Salmonia Or Days of Fly Fishing

Salmonia, or Days of Fly Fishing is a book by Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), the English chemist whose major scientific contributions were combined with long literary and recreational interests. The book was first published in 1828, a year before Davy’s death, and addresses the practical and philosophical dimensions of fly fishing through the dialogue form that Davy also used in his Consolations in Travel.

Davy was a serious recreational fly fisherman and had spent broad time pursuing the sport across England, Wales, Scotland, and continental Europe across his career. The book combines practical fishing instruction with broader reflection on the natural settings, the philosophical pleasures, and the technical methods of the sport. The conversational dialogue format allows different speakers to discuss the various dimensions of fishing while Davy works in the practical advice and the wider reflection.

Salmonia became one of the classic English books on fly fishing and has remained in print continuously since its original publication. The book pairs naturally with Izaak Walton’s earlier Compleat Angler of 1653 in the classic English angling literature tradition.