Angler and writer Nick Lyons to deliver MSU Library’s Trout Lecture on April 28

BOZEMAN - Nick Lyons, angler, writer and founder of Lyons Press, will present "Evolution of a Fly Fisherman" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, in Inspiration Hall in Montana State University's Norm Asbjornson Hall. The event is part of the MSU Library's annual Trout and Salmonid Lecture Series and is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.

Lyons will speak on his evolution of becoming a fly fisherman. He has been angling for more than 80 years and started fishing with his grandfather on small lakes in upstate New York when he was just 8 or 9 years old. Lyons will share thoughts, memories and stories he has collected over a lifetime of fishing.

"We are beyond pleased he has agreed to be our 2026 Trout and Salmonid Lecturer," said James Thull, MSU Trout and Salmonid Librarian. "Nick's impact on angling cannot be overstated, and there is no one I can think of who is more loved and respected in the angling community."

Before founding Lyons Press, Lyons was an English professor at Hunter College in New York and an executive editor at Crown Publishers. At Crown, he developed the Sportsmen's Classics series, bringing many classic fly-fishing books back into print and publishing dozens of new, original, practical and literary books in the field. Lyons started the Seasonable Angler column in Fly Fisherman magazine, which he authored for over 25 years, and wrote more than a dozen books of his own, including his popular "Spring Creek."

Lyons' personal papers were acquired by MSU Archives and Special Collections in 2006, with additions in the 2010s and in 2025. The collection now includes more than 60 boxes of letters, notes and other materials related to his career. It is complemented by artwork created by his late wife, Mari Lyons.

"Because of Nick's importance, we'll be featuring a small exhibit about his papers, created by intern Emelia Wood," said Jodi Allison-Bunnell, head of the library's Archives and Special Collections. "This will offer a look into his extensive and important papers for all attendees."

Seating for the lecture is limited, and advance registration is strongly encouraged. Individuals can register online at https://www.montana.edu/calendar/events/56262 or by calling 406-994-3119.

The annual Trout and Salmonid lecture complements the library's commitment to supporting trout and salmonid studies through its Trout and Salmonid Collection.

For information on the collection, visit https://www.lib.montana.edu/archives/trout-salmonid.html or contact Thull at 406-994-5305 or [email protected].