Dave Allison: Originally from West Texas, I started fishing as soon as I could walk. Moving around from Tennessee, New Orleans, and then Miami for 30 years, I was able to fish many different types of waters. After retiring in 2010, from a long career in Veterinary surgery and neurology, I moved to Park City Utah, and my fly fishing obsession was under way, logging 160 days on the water that first year. I am currently the President of High Country Fly Fishers, TU chapter #599, I work with Project Healing Waters, Casting for Recovery as well as tying at several shows a year around the western U.S.

 

Jonathan Artunez: Jonathan has been a student of the art of fly tying and fly fishing since the age of 25. A fateful trip to the Shoshone River in Wyoming converted a bass fisherman into an absolute trout fanatic. His current focus is tying classic wet flies and fishing them with old world technique; namely, Fixed Line Fly Fishing.  Recently, his fly, ‘the Secret Sally’ was featured in Gordon Van Der Spuy’s newest book: “The Feather Mechanic II, Beyond the Pattern.” He will be demonstrating this fly and many others he finds particularly successful on Colorado waters such as: English North Country Spiders, Spanish Moscas Ahogadas (Drowned Flies), and Japanese Kebari.

 

Kevin Arculeo: Kevin’s professional guiding experience spans more than 16 years along with personal fishing skills developed since his childhood. Kevin guides north of Atlanta on Lake Sidney Lanier for striped bass and spotted bass. He has also guided on the Chattahoochee River for trout and several trout streams in North Georgia. Before guiding, He worked both full- and part-time during a three-year period at The Fish Hawk in Atlanta, Ga. — the largest privately owned fly fishing shop east of the Mississippi River. As an accomplished fly caster and instructor, Kevin is often called upon to teach fly tying and casting for adults and children. He also conducts fly fishing presentations and seminars at trade shows and organizations. Several of his flies and instruction on how to tie them have been published — including a feature article in Saltwater Fly Fishing magazine. Kevin is Professional Fly Designer for Rainy’s Flies and Supplies; his flies are available at local fly shops. Most recently, he became a guide member of the YAMAHA Marine National Fishing Team. He is currently on fishing guide programs with Hog Island Boatworks, Sage Fly Rods, RiO Fly Lines, Simms, TFO, Tibor Fly Reels, Patagonia, Smith Optics, Redington, Minn Kota, Humminbird, and Sea Hunt Boats. To see more information about Kevin, his guide service and flies go to www.kevinarculeofishing.com.

 

Nick Benik: Nick Benik is an avid angler, fly tyer, and professional photographer from Denver Colorado. Growing up in Evergreen, he developed a love for fly fishing at an early age and an interest in tying soon thereafter. Although mountain streams and trout flies were the catalyst, Nick moved to Florida where he became accustomed to the salt, whether it was chasing tarpon in brackish creeks, largemouth bass in neighborhood ponds, or redfish and snook on the flats. Nick has since moved back to where it all began, and now lives in Denver with his wife and daughter who just tied her first fly this year at 3 years old (with a little help from Dad of course). Between working as a creative director for a biotech startup and fatherhood, getting out on the water can be challenging these days but Nick can be found fishing the numerous tailwaters and freestones around Colorado in his free time. And if he doesn’t have a rod or camera in hand, he’s behind the vise tying anything from size 24 midges to big articulated streamers.You can follow Nick’s work on Instagram at @photographicflytyer

 

Marcus Bevier: Marcus is an avid fly tier and fisherman based in the Black Hills of South Dakota. His tying started in late 2017 out of necessity. Continually ordering bugs from discount dealers took time and did not offer the quality or variety he sought. His better half convinced him tying was something he would enjoy, and it would save the family a little bit of money… The latter never proved to be true.
He is primarily known for his ultra clean, precise ties. More recently, he’s made waves in the tying community with his prolific deer hair bugs and large streamers. Marcus blends a combination of art and function into his tying, creating artistic works that catch both fish and fisherman. While he has tied publicly for individuals in a virtual setting on numerous occasions, Denver will be his first steps in the large show environment. His career as a non-profit executive and leader prepared him well for this environment as his professional life is based around coaching, leading, and teaching others. Bevier looks forward to showcasing his abilities and helping the wider public understand his process and style when tying signature and established patterns.

 

Tyler Boroff: Tyler grew up all over the world, due to his father’s involvement in the military. Since the age of 3 when Tyler got exposed to fly fishing. He began his never ending pursuit to learn everything there was to the sport. At the age of 4 he tied his first fly. After that he realized his true passion, and would spend every waking moment on the water wherever he was, because of his father’s military career. Tyler was has been able to experience and learn from several different bodies of water. From the rivers of Montana, to the vast lakes in Missouri and North Dakota, and currently to the mountain streams of colorado . Tyler’s unparalleled expertise has allowed him to become a fly designer for Fulling Mill where he shares his fly patterns internationally. But his true joy comes from teaching and sharing his love for of all things fly fishing. For the past 7 years Tyler has been a dedicated fly fishing guide for Angeles Covey and The Broadmoor. He can honestly say he wakes us excited to go to work every day because he loves what he does. With all his knowledge Tyler is ready to give his clients the opportunity to have a trip of a lifetime.

 

Michael Burgess: I was introduced to fly fishing and fly tying, about 15 years ago, by a very good friend. Over those 15 years I dabbled in tying flies, but it wasn’t until four years ago that I truly dedicated my time and effort into learning more about the craft and improving my fly tying skills. Since then, it’s developed into a passion and I love the creativity it allows me to express, especially when I’m working with new materials that offer novel and exciting possibilities. I always look forward to working with and learning from the very skilled tyers that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting on my fly tying journey. In addition to learning from them, I always hope that I can pass on some insights and original ideas of my own. One of the aspects that I find most enjoyable about the art of fly tying is being able to teach the younger generation.
My main focus over the last couple of years has been on tying nymphs and midges. Most evenings you will find me at my fly tying bench, using my Renzetti Master Vise to craft flies, as I sip on a good glass of bourbon. I’m honored to be able represent Semperfli, Renomed, and Gulff as a pro team member.

 

Jeff Currier: Jeff Currier resides in Hayward, WI with his wife Yvonne where he bases his globe-trotting career in fly fishing. He is on the professional advisory team for Winston Rods, Simms, Scientific Anglers, Yeti, Costa Sunglasses, Outcast Sporting Gear, Aire, Kate’s Bar, Fly Fishers International and Bauer Fly Reels and a travel ambassador for Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures. Jeff is a fly fishing lecturer and well known fish artist. He has taught the skills of fly fishing, guided fly fishers throughout Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park and escorted fly fishers on six continents. Jeff has fished in over 60 countries and caught over 450 species of fish on the fly! Jeff’s articles, photographs and artwork have graced the pages of magazines, catalogs, brochures and books. He is the acclaimed author of Currier’s Quick and Easy Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing and Currier’s Quick and Easy Guide to Warmwater Fly Fishing guide books. Jeff is also a well sought after expert for television, radio and numerous fly fishing films. Jeff led Team USA to its first ever top-ten finish in the World Flyfishing Championships in Jaca, Spain. During the competition Jeff managed to fool fish on every venue and placed third in the individual standings, becoming the first American ever to take home a medal in the thirty year history of the Championships. Jeff has added four more medals in World competition including a Team Gold from Italy in 2022. Jeff lectures throughout the United States and Canada on nearly every aspect of fly fishing. He demonstrates fly casting, teaches seminars on the basics to the advanced skills of fly fishing and presents many fly fishing destination programs ranging from his home waters to the most remote corners of the globe. Some of his shows take you to destinations you’ve never heard of and will leave you in awe that such creatures can be enticed to eat a fly! Jeff brings a sense of humor, enthusiasm, approachability and more than forty years of fly fishing wherever he goes. You can follow Jeff’s fly fishing adventures, exploits, tips, advice, photography and story-telling on his expanding blog and informative web site. www.Jeffcurrier.com

 

John Demuth:  Demuth Fly Tying and Photography has been creating beautifully tied flies in a wide range of patterns suitable for fly fishing in a variety of waters. John and Katie Demuth are a married fly tying and photography team that represent or are ambassadors for several fly fishing and fly tying brands, including Renzetti, Semperfli, Nature’s Spirit, J. Stockard, and Deer Creek Flies. Demuth Flies can be seen on Instagram @demuth_flyfishing, where they also host a fly tying and photography live show weekly called Whip Finish Wednesday.

 

Jude Duran: A Native New Mexican, Jude Duran has been Fly Fishing the waters of Northern New Mexico since he was 16. Jude is a nationally-recognized fly designer, published author, and Fly Fishing speaker. He has done Fly Fishing presentations, and fly tying demonstrations all over the Western US. Jude has ten years of guiding experience on the World Famous San Juan River in Northwestern New Mexico. His approach to fly tying is meticulous. Jude specializes in tying small flies for tail waters.

 

Daryl Eakins: Daryl is an avid fly fisherman and fly designer with a focus on proportion and silhouette. For the most part he is often hanging with his family, stalking carp on a fly rod, or actively burning time behind the vise. Shortly after taking a fly tying class and learning the importance of proportion and silhouette, carp fly design was close on the horizon. With attention to detail throughout his designs, all choices are made with intent and purpose resulting in flies that are durable, versatile, and productive. In addition to his carp designs, (of which three are now Umpqua Signature Patterns) he also ties large bucktail streamers for peacocks, dorado, and musky. Daryl launched Nervous Water Flies in 2019 and offers his custom carp designs as well as bucktail streamers for warmwater species, trout, musky, dorado, and peacocks. You may have also heard his work on several IF4 selections as the Sound Designer and Mixer on Capture Media Adventures films, as well as the winning IF4 2019 film Midnight Mission. Daryl is currently an Umpqua Signature Tyer, Vicuna Dubbing Pro Team member, and Anadromous Fly Fishing Ambassador. Stop on by and let’s talk fly tying!!

Daryl’s Umpqua Signature Patterns:
Hipster Dufus
Detroit Mop City
H.V.R.T. Carp Fly
Reservoir Dog (Streamer)
Colors: Mr. Green, Mr. Black, Mr. White, and Mr. Brown

 

Joel Evans: Living in Montrose, Colorado for over 40 years, Joel has plied waters large and small particularly around Colorado and neighboring western states. He combines fishing, guiding, writing, photography, and fly tying.  Joel has been at various times a pro team member for a number of fly fishing manufacturers and suppliers. He is a member of Gunnison Gorge Anglers TU/FFI and currently serves on the board of Colorado Trout Unlimited and Fly Fishers International / Eastern Rocky Mountain Council and is a member of the FFI fly tying group with a Bronze Award.  As a writer, he is a regular outdoor columnist with the Montrose Daily Press, having written articles since 1996 and is the fly tying columnist for the High Country Angler, contributing both articles and videos. He has had other articles and photographs published in newspapers, magazines and fishing guides. Joel has taught hundreds of kids and adults the art of fly tying.  Major stream improvements to the Uncompahgre River have been a passion project for Joel for decades. Notable past successes have included the catch and release quality water below Ridgway Dam and new access with in-stream structures within the city limits of Montrose. A current project involves a new business park with river frontage for which Joel is on the river design committee.  His reel is engraved “Thanks Dad” as tribute to father E.T. Evans, who took his son fishing at an early age. From small creeks and stockwater tanks in Ruidoso, New Mexico to the fast water of the Roaring Fork of Aspen, Colorado, Joel learned about trout. Joel has been through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, at the river canyon bottom, on foot, twice – one of only a few to ever do this high risk adventure.

 

Tim Flagler: Tim is the owner of Tightline Productions, L.L.C., a video production company located in Califon, NJ. Although he produces video programs over a wide range of topics, his specialty is fly fishing. Tim is a well-known fly tying instructor. His YouTube videos are some of the best in the business and his YouTube channel, practicalpatterns.com currently has over 106,000 subscribers and 33 million views. Almost every week he produces a new fly tying or how to video which appear not only on his YouTube channel but on Midcurrent and the Orvis News fly fishing blog as well. They re also featured on Trout Unlimited s national website and in the Orvis Learning Center. In addition, he has a regular column Beginner s Masterclass with Tim Flagler in Fly Tyer magazine, which selected Tim as their Fly Tyer of the Year in their Winter 2022 issue. Many of Tim s tying videos take the viewer well beyond just the tying of the fly and show what it looks like underwater, what natural it represents and how it can be fished. Tim is a fixture at the Fly Fishing Shows – giving presentations, teaching classes and often as a Featured Tier. He enjoys guiding year round for Shannon s Fly & Tackle in Califon, NJ. and hosts annual trips to Patagonia in the spring and to the Kootenai River in MT in the summer. He’ll be hosting trips to Iceland starting in the fall of 2023.

 

Dylan Gonzales: My name is Dylan Gonzales. I have been tying flies since 2017. I’m from Los Lunas, New Mexico. I am small town raised and proud to be that way. I primarily fish the San Juan River in Northern New Mexico, so my flies are typically based around that fishery, however, I tie a lot of different patterns from small Semi-realistic midges to Catskill style flies. I look forward to sharing my flies as I progress in fly tying, being a voice for the younger generation of tyers, and helping youth get on the vise and out on the water. I have appearances on Farm & Ranch Living, American Fly Fishing and Fly Tyer Magazine.

 

Eli Gonzales: A little about me… I am an electrician, I’ve been in construction all my life and its how I earn a living. Since we were very young, my Dad took me and my brother fishing and fly tying was just the next step. I enjoy all things when it comes to tying flies. I enjoy tying small flies for the tail waters I usually fish, but I also like to dabble in semi realistic patterns. I’m always looking for something new and better with the flies I tie, keeping it fresh and innovating. I like my steak medium rare, I enjoy a cold beer every now and then and try to keep things simple. I guess you could say, I’m just a simple fly tyer.

 

Jason Haddix: Jason resides in Berthoud, Colorado where he enjoys fishing and tying for the many different species the area has to offer. He has been fly fishing/tying for over 30 years. Since his beginnings in the sport he has become a demonstration tier, full time commercial tier, speaker, fly designer, writer, instructor & guide. Along this journey Jason has formed several rewarding partnerships with great companies in the fly fishing industry. Everything from Daiichi hooks to Regal vises to Cortland lines and many more. Throughout the year he guides for several different services and ties flies to fill commercial/custom orders. When not on the water or at the vise he also dedicates part of his schedule to work with groups such as TU, Platte Rivers Veterans, Project Healing Waters and many others to help teach tying and fishing techniques. You can catch up with him at the fly fishing shows, tying events or shop demos and classes he offers as well as on social media at Jason Haddix Fly Fishing.

 

Travis Hanson: Hello! My name is Travis Hanson, and I’m proud to call myself a Colorado native and the owner of Chasing Tail Jigs. Growing up, my family has photos of me hesitating to even touch a trout—now, you’ll rarely find me without a fly rod in hand. I’m a fishing guide for Kindred Anglers and Canyon Fly Shop, and my passion for fly fishing runs deep. The moment I picked up a fly rod, I was completely captivated by the peaceful intensity of this sport: the beauty of the casting rhythm, the art of fooling selective trout with a hand-tied fly, and the thrill of landing fish that challenge even the most skilled anglers. As a fly tyer, I’m dedicated to creating functional art—flies that are consistent, durable, and of the highest quality. Stillwater patterns are my specialty, though I’m constantly refining and perfecting patterns for any water. My mission is to help others reach their goals in this incredible industry—whether that’s learning a new tying technique at the vise or achieving success on the water. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentors who invested their time and knowledge into me, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful. I look forward to sharing my craft, connecting with fellow anglers, and continuing the journey ahead—one fly at a time.

 

Larry Holt: Larry Holt began his fishing career as a young boy on the waters of Northern Minnesota before moving to Colorado in 1965 and developing an interest in fly fishing while attending college in Gunnison, Colorado. His passion for fly fishing escalated after a fishing trip to the Bighorn Mountains in 1996 in search of golden trout. Larry began tying flies in 2002 after attending a fly fishing class from renowned artist, author and fly fisherman Dave Whitlock and soon after became consumed by the art. To date, he has tied well over 7,000 flies, many for friends and family members. Larry routinely donates his flies to Project Healing Waters (a non-profit organization that provides opportunities to wounded veterans and uses fly fishing as an outlet to heal) as well as many other similar organizations. Fly Tyer magazine has recognized Larry and featured his originally designed flies twice, while a third remains pending for publication. Said Fly Tyer editor David Klausmeyer, Readers Favorites are inspiring and often encourage me to get back to my vise and start tying. Larry Holt s submission which he calls the Soft-Hackle Aftershaft Pheasant Tail Nymph is a good example, thanks for the encouragement Larry! Larry lives in Broomfield, Colorado with his wife, Lori and dog, Sully.

 

Phil Iwane: Fly tying and fly fishing is a passion that I love to share with people of a like passion. Being artistic by nature, I view each fly I tie as a piece of art. Nothing is so rewarding as tying your own flies, selecting the correct fly for the water and conditions that you are fishing, presenting your fly, watching the fish take it, fighting it, landing it and then releasing it. I am an Umpqua Fly Designer and they have selected my Iwan-e-Dun extended body mayfly series and my Phil s No Mercy Midge and I will be showing you how to tie them. I will be also sharing other patterns that I have had great success with. I am a Fly Designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants, an Ambassador for Whiting Farms Genetic Fly Tying Feathers, Pro Team Member of the Solarez UV Resins, Pro Staff for the Force Fly Fishing Predator Vises and Dr. Slick. I have tied at The Fly Fishing Show, International Sportsman Exposition, West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Clinic, Orvis Events, Fly Fishing Rendezvous, St. Vrain Anglers Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Expo as well as many of the fly shops in Colorado such as Charlie s Fly Box, Kirk s Fly Shop, Front Range Anglers, St. Peter s Fly Shop, Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop, Bass Pro Shop, Scheels, Living Waters Fly Fishing Texas, Sportsmans Finest Texas and I actively support our disabled veterans through Project Healing Waters Colorado. I am looking forward to sharing my flies with you, tips on how to fish them and my nymphing rig that has worked well for me for many years.

 

Joe Jackson: Joe is a professional fly tyer most known for his artistic patterns spun with deer hair, creating real masterpieces like Baby Yoda, Hummingbirds, and T-rex’s. Joe is a veteran and a retired Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Joe spends most of his time tying flies, and volunteering as an ambassador for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. Joe has devoted his life to his passions on the water, chasing fish and sharing his passion with those around him.

 

Tim Jacobs: Tim, a native of Michigan, is a fly fisherman and fly tyer from the Roaring Fork Valley. He works as an instructor at the Michigan Youth Trout Camp each summer and for Project Healing Waters in Colorado. Tim has published numerous articles and authored the book Tying and Fishing Deer Hair Flies (2018, Stackpole Books). Additionally, he was a Federation of Fly Fishers certified casting instructor who taught the Sage Casting Clinics during the 1990 s. He has guided in the Steamboat Springs area and the Roaring Fork Valley. Tim appears at numerous flyfishing shows and fly shops as demonstration fly tyer for the Whiting Farms Pro Team, Regal Vise Pro Staff and Nature s Spirit Pro Staff

 

Stephen Johnson: A retired Soil Scientist, Stephen has been fly fishing and fly tying for forty years. For the last fifteen or twenty years he has developed a preference for small streams and the flats and mangroves of saltwater. Although both are fly fishing, he considers them to be completely different activities. Stephen is proficient at tying many types of flies. Some of his favorites are North Country flies (sometimes called spiders or soft hackles) and Puglisi style saltwater flies. The North Country flies consist of minimal materials and look easy to tie. However, the challenge for the tyer is using the right material in the correct amount in the appropriate place; then the sum is greater than the parts. The Puglisi style flies are intricate and time consuming to tie but the finished product is worth the effort. For the shows, he has developed a program called “30 to 3/0.” First, he ties a size 30 fly, moves up two sizes to a size 26 fly, and so on in increments of two until he gets to a size 3/0 tarpon fly.

 

Merne Judson: Merne has had a rich career in the fly fishing industry. After a lifetime of guiding, Merne has retired to spend more of his time tying his custom fly patterns, teaching his fly tying classes and traveling and lecturing on the sport he is so passionate about. When not fishing or tying, he can be found in his art studio or with his family float-fishing a western river. Earlier, in his career, Merne made regular appearances on ESPN Outdoors, Outdoor Life Network and the Sportsmen Channel, all while hosting a weekly fishing radio show in Gunnison Colorado. Merne has been a proud member of the Whiting Farms Pro Team for 25 years and his flies have appeared in many different books and magazine articles throughout the years. His fifty years of tying quality flies has created a following of fly fishermen which includes Presidents, professional athletes, business leaders, fishing guides and avid fly fisherman throughout the western United States who seek a quality, durable pattern. Merne and his wife, Sarah, own and operate Judson Fishing & Magic Fly Co. — www.judsonflies.com

 

Bill Kirk: I started my fishing adventures in a rural farming community in central Missouri at a very early age with a can of worms and a Zebco rod and reel. From there, I moved on to fly fishing in farm ponds and lakes for Bluegill, Crappie, and Bass. In 1982, my wife (Tammy) and I moved to Colorado Springs, and my interest turned to chasing trout with a fly rod across Colorado and the western US. In 1994, I discovered the wonderful world of fly tying and have been trying to create that particular fly that every fish in the water wants to eat. Most recently, my interest has turned to learning the history of bamboo fly rods.
When off the water, I guide and teach classes for The Peak Fly Shop in Colorado Springs, Co. I also enjoy volunteering with the Boy Scouts and Project Healing Waters.

 

Lance Kittel: Lance is a passionate angler and skilled fly tyer with years of experience exploring wild waters across the globe. Based in Poncha Springs, CO, Lance has combined his love for fly fishing with his background in environmental conservation, turning fly fishing into more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life. His expertise extends to fly tying, where he crafts custom flies using both synthetic and natural materials that consistently deliver success on the water. Lance blends angling and tying through his Pescavida brand, which is a globally recognized social media hub for education and entertainment.

 

Chris Krueger: Chris is a native of Fort Collins, CO, where he owns and operates Rocky Mountain Fly Design. He is a Signature Fly Designer with Montana Fly Company and a pro team member of Regal Vises. Learning the art of fly fishing and tying early in life, much of Chris’ childhood was spent on Colorado trout waters and warmwater areas of Colorado with his grandfather fishing his designs. His designs have been featured in magazines, articles, classes, books and more while being fished around the world for a variety of species. Now a teacher by day and fly designer by night, Chris enjoys combining his two passions in teaching tying and demonstration
tying in a variety of fly fishing and fly tying shows, classes and workshops. For more information, please visit www.rockymountainflydesign.com.

 

Steven Maldonado: I am a Airline Mechanic for SOUTHWEST AIRLINES. I m a Colorado Native and grew up fishing and hunting with my father. Went into the MARINES after High school and was Stationed in North Carolina where my Best Friends father was a Professional Bass Fisherman. My friend introduced me to Bass Fishing and it was something I excelled at and really loved to do. I incorporated it into my flyfishing. Working fot the Airline in Dallas I lived in East TX near World Famous LakeFork where I fished and competed on the BudLight and Bass Champs Trail for many years knocking on Angler of The Year several times with such brutal competition. I ve fly fished in Alaska, Argentina, Chile, Belize, Canada, Mexico and all over the US. With Saltwater/RedFish being my favorite next to BIG BASS AND BIG TROUT on Giant Streamers. Been tying for a few years always learning and willing to share patterns and techniques with others.

 

Dennis Martin: Dennis has been fishing for over 65 years and tying flies for over 50 years. I’ve tyed at most of the big shows and shops in Colorado, Wyoming. I tie flies for both cold water and warm water fish. I tie a lot of deer hair flies for bass and Northern Pike. Stop by and say hi .

 

David McElwain: I have been fly tying professionally for 40 plus years and publicly in many areas around the country at FFI events and Tu events as well as prior events of The Fly Fishing Show . I am also an author of Our Grandfathers Flies, a retrospect of flies brought to this country 100 + years ago by fly fishers seeking the adventure of fly fishing in this country ,many of which are still tied today with many of the same materials as well as materials of new innovations.
I am also an accomplished custom fly rod builder and Team member of the SaraBella Fishing custom fly rod builders
From 1999 to 2013 I was the team lead of the Bass Pro Fly shop in Denver Co.
in 2019 I was the winner of the winner the AFFTA Hog Pond Hero fly casting championship

 

Kim Mutaw: My name is Kim Mutaw and I was born and raised in Southern California. I caught my first trout when I was five years old have enjoyed going on fishing adventures with my dad ever since. While I grew up (and have spent most of my life) fishing with conventional gear, I picked up my first fly rod about four years ago and haven’t looked back. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and we all went on lockdown, I was looking for a way to feel connected to my passion, even though I couldn’t travel to get to the trout water I loved. I learned to tie by watching fly tying content on YouTube and spending many, many hours sitting at the vice practicing. I tie everything from the tiniest of nymphs to the largest of musky flies, and enjoy the creative process of designing original patterns. I own a small business called The Flies That Bind (www.thefliesthatbind.com) that offers nymphs, streamers, trout assortments, and custom ordering.

 

Hans Mylant: Hans is a husband, father and fisherman. He’s lived in the Springs for 30 years and most of his free time is spent stalking the banks in search of feeding trout. When he decides he likes something, he gets nerdy about it, which is what happened with euro nymphing. Now that’s what he does most these days. He started tying flies eight years ago and has accumulated several lifetimes worth of tying material since then. The collection just seems to keep growing. If Hans is at home, you will likely find him watching some fishing show while spinning bugs at his tying desk in his man cave. Winner of seven fly-tying world championships, has demonstrated at fly-fishing venues from the rocky shores of the Pacific coast, across the states as well as Canada, from a 12th century convent in Italy, north to Scandinavia, to the heart of Great Britain as well as on a hot dusty parking lot in Roscoe, New York. Winner of seven fly-tying world championships, has demonstrated at fly-fishing venues from the rocky shores of the Pacific coast, across the states as well as Canada, from a 12th century convent in Italy, north to Scandinavia, to the heart of Great Britain as well as on a hot dusty parking lot in Roscoe, New York.

 

Carl Pennington: With a Thompson Model A vise and a small amount of materials, Carl Pennington began his journey into fly tying in his mid-twenties. He believed he would save himself some money learning to tie flies. As it turns out, that wasn’t the case. Thirty years later, Carl is a fly designer for the Montana Fly Co., with about eight patterns in their catalog. He specializes in trout flies, but enjoys tying just about anything. When not tying, Carl can be found fishing the many waters of his home, Colorado. He is a pro staff member of Regal Vises, Finest Fly Tying Benches of Colorado and Deer Creek Flies

 

Juan Ramirez: Juan grew up in Northern New Mexico fishing the small streams and creeks of the Sangre De Cristos. In 1997, a switch to fly-fishing was made and he has never looked back. Over the years, he has guided on the Cimarron River in New Mexico as well as the South Platte River in Colorado. Juan received his first tying kit when he was 15. After a few disastrous creations , it was put away for a few years. In college at Durango, CO the kit was opened and a new appreciation for the globs of fur, feathers, floss and thread was created. Now after 15 years of tying Juan is an accomplished fly tier. Currently a part time guide for Anglers Covey, there are not many seconds that pass without the thought of fishing or tying that go by. Juan runs a blog about fly tying and fly fishing at hopperjuan.blogspot.com. Got Hoppers?

 

Jane Retherford: Jane is a member of Colorado Women Flyfishers (CWF), St Vrain Anglers TU, Fly Fishers International, and mentors foster children through fly fishing with The Mayfly Project. Her goal is to get more women and children involved in fly tying. She volunteers teaching women fly tying with CWF, and teaches women Veterans to tie flies with Project Healing Waters. She teaches children to tie flies through The Mayfly Project, Trout Unlimited STREAM Girls, and the ISE fishing pond for children. She donates over 500 flies annually to the International Tie-a-Thon. She is on the Solarez and Daiichi Pro Teams. Steven Rogers: Steve is originally from eastern Pennsylvania, but moved to Fort Collins in 2005 after graduating with a degree in Biology. He currently works as a biological science technician at the National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins. Steve started tying and fly fishing when he was 13, but took an extended 18 year hiatus until he returned to tying and fly fishing. after two hip surgeries, Steve realized that he wasn’t going to be able to play goalie in ice hockey for ever, so he turned his obsession to fly fishing. A self diagnosed streamer junkie , Steve can often be found carrying two rods just in case the streamer bite is on. Steve loves to talk and spread his knowledge (or lack there of), whether it is at his tying demos in northern Colorado, in the shops, or on the river. If he gets too long winded, he won t be offended if you just tell him to shut up !

 

Jeff Rowley: My name is Jeff Rowley, I was born and raised in Amarillo Texas where I live with my wife and two sons. My love of trout fishing started in the 70 s at our family cabin in Eagles Nest New Mexico. That love for fly fishing has since expanded to include both bass and salt water fishing. My brother and I got our love for the outdoors from our dad from a young age. In 1982 when I was 12 years old my parents got me a fly tying kit for Christmas. That started my life long passion for tying flies. I like to push myself to think outside the box and tie new and different flies. I like to put artistic flair into my flies and I think I get that from my mom and her incredible artistic abilities.
Shane Shuster: While chasing my dream to become a professional snowboarder, I made the move from Las Vegas, NV to Lake Tahoe, Ca. In my spare time I began to fly fish the Truckee River. My passion quickly changed from snowboarding to fly fishing, and I was quite literally hooked. I soon found myself on the river daily, but frustrated that I couldn’t get the picky fish to bite due to the pressure put on the fish by other anglers. I started to study entomology by collecting bugs and tying my own flies. I became fascinated with the craft of tying flies and the artistic nature of trying to create realistic patterns to illicit strikes on illusive fish. I’ve been tying daily now for 8 years, and along with fly fishing, family, falconry, and my being a fire fighter/ paramedic, I am truly loving life!

 

Allen Rupp: With over 30 years of fly-tying experience, Allen Rupp got his start fishing for Potomac River smallmouth bass while growing up near Washington, D.C. Now based in New York City, Allen runs Fly On the Water, and his expertly tied flies have been used to catch fish across the globe—from Belize and the Seychelles to Canada, Mexico, and the UK, as well as across the U.S. in places like Florida, Colorado, and Montana. Recently, Allen’s focus has shifted to saltwater species, with snook becoming a particular obsession.

 

Shane Schuster: While chasing my dream to become a professional snowboarder, I made the move from Las Vegas, NV to Lake Tahoe, Ca. In my spare time I began to fly fish the Truckee River. My passion quickly changed from snowboarding to fly fishing, and I was quite literally “hooked.” I soon found myself on the river daily, but frustrated that I couldn’t get the picky fish to bite due to the pressure put on the fish by other anglers. I started to study entomology by collecting bugs and tying my own flies. I became fascinated with the craft of tying flies and the artistic nature of trying to create realistic patterns  to illicit strikes on illusive fish. I’ve been tying daily now for 8 years, and along with fly fishing, family, falconry, and my being a fire fighter/ paramedic, I am truly loving life!

 

Steven Schweitzer: Steve is the author of the award winning “A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park” and the newly released “A Fly Fishing Guide to Colorado’s Indian Peaks Wilderness Area” co-authored with Mike Kruise. Steve is a contributing editor for Angling Trade magazine and writes the ‘Masters at the Vise’ column for Southwest, Northwest and Eastern Fly Fishing Magazines. He has authored numerous articles appearing in Fly Fisherman Magazine, Trout, Wall Street Journal and many other regional angling publications. He also is contributing author & illustrator for the book “Drag Free Drift – Presentation Techniques for Fly Fishing”, authored by Joe Kissane. Besides writing, Steve also is an innovative fly tyer, with his patterns appear in books by Chris Mann, John Shewey, FFF Masters, Rick Takahashi & Jerry Hubka and others. Steve also has been active in TU, serving as president of the Lee Wulff Chapter. Steve makes his home in Greeley, CO. By day, Steve works as a consultant in the broadband and digital media industries.

 

Spencer Seim: Spencer is the owner of ZiaFly in Taos, NM. He’s been guiding the southern Rockies since 2002. Spencer lives a life devoted to fly fishing. Tying flies since 12 years old, Spencer has worked hard to develop flies that catch fish and fishermen alike. He is the first fly tyer of his kind to apply classic flies and tying methods normally used for Atlantic salmon to catch fish throughout the Rio Grande watershed. Spencer has been featured in several publications including The Drake magazine, Americas Favorite Flies, Smithsonian Magazine, and Outside.  Spencer’s charismatic teaching style brings tyers of all abilities and styles together.

 

Robin Spaight: Robin has lived in rural Lincolnshire, UK with his family for the last 30 years. He started fishing in 1982 in the south of England. He is predominately a freshwater flytyer / fisherman who has had the opportunity to fish in some of the most beautiful places in the UK and abroad. Robin has been tying since 1990 where he was taught by his father and other international tyers who were passing through when visiting the UK for shows. Huge influences on early tying were Oliver Edwards (UK) and Mike Martinak (USA) who he spent a number of hours learning the craft of fly-tying. Robin was one of the founder members of the Lincolnshire Featherbenders, He is currently the Secretary of the Lincolnshire branch of the Fly Dressers Guild. Robin is also the founder along with his Son of Fly-tying for Autism iwho provide bespoke fly-tying lessons for children and young adults with autism. Robin is on the Pro team of Semperfli and has recently joined the Renomed team. Robin is an active demonstrator of fly-tying and can be found at the living Heritage shows across the UK. Robin has also previously tyed at the International fly-tying symposium and at the Edison Flyfishing show in the USA. Robin is the co-author of Hebridean Hackled flies for Loch style fishing and is currently working on two further manuscripts. While he ties all types of flies, he especially enjoys classic wet flies and experimenting with new synthetic materials.

 

Scott Stisser: I began fly fishing and tying in 1972 while a sophomore in high school. Studied under Andrey Puyans at Creative Sports Enterprises. Mainly use of natural materials but will go to the dark side as necessary for expedient fishing flies. I have a fly coming this season with Umpqua “Hot Mess Midge”. The Hot Mess Midge imitates an unsuccessfully hatched midge and has a very low profile, thus a hot spot for tracking. I have had great success with it in situations where fish are very selective. Some of my patterns are in Takahashi books and others. I have been an avid tier and fly fisherman since I began decades ago. My real passion is tying the old historical Atlantic Salmon flies.

 

Rick Takahashi: Rick has been tying flies for over sixty-eight years; he is a retired Art Educator and Special Needs Educator and an art department chairperson. He earned a Master s Degree in special education, ran a home for special needs high school students, a ski instructor for Denver Children s Hospital Disabled Ski Program and a camp director for the Boy Scout disabled summer scouting program. He is a volunteer for the Platte River and Denver Healing water Veteran fishing Program. He is an author, illustrator, and presenter on fly-fishing programs based on his books Modern Midges and Modern Terrestrials . He s newest book The Fly Tying Art Creative Patterns for Common Hatches based on the patterns he has designed and flies he likes to tie. Rick was an illustrator, writer and many of his flies, illustrations and articles were featured by Fly Fisherman Magazine. He is a Umpqua Feather Merchants Signature Fly Designer, on the pro staff of Whiting Farms, Daiichi, Semperfli, Flymen, Orvis, Canadian Llama, Solarez , San Juan River flies and Finest Fly Benches Pro Staff member. Rick has appeared in Randall Kaufmann s book Fly Patterns , Todd Hosman s book Colorado Flies , Hatch is On by Chris Santella, Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park by Steve Schweitzer, Colorado s Best Fly fishing by Landon Mayer, Flies of the Greater Yellowstone by Bruce Staple, and Colorado Guide Flies by Pat Dorsey. He has illustrated and written articles for Fly Fisherman Magazine. He has participated in several podcasts from Ask About Fly Fishing and the Denver Outfitters. Rick has been a featured fly tier at the Denver Fly Fishing Show, International Sportsmen Exhibition, West Denver TU Tying Clinic, Fly Fishing Rendezvous, Western Colorado Sportsmen and Outdoor EXPO and has presented his fly tying techniques and Fly fishing Techniques in Wisconsin, Texas, New Mexico as well at many of the fly shops in the region. Ricks other interests when not tying flies or trying to catch fish, is creating art, cooking and enjoying his friends. He lives with his wife Susan, and daughter Haley who is a student at CU Boulder and his son Josh who is a Radiologist Tech in Arizona. Rick enjoys bringing fly fishing and fly tying to others, he ties flies every day for the pure joy of creating, I m one of those guys who enjoys tying flies as much as fishing them .

 

Son Tao: Son Tao, is an Army veteran and has been tying since 2016. In 2017, he won the 5th annual Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing national fly tying competition and has several patterns published in books. Son is well-known across social media due to his photography, beautiful fish photos and “how to” videos which has led to over 200,000 followers across social media platforms. He enjoys teaching others tying techniques through The Fly Fishing Show circuit, clinics and Zoom presentations.
Son is a huge advocate for veterans and is very active with numerous nonprofit organizations. He regularly spends time helping Project Healing Waters and Warriors & Quiet Waters programs in order to raise awareness for veterans. Son ties a wide variety of patterns but is best known for his intricate trout flies. He is an ambassador for Abel Reels, Whiting Farms, Fishpond, Wapsi, Solarez, Douglas Outdoors and Simms Fishing.

 

Matt Thornton: Matt and his wife Shawna are the owners of AM to PM Flies LLC based out of Boulder, Colorado. They are invested in making handmade quality flies and streamers. Matt became addicted to the waters of Colorado when he moved here 16 years ago from the Midwest. His goal is to make fly fishing enjoyable for everyone while being a continual learner himself. He loves the fly-fishing community and would like to be a leader in the Rocky Mountain region. He believes in the power of the outdoors and enjoys finding inspiration to be creative and unique each time he goes out. Stop by and say hello, he would love to meet you.

 

Cat Toy: The beautiful river resonates trickles, bubbles, and ripples with the existence of what a river is. Fly fishing for Cat has become the art of fly tying, casting, and the passion to entice the trout at many picturesque rivers, creeks, and streams of Colorado. Fly tying gives Cat the artistic touch of creating the tiniest forms of art for the prize, the trout. Cat grew up in Mammoth Lakes, California, spin fishing trout in the scenic lakes, rivers, and creeks in a quaint ski resort town nestled in the magnificent Southern Sierra Nevada mountain range. She has always had a zest for the outdoors with a background mastery of fishing, downhill skiing, mountaineering, and racing motocross. She caught her first trout fly fishing at the Frying pan river in Colorado, and her passion mushroomed to win this gift. Cat is a professional fly fishing guide for Blue Quill Angler. She is a fly designer for Discount Flies with her Green Caddis Larva and Matchstick Midge. She is on the Pro Team for Solarez, Anadramous Fly Company, Togens Fly Shop, Mystic Fly Rods, Qualifly Reels, Lid Rig, and Shop McFly.

 

Todd Turner: I have loved fly fishing and tying since I was a teenager growing up in Roanoke, VA. I have always enjoyed creating my own fly patterns to imitate the insects that inhabit my favorite mountain streams, and there is nothing better than catching a beautiful trout on a new fly that I designed. I look forward to sharing a couple of the tying techniques and patterns that consistently produce for me on my home water in the NC mountains.

 

Frank Whispell: My name is Frank Whispell and I have been fishing all of my life and fly fishing for the past 30+ years. I am a Professional Fly Designer with Umpqua Feather Merchants, a fly fishing and fly tying instructor and guide for Trappers Lake Lodge among other venues. I am also a Fly Fishing Adventure Host and take clients on adventures to Alaska Wilderness adventures, as well as all around the lower 48 states to include fresh waters and salt waters. I have been adding venues for other far flung locations but due to the current climate for travel this will be on the back burner for some time to come.

 

Jason Yi: 

 

Tom Ziegler: Tom has demonstrated tying for over a dozen years at such Front Range venues as Front Range Anglers, The Fly Fishing Show, the West Denver TU Tying Clinic, and the St. Vrain TU Tiers Expo. While Tom has earned a reputation for his deer hair work for both trout and bass, he also demonstrates how to utilize foam and CDC for creating very effective trout patterns. In addition to tying demonstrations, he has managed a fly shop, published fly fishing photography in The Fly Fish Journal, Southwest Fly Fishing, MidCurrent and “The Best Bass Flies” and is a FFF Certified Casting Instructor. Find him on Instagram: @tomzieglerflyfishing