Spring Creek

If, as Norman MacLean claims in A River Runs Through It , the apostle John was a dry fly fisherman, surely wild spring creeks are the flyfisher's sanctum sanctorum. In these 12 personal essays, Lyons declares himself a true believer, practicing his faith on the clear, wild waters of Spring Creek in central Montana. After a hilarious mishap in which he hooks and lands a water snake, Lyons next observes, ``the wind and rain were quite fierce now but I noticed, in the pond above the Two Islands Pol, about a half dozen absolutely huge fish prowling . . . . '' Those who have not flyfished such streams will find Lyons's account of his experiences the best substitute. The author of The Seasonable Angler and Bright Rivers knows full well that some of the best fishing moments occur while waiting out a rain shower and afterwards at dinner. Lyons's readers will also find these quiet moments recounted in his best collection yet. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Nov.)