Here We Go……

Welcome to the Flatland Fly! I’ve had this idea in my head for nearly 5 years now. Pair this ‘idea’ with the notion that ‘there is no time like the present’ and well, here we are.

I grew up in a small town in Southeast Kansas — which is where I happen to be writing this post as well. To say I was ‘fish obsessed’ as a child is an understatement. Come to think of it, I guess the same could be said for me as an adult.

My grandmother (equally fish obsessed) gave me my first fly rod at the age of 10 and in the nearly 3 decades that have passed since, fly-fishing has essentially been the singular, driving focus of my life. My major life decisions — whether that be employment or place of residence— have always been guided by a long, skinny piece of graphite. It would be a lie to say they still aren’t to this day.

I’ve been fortunate over the years to fish, essentially, all over the Midwest and Rocky Mountains, as well as nearly a dozen saltwater locations. During my college years, I spent the summers in Ennis, MT working for the Madison River Fishing Company. This is also where I got my first taste in guiding — a passion that still burns deep within me.

Some years later, I found myself living in Denver, Colorado working for Trouts Fly Fishing (R.I.P) as their Outfitting/Marketing Manager and serving as one of their Head Guides. Those years of spending hundreds of days a year on the river are something I’ll fondly look back on for the rest of my life. As life would have it though, a few years back the Midwest roots of my childhood called me home, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

So why am I telling you this? Why are we here?

Well, to be honest, I suppose the answer to that will come in somewhat of a ‘learn as we go’ format. This much I know — I have ideas. A lot of them. Some will come in the form of the written word. Others, in the form of video (insert reminder to self, I still need to learn to edit!). We’re primarily gong to focus on celebrating the incredible fishing the Midwest has to offer — predominately with a fly rod (don’t be surprised/offended if a bait caster or spinning rod makes the odd appearance, though).

From trip reports to tips on technique, fly tying to highlighting some of the interesting characters that make up this sport (many of whom I feel fortunate to call friends), and conservation to industry insights, I’ll do my best to cover the gamut.

It may also be worth mentioning I have an affinity for pointing dogs and bows and arrows in the Fall, as well as gobbling turkeys in the Spring. Consider these topics fair game as well.

So, kick back and stay tuned. I’m excited to see where this all heads. With any luck, if the content found throughout this platform encourages a few of you to get out and explore the outdoors a little more, helps you cast a little further, a little more accurately, catch a few more fish, or simply provides some simple enjoyment throughout your day, then we’ll consider this all a success.