The View from Rat Lake [Hardcover]

John Gierach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1988

In the world of fishing there are magic phrases that are guaranteed to summon the demon. Among them are: 'remote trout lake,' 'fish up to 13 pounds,' 'the place the guides fish on their days off,'" writes John Gierach in this wonderful collection of thirteen essays inspired by a fishing trip to Rat Lake, a remote body of water in Montana. Once again John Gierach does what he does best -- explain the peculiarities of the fishing life in a way that will amuse novices and seasoned fly fishers alike. The View from Rat Lake deftly examines man in nature and nature in man, the pleasures of fishing the high country, and the high and low comedy that occasionally overcomes even the best-planned fishing trip.

Some typically sage observations from The View from Rat Lake:

"One of the things we truly fish for [is] an occasion for self-congratulation."

"In every catch-and-release fisherman's past there is an old black frying pan."

"We...believe that a 12-inch trout caught on a dry fly is four inches longer than a 12-inch trout caught on a nymph or streamer.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

For devotees of fly fishing, this collection of 13 congenial essays takes readers to prime locations for the sport in the western U.S., including lesser-known streams and lakes. Gierach (Trout Bum) introduces certain innovations like the "fishing car," used only to transport anglers to their quarry, and with wit assesses the snobbery of "purist" fly-fishers. Along with relating his personal fishing successes, he explains differing practices in the sport occasioned by seasonal changesfor example, ice fishingand defines what constitutes a "big catch," be it trout or bass. Beyond Gierach's evocative descriptions of the angler's anticipation when on the water, the book is flavored by arch humor that suggests the author doesn't take fishing as seriously as he pretends. But he is clearly having a good time here, and readers are likely to share his enjoyment.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Gierach here follows up his highly successful Trout Bum with another collection in the same vein. He continues to educate and entertain in his rough-talking, fishing-crony style. But be not deceived. This philosophy major who once worked as a plumber's helper is apt to allude to Salvador Dali, Shakespeare, and Heraclitus of Ephesus in a discussion of perch jerkers, maggots, and bass. Well read in the literature and well practiced in the art of fly fishing for trout, Gierach is one of the wittiest and most articulate contemporary fishing writers. A definite acquisition for libraries catering to sports enthusiasts. David J. Panciera, Westerly P.L., R.I.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 193 pages
• Publisher: Pruett Pub Co; 1st edition (May 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087108743X
• ISBN-13: 978-0871087430
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,466,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Gierach is the author of several previous books, including At the Grave of the Unknown Fisherman, Standing in a River Waving a Stick, and Dances with Trout. His work has appeared in Gray's Sporting Journal, Field & Stream, where he is a contributing writer, and Fly Rod & Reel, where he is a columnist. He also writes columns for the Longmont (CO) Daily Times-Call and the monthly Redstone Review. He lives in Lyons, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More of John's adventures, October 2, 1998

By 

Former Rater (Nowhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: View From Rat Lake (Paperback)

Archie and John go fishing. That sums up the book about as well as "a couple of teenagers fall in love" sums up Romeo & Juliet. This collection of short stories is a delightful read and is a worthy addition to any collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, February 1, 2012

By 

timjim - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The View from Rat Lake (Hardcover)

Very pleased with the transaction, prompt receipt of the book and the content. Gierach has a way of entertaining the reader and at the time making him think just a bit.

5.0 out of 5 stars the best there is, November 19, 2009

By 

solocanoe (fort smith, ar) - See all my reviews

This review is from: View From Rat Lake (Paperback)

John G. is the best story teller I have ever read. I own (almost) every single book he has wrote. They are set up first to last...and I find myself grabbing them to re-read anytime I want to be swept away to a favorite place/time/camp/stream...