We are fortunate to have Steve as an active and dedicated Douglas Fly Fishing Guide. Steve is a NYS Licensed Guide known for his passion for teaching and introducing fly fishing across NY State. Steve has been instrumental in pioneering several athletic programs and training camps in Upstate New York. As an Educator, his love for the student, and the outdoors, is employed through the discipline and his passion of Fly Fishing. Steve’s angling influences come from the competition community where he applies a European nymphing style to both inland and the Great Lakes tributaries. While not exclusive to just one style, he encourages his clients to cover the water methodically with all the effective fly-fishing techniques
What got you into fly fishing?
As a young boy, I loved to fish. I used conventional fishing gear. Behind my childhood home, the neighbors gave me access to two great ponds. I fished day and night as long as the season would allow. My father had me on the water in a 12’ fiberglass thunderbird boat from the 60’s nearly every weekend as we targeted fish on Lake Ontario and the NY Finger Lakes.
As a younger man, I remember watching a fly angler target trout in one of our local streams. I used to get frustrated with casting lures and breaking off because of heavy structure. I watched this angler efficiently connect with trout, while getting top surface eats. I was fascinated by it. Handful of years later, I was at Dicks Sporting Goods , looking to return an oversized shirt that was a gift from my wife. We couldn’t find a replacement shirt, so I navigated over to the fishing section. I asked her if I could swap out the gifted shirt for an entry level fly fishing reel & rod combo. She said , “go for It!” My mornings after that were filled with quick trips to the stream before work. I had no idea what I was doing, but kept trying every morning until I got my first trout. It took me seven days, but I got one! I was absolutely hooked!
Favorite part of being a guide?
I love to teach, I love introducing people to new things, new places, and different techniques. I like guiding people that prioritizing the learning experience over catching a trophy. But, I absolutely, want them to catch a trophy fish. I like to help people shorten their learning curve. Seeing people encouraged is the best. Meeting new people and sharing life with folks is an absolute treasure.
Favorite Fishing Story?
This is a tough one. I have been so blessed through the years with so many great experiences. But my mind is taking me to an outing that I had in Kodiak Alaska. I had already worked through some drama of cancelled flights, lost days, and I even left my Douglas DXF Switch on a shelf in the airport by accident. Thankfully, my host knew a worker in the airport and was able to recover it after hours. My primary objective for being in Kodiak was not to fish, but I was traveling with a small team of mostly high school students purposed to host a church kids program for the week on the island, But, I was hopeful that I could fish. With the loss of days due to our flight cancellations, it offered just one afternoon to get out and play. Our team was gifted two outstanding adventures, I was able to send the guys on a halibut charter and the ladies did an incredible mountain horseback adventure which concluded with them riding through the rivers. Both adventures could only accommodate a maximum number, so as our team leader, I got to sit them out… BUT, I brought my Switch Rod, my waders, and plenty of flies. I sent them off and I went to the nearest River to me on the Island. I fished the Russian River. It was an amazing day, the water was full of grabby salmon and char. The insects diving into my eyes in the beginning of the day was a bit overwhelming, but shortly after I started, a fine midst managed the bugs and it kept out of my face. I was eventually joined on the river by two former students that I had back in NY and had now relocated their families in Kodiak. It was a special day, In a special place, with special people. It wasn’t planned, if fact, the great day was a result of me initially working through disappointment, But it was excellent.
Fun Fact about you?
I love marksmanship…I love to shoot pistols and rifles and hand load.