Writing with the same mastery and insight that have won him praise for his fiction, Richards brings to life a community centered on fly-fishing, a sport that has become, for many, a way of life. Weaving together tales of the guides and poachers, the "sports" and the city slickers, Richards pays tribute to all who have shared the joy of fishing. From his first fishing trip at age 4 to his endless search for the next great fishing pool, Richards takes us beyond fly-fishing and offers thoughts and insight about nature, perseverance, reverence, friendship, history, memory, and the changes the modern world has brought. Lines on the Water teems with wisdom, humor, and most of all, passion.