The Complete Book of Western Hatches: An Angler's Entomology and Fly Pattern Field Guide

I just bought this book, and read it straight through. I have also taken it with me--to the river--to use as it was written. The book is well written, and contains most of the general information that flyfishermen need to really enhance their experience. The only thing I would recommend in any subsequent revisions, is the use of color photographs of the insects. Tight Lines!

This softcover book not only matches fly patterns to the hatch but also educates the reader to the lifecycles, anatomy, and seasonal hatches of the insects. The illustrations are excellent and even are appealing to those with a biology background. This book single handedly enlightened me (at an age of thirteen) to the art and science of fly fishing. Hence a much greater and in depth appreciation for the craft. The book has sat on my shelf now for many years as a competent reference. I have personally had the opportunity to work with Rick Hafele (author) for a day on a small stream in souther Oregon. I was even more impressed with his keen knowledge and passion for entomology and the art of fly fishing. I highly recommend this book to any one just starting or even better as a a gift to an inquisitive child who will learn much much more than just how to match the hatch. This book will please all audiences though.