John Gierach Death & Obituary: The literary and fly-fishing communities mourn the loss of renowned author and fly-fishing enthusiast John Gierach, who passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the age of 76 due to a massive heart attack. The sad news was shared by his long-time friend, AK Best, in a heartfelt post on social media. Gierach’s passing marks the end of an era for many who admired his writings and his contributions to the world of fly fishing.
A Celebrated Career and Enduring Legacy
John Gierach was beloved for his vast body of work, which includes over 20 books and countless magazine articles and columns that captured the essence of fly-fishing life. His writings appeared in esteemed publications such as TROUT Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Known for his conversational, humorous, and honest style, Gierach’s words resonated with fly fishers around the globe. His most notable books include:
- Even Brook Trout Get the Blues
- Another Lousy Day in Paradise
- Standing in a River Waving a Stick
Gierach’s profound impact on the fly-fishing world was recognized in 1994 when he was awarded the Roderick Haig-Brown Award by the U.S. Federation of Fly Fishers. In 2015, he was inducted into the Catskills Fly Fishing Hall of Fame, cementing his status as an iconic figure in the sport.
A Lifelong Passion for Fly Fishing
Gierach’s passion for fly fishing was evident in both his life and his writing. Born and raised in Findlay, Ohio, he graduated with a degree in philosophy and a minor in English, before moving to Colorado in 1969. There, he fully embraced the life of a “trout bum,” splitting his time between working at a silver mine and fishing daily. His love for the sport and simple living became a central theme in his writings, which struck a chord with many readers who saw themselves in his stories.
From 1992 until its closure in 2017, Gierach wrote a back-page column for Fly Rod & Reel, which was famously illustrated by fly-fishing artist Bob White. After the magazine folded, Gierach and White continued their collaboration in TROUT Magazine, becoming the voice of Trout Unlimited.
Remembering John Gierach
Those who knew Gierach speak of him with admiration and respect. His longtime friend, Bob White, noted, “he was the same way in real life as he was in his writing,” a testament to his authenticity. Another close friend, Mike Dvorak, expressed his deep sadness, recounting recent plans for a fishing trip they had discussed.
John Gierach passed away at UC Health Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont, Colorado, near his home in Lyons, a small community that featured prominently in his writings. His death has left a void in the lives of those who loved his work and shared his passion for the sport. His legacy, however, will live on through the countless lives he touched with his words and the joy he brought to fly fishers worldwide.
The outpouring of tributes on social media highlights the profound impact Gierach made as both a storyteller and a fly-fishing enthusiast. He will be remembered as a genuine, relatable voice whose stories captured the heart of the sport and the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.