Fish Food: A Fly Fisher's Guide to Bugs and Bait

Not only did I learn so much from this book but the story telling and jokes make it hard to put down. He also recommends several other books from other authors which I then also picked up.

Every time I get ready to start the fishing season, I need to remember to take out this book and read a few chapters. I learned about entomology and fly fishing separately and was confused when I tried to connect the names of fishing flies with the actual insects. Not only does this book give you background on what the artificial flies are trying to mimic but Cutter gives you fish behavior to help you understand what you should be doing with your fly when you put it in the water. Knowing what the insects do and how the fish respond is invaluable to learning how to be successful catching fish. Plus, Cutter has some great stories and experiences to share about how he learned his tricks. You have to set up an aquarium or get in the water yourself. Well, you don't have to because you can just read this book.

I bought the first edition of the SIERRA TROUT GUIDE. You can bet that FISH FOOD was just as good. How can you argue with someone that puts a scuba tank on and tells you whats going on below the surface of a trout stream?

It is by Ralph Cutter, the man who goes underwater to see what the foods look and behave like in their environment. This is a great read, especially for aquatic entomologists and fly fishers. Though there is science in it, Cutter writes with enthusiasm,infectious joy and new revelations which debunk some of the old beliefs about fish foods; golden stones that pop to the surface mid-stream are not hatching, they are returning from laying their eggs.

FANTASTIC book! I bought it several years ago and though I have purchased many other titles since. FISH FOOD is the one I return to time and again. My wife doesn't fish, but she read it cover to cover and burst out laughing. You will learn more than you ever thought possible about the underwater world and enjoy every word of it. Cutter's writing style is similar to Gerald Durrell - self effacing, yet makes strong opinions based on first hand observations rather than simply parroting someone else's work. A must read.

Great book! I really liked Cutter's humor and incite in presenting his take on the fish food creatures that inhabit our waters. For once I didn't get bogged down with scientific names and put the book down. Using his underwater experiences, he was able to provide many helpful ideas on types of flies and how to present them to trout. I would have never thought of using floatants on nymphs to trap air bubbles. I guess it's time to tie a bunch of Bird's Nests and head to my favorite river.

As a fly-fisher who is well familiar with the Cutters and their excellent work, I've always wanted a copy of this book.It's entertaining reading and chock full of information on the bugs of our western streams and rivers. I think my fly tying will benefit from the information I'm getting from this book and from the Hatch Guide for Western Streams

Ralph Cutter has achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding the realities of fish and food source behavior as it applies to fly fishing. He is an engaging writer who clearly shares his eye to bug experiences. I haven't read such an enlightening piece since "Caddis Flies" by Gary LaFontaine. This is a must reference for any serious fly fisher, fly tier, entomologist, or newcomer to the world of the fly.

Excellent book!