SULLIVAN COUNTY — “I never thought I would write a book about my own trout fishing experiences, despite having spent the greater part of my life fishing for trout and seeking information about trout and trout fishing, both pragmatic and historical.”

These are the words uttered by the late Ed Van Put, renowned fly-fisherman and conservationist.

Through his new book published posthumously, “A Flyfisher’s Revelations: Practical Tips, Strategies, and Wisdom from Fifty Years Experience”, Van Put shares over 50 years of hard-earned knowledge, strategy, and personal anecdotes in his book, which was released last Tuesday by Skyhorse Publishing.

A longtime resident of the Catskills, Van Put has worked as a fisheries professional with New York State and is considered one of the region’s foremost voices on the history and evolution of fly-fishing. His new book is a blend of memoir and practical manual, offering insight not only into the techniques of fly-fishing, but also the values of humility, patience and appreciation for the natural world.

According to Skyhorse Publishing, Van Put explores in detail “which flies have produced most effectively; how to choose and tie flies that work best; when and how to fish the dry or wet fly, nymph, midge, or streamer; the importance of approach and presentation.” 

“My earliest efforts in fly fishing began by casting where a rise had appeared and then I would “nick” the water with a fly, a couple times, then drop the fly at the same location,” Van Put describes in a passage. “Often as soon as the fly landed a fish would take it, and the fun started.”

The book also includes a special chapter on the Adams fly, his personal favorite and responsible for catching over 70 percent of his trout on a dry fly.

Armed with a half-century of experience, Van Put has also authored several respected books on the region’s fishing history, including “The Beaverkill”, “Trout Fishing in the Catskills” and “The Remarkable Life of James Beecher”. 

His articles have appeared in The Conservationist, Trout, Fly Fisherman, Fly Rod & Reel and Kaatskill Life.

More personal accounts and advice can be found in the book, which is  now available in hardcover and e-book for $29.99.