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A little bit about Brian's journey

I was born in Upstate New York, where my father and uncle taught me to conventionally fish for bass, pike, walleye and musky on the lake my grandmother lived on. During the summer, when school was out, I was lucky enough to be able to live up on the lake with her until school started up again. Every day I would be on the water in my old 12ft aluminum boat with a 5hp motor that would get me everywhere I needed to go, I loved it. What more could a young boy ask for?

Later, finding my way into the United States Air Force and being stationed at Beale AFB, CA, I somehow picked up the passion that my late uncle once had, fly fishing. In December '04 my uncle passed away and I decided what better way to carry on his tradition than try fly fishing myself, not knowing what was in store for me. I was fishing the East Carson River one late summer evening and saw a guy fly fishing. Fascinated by his silhouette in the water against the sunset and the perfect casting stroke and tight J loops made by his fly line while casting, I realized then that this is why my uncle loved this sport.

August 15, 2005, I bought my first fly rod from a local sports store, and have been hooked ever since. This is the one thing I was missing. There is something about standing in the middle of a river with water rushing by me, the sound that it makes, the sound of nature, it’s like you are part of it.

There's no technology in the world that can recreate this experience, it's priceless. This is the one place that not only can I be myself, but it’s the one place that I can feel closer to my uncle. Funny how things work into our lives without us knowing what the future may hold. Love you Uncle Bruce.

I take great pride in my fishing, especially fly fishing. I am self taught, from single to two handed casting, mending, dead drifting, swinging, knowledge of equipment, aquatic insects and fly tying, to even reading water. My love for this sport has taken me to waters all over the state, as well as Oregon, Nevada and Upstate New York. During this unforgettable journey, I have had the opportunity to meet a great number of outstanding individuals and fellow anglers, but only a select few can I truly thank for helping me develop the knowledge, skills and experience that I have for this sport. And to be honest, I wouldn't be the fly fisherman, the guide or the man that I am today without their personal advice and guidance. So to those few, I Thank You. Fly fishing for me is my number one passion in life and that's putting it lightly, I would have to say it's more than a passion, it's an addiction and "state of mind". You can call me a fishaholic, or even better a trout bum, or just plan crazy, and I'll just laugh, shake my head and say HELL YAAAAA!!!!

When I'm not guiding, you can usually find me on the water with a rod in my hand and a tight line, hanging out at the local fly shop, Fly Fishing Specialties, where I like to hang out and talk fishin. I also enjoy tying flies old patterns and new, helping others out in the sport, no matter what their experience level may be, camping, hunting and the outdoors, of course fishing and lastly I enjoy meeting new people and learning new tips, techniques as well as the trade to hone my skills as a guide, fly fisherman and as a person. That's why in 2010 I started Nor Cal Fly Guides, a fly fishing guide service, where I guide clients all over Northern California. I absolutely love passing on my knowledge that I have learned and sharing my joy for fly fishing with someone, and the joy they get when they hook their first fish on the fly. It's something that cannot be explained only felt and or witnessed. There's something said about fly fishing, that once you hook your first fish, you are hooked for life. Fly Fish Once, Fly Fish Forever.

-I look forward to our many trips together-

Brian Clemens
Owner / Guide
530-354-3740
norcalflyguides@gmail.com
Licensed/Bonded/Insured/Permitted
License #11575