I was introduced to fly fishing when I was in my 60’s. I immediately discovered the peace and solitude to be found out on a stream, enjoying nature and the quiet rhythm of fly fishing. Unfortunately, as I became more involved in the fly-fishing community, I was inundated with the rules of the “right way to cast, retrieve, stand, hold your arm, etc.”
I started to lose the joy of fly fishing that I had experienced initially and was tempted to walk away from fly fishing. Then, I saw Matt’s website, CNY Fly Fish (cnyflyfish.com).I had not had any formal fly-fishing instructions, just a lot of “experts” telling me everything I was doing wrong! I decided to take personal instructions from Matt. It was
the best choice ever!
Matt is an expert in the field and yet, he has not lost the joy of what fly fishing is really about. As a woman, I felt extremely comfortable with his methods and kind way of actually teaching me, rather than showing off his own skills! That was over 10 years ago, and I am grateful that Matt reinforced what I thought fly fishing was REALLY all about. That is, enjoying every beautiful, relaxing moment that you are standing in a stream casting regardless of the number of fish you catch! I recommend Matt to anyone who is interested in fly fishing, even those experts who think they know everything!!
Written by Janie Felix
Brook Trout Trip Written by Nate
“I’m above the below and below the upper
I’m stuck in the middle where the money gets tight
but I guess I’m doing alright.”
Country singer Jo Dee Messina epitomized my fly fishing ability best when she sang those words and oddly enough provided exactly the approach I mentioned when I reached out to Matt at CNY Fly Fishing in March of 2024. Asking first if he could help with a long time obsession of mine, small stream wild Brookies and Browns; and second if we could do it by staying off the big waters. I wanted the small streams that nobody else wanted to bother with and the fish that many consider too small to catch.
I explained to Matt that I frequented a small stream on the family farm and knew that there were fish in the waters, but could rarely see them, and even more so, never hook them. Matt replied shortly after, affirming that he not only knew exactly what I was after, but that he grew up fishing those kinds of waters and fish with his grandfather on a stream that he still holds dear to this day. We planned our trip for early June, on a stream that shall remain nameless, and I successfully begged my parents to fund my first guided outing as a birthday present; to say I was excited would be an ageless understatement.
Leading up to the day, Matt and I communicated frequently enough to stay in touch and work out the details, but not so often that I would scare away my guide with all my excitement filled questions. Matt answered all communication with grace and ease, relaying the desired location, parking area, what supplies I would need, and a few questions of his own as he judged what kind of fisherman he had agreed to guide. We watched the weather, discussed techniques, and when the day arrived I found myself leaving my house an hour earlier than the trip required.
Matt, to my satisfaction and surprise, called me before I arrived to discuss his anticipated water conditions, as well as notify me that he too was on his way and running early. We met without issue at the preplanned parking area and filled the air with the ease of two fisherman setting off for the bush together. Packs strapped on, poles in hand (I insisted he bring one as well so that I could see a master at work), and down the trails we went. The water was a bit high, as Matt had anticipated, but we had strikes and rises within minutes from the large population of Brookies we were standing amidst. Matt offered knot tying advice, casting advice, tips, tricks, stories, and jokes as we worked, making clear that like myself, he was open for a good jab and laugh whenever one could be had.
We worked the stream away from the road, catching the beautiful Brook Trout pictured below as we went, myself landing two on my own! We chatted, laughed, discussed every topic of interest between us, and were even greeted by an ENCON Officer nearly a half mile off the road! To which I should note that Matt not only produced proper licensure, but also refused to tell the officer how well the fishing was (as any good guide should!) The officer wished us luck, went on his way, and left Matt and I to continue our trip.
To conclude, I caught two and a half fish that day (my fingers touched it before he jumped the hook so I get a half due to popular vote), but the tired legs and wet lines that I gained between those fish was worth every ounce of effort. Matt and I parted that day with a handshake, a few new flies in my case, and a new friendship found. I felt as though I had spent the day fishing with a buddy more than a hired guide as laughs were had, a cherished small stream had been shared, and I had gained a new appreciation for fish small enough to lay on three fingers.
Unbeknownst to Matt, I took what I learned that day and fished my family farm stream several times throughout the rest of the summer, catching several Brown and Brook Trout, even keeping a few for my family’s table. Thank you Matt for the memories of that day as well as the knowledge you shared. I would recommend anyone interested to reach out and describe your dream trip to Matt as I did with mine; my expectations easily became reality on that beautiful June afternoon. As a last note, please see the attached pictures and note the beauty of the little wonders that Matt was able to guide me to. As I had dreamt of and asked of Matt months before, the enjoyment I sought on that day came from the raw wild nature of the fish we pursued, nothing more and certainly nothing less.
