It’s all about education. We are always learning, no matter what it is in life we're doing. To find a truly professional teacher is a blessing and somebody you should hold onto. Well, to some, fly fishing is the ultimate school in which to learn—whether those lessons are technical, natural, spiritual, or personal.
This spring, we found a wonderfully talented educator whose teaching can be witnessed across many of the rivers and lakes in southwestern Ontario. His passion for teaching all facets of fly fishing is palpable, and what makes Jeff Parks of Calmwaters Fly Fishing such a great educator. His passion for fly fishing rubs off on all his clients, be they, beginners or seasoned veterans. It’s his passion for all things fly fishing that is addicting.
Jeff Parks and his daughter Alyx are full-time fishing guides running Calmwaters Fly Fishing. They utilize their home rivers in southwestern Ontario and have vast experience with multi-style and multi-species. This trip, we are focused on new experiences. We're on the hunt for wild brown trout as well as rainbows.
The technique we're utilizing is tight line nymphing. "You want your leader to cut the water like a hot knife through butter." It doesn’t get much more descriptive than that. Though I have very limited experience with this technique for fishing trout, it’s a deadly effective method of fly fishing that relies on your sense of touch and observation. Slowly manipulating your fly rig in relation to high percentage lies where trout are, you tantalizingly tempt fish to eat. It’s almost too easy. With a multitude of nymphs to choose from, Jeff was dialled into the hatches in the area and was able to put the pieces of the puzzle together seamlessly, resulting in one of the best days fishing browns I’ve had in a while. From body position to slack management, Jeff had me fishing well in new water in no time.
Jeff also takes great pleasure in teaching both single-hand casting as well as two-handed techniques. For those who are interested in learning these very different presentations, Jeff’s patience and excellent communication style are the perfect avenue to present flies in a timely manner. Big rivers such as the Grand, the Maitland and the Saugeen are wonderful rivers to learn spey casting all the while, having fantastic chances at dancing with seasonal fish from smallmouth bass, to musky to the steelhead of the fall and spring.
Fishing guide Alyx brings a fresh face to the sport. She loves the influx of so many new women fly fishing. Specializing in Women’s Fly Fishing Experiences, her teaching style and communication ability make the sometimes daunting sport easy, fun and relaxed.
The team at Calmwaters Fly Fishing takes great pride in being able to teach fly fishing to all, throughout the year. Thinking of a corporate event, they have you covered. Interested in a drift boat float in a fantastic southwestern Ontario river, they have you covered. Want to walk and wade for a day, the pros at Calmwaters Fly Fishing have you covered. There has never been a more perfect time to learn this wonderful sport.
