Nick Lyons, an angler, writer, and founder of Lyons Press, will present “Evolution of a Fly Fisherman” at Montana State University on April 28. The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in Inspiration Hall in Norm Asbjornson Hall as part of the MSU Library’s annual Trout and Salmonid Lecture Series. The event is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow.
The lecture highlights Lyons’ more than 80 years of experience in fly fishing, beginning with his childhood trips with his grandfather in upstate New York. He plans to share stories and reflections from his lifelong involvement in angling. The event aims to engage both the university community and the public by featuring a prominent figure whose work has influenced generations of anglers.
“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.”
Lyons previously served as an English professor at Hunter College in New York and as executive editor at Crown Publishers, where he developed the Sportsmen’s Classics series. He also wrote for over 25 years as author of the Seasonable Angler column in Fly Fisherman magazine and published more than a dozen books including “Spring Creek.” His personal papers were acquired by MSU Archives and Special Collections starting in 2006, with additions through 2025. The collection now includes over 60 boxes of materials related to his career along with artwork 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; advance registration is encouraged online or by phone. The annual Trout and Salmonid lecture supports MSU Library’s commitment to trout studies through its dedicated collection.
Montana State University operates as Montana’s land-grant institution and a prominent research university in Bozeman, providing access to outdoor recreation amid vast wilderness while offering extensive academic programs according to the official website. The university leads research funding statewide with expenditures exceeding $288 million according to the official website, ranks among the top five percent of global universities per international rankings according to the official website, enrolls about 17,165 students split between residents and nonresidents according to the official website, contributes through volunteer efforts aimed at enhancing lives according to the official website, addresses key challenges through research, education, outreach according to the official website, and extends its influence beyond state borders according to the official website.