible to newcomers yet deeply resonant for seasoned anglers who understand that the best days aren’t always measured in fish landed.

A Perfect Gift for Fly Fishers

Whether you’re shopping for a lifelong trout angler, a recent convert to fly fishing, or adding to your own collection, Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders delivers equal parts laughter and wisdom. It’s the kind of book you revisit in the off-season—when tying flies, oiling reels, or simply dreaming about your next day on the water.