The author of, In The Company of Rivers, was kind enough to answer some questions I prepared for him. Mr. Quigley has some great answers!

1. How and why did you get into fly fishing?

The chapter “First Trout,” is autobiographical. And although my father was not a fly fisherman, he arranged for me to be introduced to the sport. When we returned from the West Virginia trip, I went to the sporting goods store and bought a Shakespeare bamboo fly rod and a 1492 reel – I still have the reel. So that West Virginia trip launched my fly fishing career. I was probably 12 years old.

2. If you could only use one fly on an unfamiliar trout river – which fly would you use and why?

Probably the Muddler Minnow because of its versatility. If gooked up with floatant — it can be used as a dry fly with what I call the “plunk-and-twitch” effect on smooth water. In other words the plunk gets the trout’s attention; the twitch says, “Hey, I’m alive.” Without the floatant, it becomes a streamer cast either upstream or down-and-across.

3. Do you think there may be aspects of fly fishing that our World Leaders could learn about that would help them ‘change’ the world for the better?

Leadership involves patience, a thoughtful demeanor, the ability to seek advice and counsel, respect for experience, conviction and perseverance. All of these qualities are necessary for enjoying the sport of fly fishing. Interestingly enough, two of our leaders are fishermen: Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney, who, by the way, is an avid fly fisherman.

4. What is the one thing about your book, In the Company of Rivers, that particularly stands out as something you were excited to write about?

You’ll notice as you read these chapters that I don’t catch all that many fish. So clearly what I get excited about is the way this sport underlines concept of participation for its own sake. Winning isn’t everything. The allure of fly fishing – for that matter, all sports on the amateur level at least — lies not so much in “catching” as in the doing. In going to those beautiful places where trout dwell, in spending time in the company of rivers.

5. Are there plans for another book? If so, what can you tell us about it?

At the moment no plans for another book…but I do have notes for other stories and if this book enjoys some success I may be tempted to sweep up those stories and recollections into another book.

You can read my review of the book – HERE