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

Destroying Fall Muskie Myths

Muskie anglers leave a lot of late fall locations unscathed

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Family Fishing Getaway

Jenna sets her sights on Northern Ontario Smallmouth Bass.

How to Make a Fish Shore Lunch

What to pack and how to make this favourite Northern Ontario meal.

Ned Head Walleye of Algoma

Springtime Walleye Doesn't Have To Be A Crowded Affair

5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations

Where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.

Streamers for Big Pike

Northern Pike are the apex predator in many of Ontario’s waters.

Legendary Walleye at Hawk Lake Lodge

Experience the hospitality and fishing of Northwestern Ontario

Three Keys to Ontario Muskies

Where to Find Muskies in Ontario Waters.

The Outpost Lodge

Ideal for anglers looking for a variety of fishing.

Top 5 Flies for Any Species

Fve flies you should have in your fly box.

Rigged for Ice Fishing Success

How to start planning your next ice fishing adventure in Ontario.

Northern Bass High

3 surprising things to know about trophy smallmouth bass fishing in Northern Ontario

Lakair Lodge

Largemouth bass fishing on Lake Nipissing

The Best Of Times in Northern Ontario

A guide to the best time of day to hit the ice while fishing this winter.

Walleye World in Northern Ontario

Ontario’s Premier Walleye Fishing

Difficult Day Walleye

Learn a few techniques to address the sometimes challenging fishing conditions for walleye.

Summertime Walleye

Fish for Walleye, Muskie or Smallmouth on the Indian Lake Chain.

Trophy Fishing in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario offers anglers a variety of choices of species and fishing options.

Flying in for Ontario Northern Pike

Kaby Lake is a phenomenal lake for both Walleye and Northern Pike fishing.