Calmwaters Fly Fishing

Calmwaters offers expert fly fishing experiences for beginners to experts.

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.

learn to fish from the best at calmwaters

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.

calmwaters fly fishing guide

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.

hand tied fly

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.

southwestern ontario river system

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.

calmwaters fly fishing guide

the perfect place to fish, float, and have fun

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. 

About Mark Melnyk

Currently, Mark is the host and producer of The New Fly Show. With a passion of fly fishing, the shows goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. 

Recommended Articles

Bass Fishing at Lost Lake Wilderness Lodge

This drive to lodge offers some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in Northeastern Ontario.

River Bass Bonanza

Fishing Mistinikon for Smallmouth Bass

Fishing the Regions of Northern Ontario

There is more than meets the eye

Birch Dale Lodge

Discover why muskie fishing in Ontario's Sunset Country is world-class!

5 Things to Consider When Buying a New Boat!

Great tips and things to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase a new boat.

Fly Fishing at Anderson's Lodge

A smallmouth bass fly fishing adventure to this famous lodge on Lac Seul.

Lac Seul

One of the Most Productive Walleye Fisheries on Earth

Big Moose Camp

Big Moose Camp is a four-season resort on Lake Nosbonsing just 3 hours north of Toronto.

’Tis The Season

Get ready for ice fishing with these tips for landing panfish.

Chasin’ Fall Critters

Casting or trolling, what's best for musky?

Knock On Wood Walleye

Ever wonder why so many lakes in Northern Ontario have dams ?

Sunset Cove Resort

Lake of the Woods and fishing and of course...sunsets.

Going the Extra Mile

How far will you go to find the fish?

Run and Gun Your Way Through Canada

Experience the incredible thrill of musky fishing across Ontario, Canada.

Hidden Musky Gems

The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario.

Hard Balling Walleyes

Spring Fishing Tactics to Catch Ontario Walleye

Test Your Fishing Smarts

And get some hot tips on fishing spots.

The Northern Walleye Dream

A Dream Fishing Vacation on the English River Watershed

Big Hook Camps

Walleye and Pike Fishing in Beautiful Canadian Wilderness

3 Great Walleye Lakes

Lakes Home to Both Eaters and Trophies