Gorgeous photography. Very informative. Great for the fisherman in your life. Would make a great coffee table book for any one to look at, fisherman or not.

As an avid fly tier, I find myself scouting for flies on social media, websites, and in printed books. Most of the fly-tying books in my personal library are filled with pattern recipes (most have fly images/drawings) vs. “how to” fly tying steps and techniques. I enjoy seeing the work of other tiers and I’m often looking for inspiration in some way. The inspiration is not just to tie flies in and of itself, but to tie “different” flies than I normally tie - to find new materials and or other ways the materials I’m used to working with can be incorporated into a fly, and just to get different perspectives.

While I was reviewing “The Art of the Trout Fly”, I was completely overtaken by the simplistic beauty of not only the flies in the book, but the outstanding photography that showcase the flies, which are all credited to the author, Lucas Utrera. This is the type of inspiration I look for!

The artistic flair Lucas imparts is apparent in every one of the 100 flies in this book. Lucas’ attention to detail is unquestionable and his techniques, while not detailed in the book, are incredible (maybe another book one day will be written and illustrated by Lucas where he will share his “gift”, but for now, we have this great collection of flies).

With all the art forms and mediums there are to enjoy, if you are reading this review, then likely you tie flies, or possibly just enjoy their “appearance” and the thought of a “take” using one in this book, maybe both! This book is work of art – period! I’ve got fly and fly fishing art on my walls and around my tying desk - it “needs” to be there! This wonderful book depicts beautifully crafted flies and their pattern recipes (a nice inclusion should you care to tie any for yourself or a fellow angler).There’s no doubt that a copy of this book will sit on my coffee table or next to my lazy boy to look through when I’m needing a “fix” of inspiration.

Thank you Lucas for an amazing work for all to enjoy!

All the best – Freddy (FreddysFlyz)

Review for The Art Of The Trout Fly by Lucas Utera
By LEFTY ANGLER & FLIES / Satoshi Yamamoto

I recall, as the 2010s went on, social media platforms became rapidly popular among all the generations and started to occupy our time and minds. Those quick and eye-catching posts seemed to be taking over everyone’s attention from the elaborated website or blog updates. This tendency applies to the fly fishing and fly tying world as well, involving from the industry professionals to the various degrees of armature enthusiasts. Lengthy fishing reports became the things of the past. Instead, the posts featuring enormous trout, grip-&-grin, exotic destinations and species, so forth would instantly attract positive responses. There are fly tying groups where members share their flies, recipes, and critiques. With the development of smartphones, fly tying videos have been highly improved and convenient for both fly tyers and viewers. The artistic presentations of the flies, i.e., photography, have also been quickly done yet in the superior qualities. All the participants come and go. Some might develop an “influencer” status, while many others would phase out of the social media scenes. Then there are a small percentage of individuals who do not seek instant fame but are driven by true love and passion for the crafts. More often than not their posts and narrative radiate their own true humanity. Lucas Utera is one of those true masters of the fly tying craft with great personality.

I originally came to know Mr. Utera via his Instragram posts. I can’t remember which one of us first started to follow the other. I could immediately tell his superb fly tying skills and artistic presentations. In addition his modesty, humbleness, and true passion for the art of fly tying were palpable from his narratives. Attention to details on the flies and artistic photography – only by dedication and spending tremendous amount of time does one can develop these. Pursuing instant fame or social media status would never drive one to this level.

Lucas and I share a similar background. He is originally from Argentina (I from Japan). As much as we make effort to immerse into the vast landscape and culture of the USA, we seem to infuse something new that would be based on our heritages. I was in contact with David Klausmeyer, the former editor of the Fly Tyer magazine, and he wrote an article regarding my flies and life story. When I picked up the Fly Tyer issue, in which Lucas and his flies were featured, I was sincerely delighted to see the fly tyer I admire was highlighted in the nationwide magazine.
It is my privilege to be given a preliminary early access to his new book, The Art of The Trout Fly: 100 Exquisite Patterns, and to write a review about it. His flies are innovative and creative. Presentations = photography = are accurate and artistic. As much as these flies will be taken by trout, they first attract people’s eyes – of fly fishers’, of fly tyers’, and even of those who don’t fly fish or tie flies. All the readers will be quite intrigued by his skills and ideas that are packed and expressed on such small hooks. This publication elevated the boundary of fly tying skills and artistic rendition of trout flies into the new height.
I invite you to enjoy Lucas’ creativity and innovation. I invite you to observe what one can do with hooks, threads, furs, and feathers. I cordially invite you to the fly tying world of Lucas Utera. You will not be disappointed.

Faithfully Yours,
Satoshi Yamamoto
Fly fishing outfitter, fly dresser, photographer, and author of “Atlantic Salmon Flies Of Major Traherne” and “Trout Foods And Flies For Livingston’s Spring Creeks”

If you are interested in flytying and flyfishing this book won't dissapoint. If we start with how creative the patterns of Lucas are. I mean here he has combined creative fish-cathers with pure art, and taking amazing photos of them. I think this will inspire you if you had tied for 30 years, or just starting. It is very interesting to hear him talk about the different silhouettes of the flies and how he can fall in love with some patterns becasue of how the will look in a fish perspective or lay in the water. This is a mix between beuty and nolage of the nature. His interest in fishing and insects shows through his different patterns and i will allways look at his stuff when i need to get inspired. Clean tying and a lots of nolage is behind this book and i would recommend it to anyone interested in insects and flyfishing. / Carl olofsson aka @dirtybugzzz

This is a beautifully produced book with stunning photography that truly captures the art and spirit of fly tying. The content is both informative and inspiring, and even if you're not a fly tyer, the photography alone makes it worth picking up. It's the kind of book you'll keep within arm's reach of your tying bench and find yourself returning to again and again.

There are books that you will return to time and time again because they fill your spirit and inspire you to do more. If you are a fly tyer, THIS is that book. Lucas Utrera has a gift for designing flies that are fishable works of art. His passion for creating expertly tied flies truly leaps off the pages. This is the book your gift to your friends and family that love fly fishing,

Lucas' newest book is a deep dive into the true artistry behind the trout fly. He does an excellent job of breaking down technique and application, and the flies he describes in this book are truly exceptional. A must -read for the modern fly tyer!

This book stands as a remarkable work showcasing the original and iconic approach of fly tyer Lucas Utrera. His work is highly innovative and instantly recognizable within the international fly-tying community, and this distinctive style is fully reflected throughout the book.

The collection of flies is extensive and comprehensive, covering every aspect of the tying process in great detail. Lucas Utrera's emerging fly patterns are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the book, offering exceptional insight and representing one of its greatest strengths.

The outstanding quality of the photography is a consistent thread running throughout the entire volume, guiding the reader through every pattern presented and enhancing the overall reading experience. It is very likely one of the finest fly-tying books ever produced in terms of photographic quality.

In conclusion, this is an excellent publication that unquestionably deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone with a passion for fly tying.

The Art of the Trout Fly immediately stood out as much more than another fly-tying book. It is, quite simply, a celebration of the craft.

The photography is absolutely stunning. Every fly is captured with incredible detail, highlighting not only the beauty of the finished pattern but also the artistry and precision that go into creating it. Even if you never intended to tie a single one of these flies, this is the kind of book you'll find yourself leaving on the coffee table simply because it's so enjoyable to browse.

The collection of 100 patterns strikes an excellent balance between inspiration and instruction. Each fly includes a thoughtful description along with complete materials and tying guidance, making the book equally valuable as a reference for experienced tiers and a source of inspiration for those looking to expand their skills. Rather than simply presenting recipes, the book encourages you to appreciate the design, proportions, and creativity behind each pattern.

What impressed me most is that this book appeals to more than just fly tyers. It's a beautiful reminder that fly tying is where function and art intersect. Every page reflects the passion behind the vise, and the result is a book that belongs in every fly fisher's library.

Whether you're searching for your next pattern to tie, looking to refine your technique, or simply appreciate exceptional fly photography, The Art of the Trout Fly is a book you'll return to again and again. It's one of the most visually impressive and thoughtfully assembled fly-tying books I've had the pleasure of reading.

As a professionalfly tyer, with years spent behind the vise, I’ve tied and studied thousands of patterns across countless books. Yet Lucas Utrera’s The Art of the Trout Fly: 100 Exquisite Patterns stands in a league of its own. Lucas is a great person, a dear friend, and an incredible fly tyer whose passion and artistry serve as constant inspiration for me.
The book’s photography is breathtaking—Lucas’s own images capture each fly with stunning clarity and artistic intimacy that goes far beyond simple documentation. Turning to the Dark Cripple Dun page immediately drew me in. This pattern perfectly blends traditional elements with Lucas’s innovative eye, creating a vulnerable cripple silhouette that mimics struggling duns on mountain streams with lifelike realism and subtle elegance. And in true Utrea fassion, its just a drop in the bucket to the other wonderful patterns and shared images in this book.
Like Freddy, I find myself constantly scouting for fresh inspiration, seeking flies that push beyond the ordinary. This book delivers exactly that—simplistic beauty, outstanding photography showcasing 100 exquisite patterns, and complete recipes that invite both replication and creative experimentation with new materials and perspectives. Lucas’s attention to detail and artistic flair shine through every page, turning functional trout flies into miniature works of art.
This is more than a tying book; it’s a true work of art that belongs on every coffee table and tying desk. It provides that perfect “fix” of inspiration when needed. Lucas, thank you for sharing your incredible gift with the fly tying community. Your friendship and talent elevate us all.
— Dylan Gonzales, TheAmericanFlyTyer