Big Jim Leisenring: The Grand Old Man
Gordon Wickstrom
Big Jim, as he was known to his friends,
was an authentic Pennsylvania Dutchman,
native-born in Seidersville, Pennsylvania,
near Allentown, on November 27, 1878.
He stood well over six feet, had a commanding
presence, and never married. With little
formal education, he taught himself what he
needed to know and grew highly sophisticated
in his own special way. He was highly regarded
in the United States, and perhaps even more so
in England, where GEM Skues touted Jim's
achievements and his flies at the legendary
Fly Fisher's Club of London.
Angling scholar Gordon Wickstrom presents an
enlightning look at Leisenring and his
contributions to American fly-fishing.
This page designed and copyrighted © 2004-2019 Art of Angling Journal |