Death of a Fly
Breaking into the fly-fishing world on one of the most prolific rivers in the Lower Forty-Eight is tough for a woman. Finding peace and learning to forgive can prove even tougher, especially when hurting the one you love muddies the waters.
Rose Marie Davidson grew up as an outdoorsy little girl, always wanting to please her father by catching more fish than her older brother. As an adult, she has learned about fly-fishing and is pursuing her dream of becoming a professional guide in Craig, MT, taking folks fishing on the world-renowned Missouri River. Chasing that dream, however, comes with a cost as she spends much of her time competing with the boys not only on the river but also in the shops and bars, battling for respect and dignity.
Trick Patterson is also on the trajectory to live out his dream of having a career in the NFL. As their paths intersect, they find themselves in need of redemption for previous mistakes and tragic events that might derail their plans.
An Epic Love Story
Death of a Fly is an epic tale of love, redemption, and forgiveness, full of twists and turns, as told from the perspective of me, a real Montana fly-fishing guide. Many of the anecdotes are actual true stories, weaving a fictional tapestry of these two characters' journeys. Landmarks and certain hangouts will be familiar to readers who have visited Central Montana, and the detailed descriptions of the fly-fishing culture and methodology will inevitably pull readers in, even if they have never straightened out a cast. You will fall in love with the characters and root for them right up to the end, and I promise, the outcome will shock you.
Read what people are saying about Death of a Fly
Readers praise Death of a Fly for its honest voice, careful craft, and its use of narrative to deepen their understanding of fishing, conservation, and the small losses that mark outdoor life.
What people highlight most:
Voice and honesty: Many comments on the book’s quiet, reflective tone. It treats mistakes and endings without melodrama, which resonates with anglers and non-anglers alike.
Specificity and detail: The author’s precise descriptions of flies, water, and technique draw readers in. Those details become metaphors for larger lessons about care, attention, and consequence.
Craft of storytelling: People note how structure, pacing, and choice of scenes make the essays feel intimate.
Emotional impact: Responses range from quiet sadness to renewed commitment. For many, Death of a Fly opens a space to consider limits, loss, and respect in outdoor pursuits.
