A collection of fly-fishing essays reflects the author's visits to regions ranging from the Smokies and eastern Tennessee to the Canadian Maritimes and Mexico, where he explored such topics as fishing etiquette, mosquitoes, and the charms of third-rate streams.

Gierach travels across North America from the Pacific Northwest to the Canadian Maritimes to seek out quintessential fishing experiences. Whether he's fishing a busy stream or a secluded lake amid snow-capped mountains, Gierach insists that fishing is always the answer-- even when it's not clear what the question is.