Ralph Wood spent his apprentice years in New Hampshire, learning his craft on the small freestone streams and brooks that predominate in the "Granite State". Here is the birthplace of his love for the myriad freestone streams of California. For the last forty years he has fished all across the western states, especially in Northern California.

He is a well-known fly-fishing guide and speaker, as well as a demonstration and custom fly tier often appearing at conclaves and events for the Fly Fishing Federation's Northern California Council. Ralph's collection of insect specimens is extensive; from these he adapts his ties to specific venues.

Ralph's writings and fly patterns have appeared in CALIFORNIA FLY FISHER, FISH & FLY and FISHING & HUNTING NEWS. His photographs have appeared in FLYFISHERMAN. He also authored three chapters in A FLYFISHERS GUIDE TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA edited by Seth Norman and published in 1997 by Wilderness Press. Occasionally, he guest hosts KNCO's fishing and outdoors show. His other interests include his fly-fishing sons, Chip and Jeff, and book collecting. He lives in the California Gold Country in Grass Valley.