Guide Bio: Brian Flint
I’ve been fishing my whole life, first introduced to it by my father who has since passed away, starting my fishing journey in Florida where I was born, I was targeting Snook, Redfish, Tarpon & Speckled Sea Trout on conventional gear/tackle. My family moved to Pennsylvania where I discovered trout fishing in rivers as a young kid. From there I remember a very special trip with my stepdad to Lake Erie for the steelhead run. I was very young but remember seeing anglers lined up on the shore shoulder to shoulder, and we were right where the lake meets the river so fish were swimming between our legs they were so thick. That always stuck with me, fast forward I had an opportunity to move to Northern California and I jumped on it. Realizing I’m right where some of the best fly fishing rivers in the world are located, I went directly into spending as much time on the water as possible. I’m thankful to have such a legendary fly shop nearby to steer me in the right direction, and happy to call this place my home.
Q&A with Brian Flint:
How did you get started in fly fishing?
I discovered the McCloud River and noticed the fish eating bugs off the surface, & that peaked my curiosity. I heard stories about fly fishing from my step-father’s dad. He was an east coast fly angler that primarily dry fly fished the Catskill mountains in New York. After some talks I picked up my first fly rod from The Fly Shop® and the rest is history!
How did you get started as a fishing guide?
One thing is for sure, spending time on the river or any trout stream or lake filled with fish is therapeutic regardless if you’re catching fish, and that was something I experienced and wanted to share with others. So I invited one of my buddies to come visit Redding, CA and he is an avid saltwater angler who started fly fishing but has never targeted trout, only saltwater species. So I thought it was only right he tried a traditional method of fly fishing, aka throwing dry flies.
It was a rainy few days on the Lower Sac and we walked into an insane blue wing olive hatch in early spring, but one thing stood out the flies were not flying away but staying put on the surface. I rigged him up a dry fly and showed him where to cast and he proceeded to land 3 or 4 twenty inch trout. That’s when I realized this is something I enjoy and have a passion for.
If you had one piece of advice to give to your guide clients, what would it be?
Communicate with your guide at the beginning of the day about your days expectations. For example, if you are wanting to learn more about the various techniques, then let us know to gear things towards education and takes some pressure off of us if the fishing isn’t so hot.
Favorite Fish to pursue?
I would have to go with steelhead, something about chasing them in the rain, snow, or shine that makes it worth it when you finally connect to a “real one”, especially on a beautiful river such as the Trinity.
What fly fishing destination is on your Bucket List?
For sure, Jurassic Lake (aka Strobel Lake) in Patagonia, Argentina where over 20lb rainbow trout are caught every season. This is on the list because they share the exact same genetics as our local McCloud River rainbows. Not only that but to experience the beauty that Patagonia has to offer, and the food!
Favorite Fly Rod and Why?
I’m really liking the new The Fly Shop 9’6″ 5wt; it’s got a fighting butt and protects lighter tippet and keeps the smaller bugs locked in on the bigger fish.
Favorite Reel and Why:
The Fly Shop L2A is a workhorse and gets it done.
Favorite Fly and Why?
The Coppertop Duracell, sold at The Fly Shop®, catches fish everywhere I go. I was able to get my good friend onto the biggest steelhead of his life with my hand tied Duracell, that was a good feeling. I’ll never forget. Duracell for life!
What is your greatest fly fishing extravagance?
Just being at Bollibokka on the McCloud River, does it get any better than that?
Which living or non-living fly fisher would you want to spend a day Fly Fishing with?
Mike Mercer, the way he understands the fish and understands the bugs, how they all interact it’s legendary. Just to understand his thought process somewhat would be a great day on the water.
Who are your favorite writers?
Gary LaFontaine, Jack Dennis, Hal W. Janssen
What single issue in fly fishing do you feel has the greatest adverse potential?
Social Media
What is your most memorable fly fishing trip you’ve taken?
The one time I forgot a net on the Trinity River and we proceeded to hook monster steelhead and had to hand land a 31” steelhead. Everyone knows what happens when you forget the net, you hook the biggest fish in the river. Glad we got that one to the “net” I mean hand.
Which talent or natural gift would you most like to have?
Honestly if I could choose it would be the ability to play musical instruments – specifically the guitar.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Jack Dennis rings a bell, still rowing a boat to this day!
What is your Fly Fishing Pet Peeve?
Experienced fly anglers getting mad at newer fly anglers for not “knowing the rules”, instead it should be an opportunity to educate the new fly angler on what the protocol is and pass down the traditions.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty, because if I share a secret spot with you, it should be sacred!
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I’d choose to be a Big Bucknasty brown trout on the McCloud River.
Booking Brian for a day of guided fishing
To book Brian or one of our other excellent guides, please give us a call at 800-669-3474 during business hours any day of the week, or email us at bryan@theflyshop.com or chris@theflyshop.com anytime. We can give you the answers you need, detailed explanations to questions you might have, or check on availability and confirm your reservation in minutes.