author
G. W. (George W.) Soltau
A 19th-century angling writer best known for a detailed guide to trout fishing in southwest England, with a book that blends practical advice and close observation of local rivers. His work still appeals to readers interested in traditional fly-fishing and the natural history of Devon and Cornwall.
1 Audiobook
Trout Flies of Devon and Cornwall, and When and How to Use Them
by G. W. (George W.) Soltau
About the author
Little is clearly documented online about G. W. (George W.) Soltau as a person, but he is known for Trout Flies of Devon and Cornwall, and When and How to Use Them, first published in 1847. The book focuses on the trout streams of Devon and Cornwall and offers guidance on fly patterns, fishing seasons, and local practice.
What makes Soltau interesting is the way his writing combines instruction with a strong sense of place. Rather than being only a technical manual, his book captures a regional style of angling and preserves details that help modern readers picture how fly-fishing was understood in the mid-19th century.
Because reliable biographical sources are scarce, it is safest to remember him through the work itself: a practical, early fishing classic that has remained available through major public-domain and library collections.