John Gierach Death & Obituary: John Gierach, a celebrated author and iconic figure in the fly-fishing community, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the age of 76, due to a massive heart attack. His death was announced by long-time friend and collaborator, AK Best, through a heartfelt Facebook post, marking a significant loss to both the literary and fly-fishing worlds.
A Prolific Career and Lasting Legacy
Gierach’s career spanned several decades, during which he authored over 20 books and numerous articles for esteemed publications such as TROUT Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Known for his conversational and witty style, he captured the spirit and nuances of fly fishing, resonating deeply with anglers around the globe.
Some of his most notable books include:
- Even Brook Trout Get the Blues
- Another Lousy Day in Paradise
- Standing in a River Waving a Stick
These works, along with his other writings, became essential reading for many enthusiasts and established Gierach as a leading voice in the fly-fishing community. In recognition of his contributions, Gierach received the prestigious Roderick Haig-Brown Award from the U.S. Federation of Fly Fishers in 1994 and was inducted into the Catskills Fly Fishing Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Voice of Fly Fishing
From 1992 until 2017, Gierach penned a beloved back-page column for Fly Rod & Reel, often accompanied by illustrations from renowned fly-fishing artist Bob White. After the magazine’s closure, Gierach and White continued their collaboration with TROUT Magazine, where they became the voice of Trout Unlimited, sharing insights and reflections that many anglers cherished as the guiding words for their own fishing experiences.
Bob White remarked on Gierach’s passing, saying, “He was the same way in real life as he was in his writing,” underscoring Gierach’s authenticity and down-to-earth nature. His writing style was both thoughtful and straightforward, capturing the essence of the sport and its allure.
A Life Dedicated to the Simple Pleasures
John Gierach was born and raised in Findlay, Ohio, where he earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in English. He moved to Colorado in 1969, adopting the life of a “trout bum” while working at a silver mine and spending his days fishing. This period of his life, filled with the romance of simple living and fly-fishing adventures, greatly influenced his writing and resonated with readers yearning for the tranquility and fulfillment that nature provides.
He settled in Lyons, a small community northwest of Denver that often featured in his stories. His writings painted a vivid picture of the town’s serene rivers and picturesque landscapes, places that Gierach loved and knew intimately.
Remembering John Gierach
Mike Dvorak, a close friend of Gierach, shared his shock and sorrow over the sudden loss. He recalled their recent discussions about plans for a spring fishing trip, highlighting the depth of their friendship, despite having known each other for only a decade. Gierach’s passing has left a void in the fly-fishing community that will be felt for years to come.
Gierach passed away around 10:30 a.m. at UC Health Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont, Colorado, close to his home in Lyons. His influence and legacy will live on through his extensive body of work and the countless lives he touched through his writing.
The outpouring of tributes on social media serves as a testament to his impact and legacy as a storyteller who truly embodied the fly-fishing lifestyle. John Gierach’s words will continue to inspire, and he will be remembered as an iconic figure who brought the joys and challenges of fly fishing to life for so many readers.