Western Waters

In Western Waters, Tom Alkire has given voice to the region’s rivers so that one not only hears the loud splash of a jumping steelhead, but also the soft song of a meadow lark or a deer stepping lightly out of thick brush along their banks. Take your time and enjoy every page with Tom as he takes you on a wonderful trip along his favorite waters, from the Pacific Coast to the Rocky Mountains. – Rick Hafele, coauthor, The Complete Book of Western HatchesFor half a century, Tom Alkire has traveled throughout the West in search of fish that like to take flies. Tom captures and releases many good fish in this book, but more importantly he captures and then releases to us his feelings and insights and discoveries about the magnificent streams his fishy curiosity bathes him in. Tom is the perfect fishing partner, whether you are wading next to him or reading his stories! – Frank Amato, publisher, Frank Amato PublicationsTom Alkire has captured the true essence of our western rivers and watersheds. Sharing his firsthand knowledge will be an inspiration to everyone who reads this book and visits our area. Tom’s book is also a great educational resource for families to learn about the treasures we have to enjoy and preserve. – Sherry Steele, president, Oregon Council of Fly Fishers InternationalI have enjoyed Tom’s writing for years. Western Waters contains rich stories imbued with Tom’s unique sense of place, a deep appreciation of history, and special love for the sport of fly fishing. – Craig Schuhmann, editor, Fly Fishing & Tying Journal

Tom Alkire has written about fishing, rivers, and the natural world for more than 30 years. In addition to a prolific freelance writing career, he spent three decades covering business and environment as a Northwest staff correspondent for Bloomberg BNA. His writing has been awarded by the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Newspaper Guild, among others. He is a frequent presenter at local fly fishing clubs and is the author of There’s More to Fishing (Than Catching Fish) and River Stories: Headwaters to the Sea. His essays have appeared in national and regional publications including Gray’s Sporting Journal, Sporting Classics, Flyfishing and Tying Journal, Salmon Trout and Steelheader, and Willamette Week. He lives in Portland, Oregon.