We have a passion for fly fishing...
We've fished from Maine to Montana, for landlocked salmon to big browns to Great Lakes steelhead. From midwestern rivers for walleye to chasing redfish off the coast of Florida, Chile to Alaska. Fly fishing has opened doors, created friends, and brought joy to us and our families through shared memories. We love to share our passion with others and help them discover the fun fly fishing can bring.
A lot of people think fly fishing is difficult or complicated. The reality couldn't be farther from the truth. The basics can be learned in a short amount of time, and we can help you with that.
...and coldwater conservation.
Driftless on the Fly is passionate about coldwater conservation. We lead by coordinating and sponsoring the annual Driftless Flyathlon in Yellow River State Forest, sponsoring the Fly Fishing Film Tour events in Iowa, and supporting public fundraising efforts in the state.
We believe in giving back to the resources that give so much to us.
Ryan has had a deep love for the outdoors since he was little. Spending time in the woods, camping, or fishing is still pretty much a perfect day for him. Fly fishing is an extension of that love and has been a passion for many years. Ryan has been lucky to have had a chance to fly fish all over the country - Maine landlocked salmon, Wisconsin steelhead, high country cutthroat in Colorado and Wyoming, and Western water from Utah to Montana. One of his most memorable experiences was in summer of 2019, where he and Amanda floated the Smith River in Montana on a lucky permit draw. For 5 days they enjoyed 60 miles of fish, rowing, and unforgettable scenery.
Back here in Iowa, walleye, pike, panfish, and of course our famous spring creek trout keep him busy. Ryan's wife is a passionate fly fisherwoman that loves to share these experiences as well. Ryan is a teacher by profession, and enjoys helping others learn and discover. Ryan's classes have been involved in Trout in the Classroom projects (TU) for 9 years, and he has co-sponsored a Fly Fishing Club for middle school students for the past 7 years. Ryan has co-taught a "Learn to Fly Fish" class for NIACC continuing education, Hartman Reserve, Coralville Park and Rec, Friends of Yellow River Forest, and Mitchell County Conservation.
Ryan has articles published on fly fishing on the Fishwest blog, and the Summer 2014 issue (page 164) of a Tight Loop, featured as a "Guide We Like" in Dun Magazine, The May 2015 issue of Midwest Hunting and Fishing.
Ryan is familiar and comfortable behind the sticks of his clackacraft drift boat and Driftless on the Fly's 3 person Stealthcraft Hooligan XL and loves the chance to get to float our waters.
Ryan is a member of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, Spring Creeks Trout Unlimited, and is the race director of the Driftless Flyathlon, a unique trail race that raises funds to support projects for coldwater conservation in Iowa each year in Yellow River State Forest. Each year the Driftless Flyathlon brings the Fly Fishing Film tour to Iowa.
Contact Ryan at ryan@driftlessonthefly.com
Jared started out fly fishing and tying flies at the age of 10 on the coldwater streams of the Iowa Driftless. Jared followed his passion and pursued professional guiding. After graduating from guide school in Montana, Jared took his first job out in Maine at Weatherby’s Lodge as staff, becoming a licensed Maine guide in 2009 at the age of 20, guiding landlocked salmon trips on the nationally known Grand Lake Stream, where he partook in Project Healing Waters, and earned an appearance in Outdoor Life's blog, Fly Rod & Reel Magazine.
But with Jared's trout roots, the calling for a year-round fishery lead him out West. In 2011, he served as a Shop Assistant at Bud Lilly’s Trout Shop in West Yellowstone, Montana where he guided from 2011 to 2014.
In 2015, Jared began guiding for Bristol Bay Lodge in Alaska at an outpost camp from May to late September each year. He then guides our winters from late December through March at Martin Pescador Lodge in Chile. Jared also commercially ties for several companies.
Having floated waters from Montana to Alaska to Chile, Jared is familiar and comfortable behind the sticks of his drift boat, 3 man inflatable raft, and Driftless on the Fly's 3 person Stealthcraft Hooligan XL.
A trip with Jared is a truly world- class experience from a guide who has seen it all. Clients are able to book trips with him April through late May, and September through late December.
Contact Jared at jared@driftlessonthefly.com
Amanda loves being outdoors, exploring new water, and pursuing tricky trout. She was a quick learner when it came to fly fishing and has had the chance to fish different waters and conditions all over the country. Fly fishing has become a real enjoyment in her life and she loves her time on the water. Amanda is married to Ryan and is also a teacher by profession. Amanda is a patient and careful instructor and will be an asset to Driftless on the Fly helping out with classes, lessons, and events starting summer 2014.
Contact Amanda at amanda@driftlessonthefly.com
Clint was born and raised in Iowa and loves the outdoors, traveling, and exploring. He picked up fly fishing 20 years ago while living in Wyoming and spent the bulk of his time on the North Platte River. Clint is always looking forward to the next big adventure or trip- whether that's steelhead, trout, or bass. Clint's true passion is backpacking, photography, and fishing high mountain lakes. Those trips have taken him and his wife Angela (who is a stout fly angler on her own accord) all over the mountain West. Clint is an accomodating and careful guide who will provide an oustanding day on the water.
Clint lives in Swisher, Iowa and is a great resource to people in the Cedar Rapids area who are interested in fly fishing lessons. Shoot him an email today!
Contact Clint at clint@driftlessonthefly.com