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

Rainy Lake Bass Blast

Camp Narrows Lodge

Escaping To Bass Wilderness

With Nestor Falls Fly-In Outposts

A Happy Fishing Place

Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Northern Skies Resort

Dive and Rise Muskies

Ontario offers the best muskie fishing anywhere—and fall is the prime time to catch your fish of a lifetime.

Hooked On Muskies

Ontario is blessed with the finest muskie fishing in North America.

Ontario’s Monster Pike Fishing Adventures

Ontario is home to first-class accommodations and an incredible fishing experience for northern pike.

Take an Ontario Vacation this Year

It's time to explore your own backyard.

Brook Trout: A Natural Work of Art

Ontario is one of the world's best brook trout fishing destinations.

Angling Escape to Edgewater

Just 3 hours north of Toronto, this amenity-packed resort has something for the whole family.

Expanding Your Horizons

A longtime angler shares why casting around in new waters is good practice

Mattawa River Resort

The perfect home base for not only anglers but couples and families.

Killarney Mountain Lodge

Discover this newly renovated luxury resort and marina in Georgian Bay.

The 2022 Northern Ontario Fishing Survey and Contest

Enter to win $1,000 in fishing gear.

An unforgettable family fishing trip

Led by Mom

Bobber-Whacky Magic

Don't Say Good-bye To The Bobber

Abitibi Walleye Experience

Fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Jumbo Perch

Eagle Lake Island Lodge

Your private island escape and off-the-grid adventures await.

Fishing Negative Smallmouth

Try these 4 fly fishing techniques to put fish onto your flies.

An Amazing New Technique for Northern Pike

Learn the latest winter Northern pike pattern to hit the Northern Ontario ice scene.

Fishing for Ontario Wild Brook Trout At Northern Skies Resort

Targeting wild brook in the local rivers, creeks and streams of Algoma Country, Ontario.