My fishing career started when a mentor invited me to a session of trout fishing on opening day 1985 in SE Connecticut. Raised w/ in a mile of a tail water fishery called Pachaug River, I soon found myself focussed tactics & information @ the local bait shop. Species caught often were Rainbow, Brook trout, Brown trout. White perch, Bass, Crappie & Blue gill were found in the bogs & local ponds. Influenced by family, the rocky mountain waters were found in my 20's & I have ever since fished free stones & glacial still waters. Fly tying has been a foundation to my now Professional Guiding career. The arts & crafts have always interested me & when I found that I could create or varry fly patterns....the opportunities to catch fish became much more rewarding. Nuances of the craft & skill became apparent & critical for success in the catch. The Kootenai Angler is where I subcontract my guiding services. My interests are found w/ in the river system, from benthic organisms to glacial features & Redband Rainbow Trout. Through volunteer work on a winter Ice Fishing derby & professional guiding, I can share & contribute to conservation of habitat & a lifelong worthy activity of Fly Fishing.

Fortine
Montana
United States