Guide Bio: Preston Wedel
I was raised in Kansas City, KS and attended the University of Kansas before beginning a career in corporate America. I grew up loving the outdoors first and foremost through upland bird hunting. Pheasant & Quail hunting has been and will always be my favorite outdoor activity. After my introduction to fly fishing I faced one real issue; unfortunately the only trout you’ll find in Kansas will be the aquarium at Bass Pro Shop, which isn’t convenient for an avid fly angler. I cut my teeth fishing many spring fed Ozark streams for trout and smallmouth, however, my growing passion led me west to fish. Time off work was spent traveling to fish many of Colorado’s niche waters and beyond into Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
I’m a die hard sports fan for my hometown teams, Chiefs, Royals, and Jayhawks. I enjoy simple things; listening to music on a relaxing drive, tying flies, golfing, smoking a cigar, or playing fetch with my dog, Jirah. If the weather is nice you can find me outside, literally anywhere, but most likely fishing.
I’m very competitive and expect a lot out of myself, but life is too short not to laugh and have fun. I smile as much as I can, aim to see the positive in every situation, and tease quite a bit. I thoroughly enjoy conversation and getting to know people, so the social aspect of guiding is one of my favorite things. My unique blend of a corporate background with extensive customer service combined with fishing knowledge is what I lean on heavily to provide clients with the experience they seek. I firmly believe patience, work ethic, and communication are every bit as important to being a guide as anything else. Those are qualities I seek to provide every single trip.
Q&A with Preston Wedel:
How did you get started in fly fishing?
While in middle school my Dad and I took a weekend trip with one of his friends to Bennett Springs State Park in central Missouri. It was my first exposure to trout fishing and we were equipped with spin tackle. I saw a gentlemen with one of his legs amputated above his knee, crutch out into the river (mind you these are well manicured gravel bars) and unfurl immaculate casts. When I saw the art of fly fishing, I knew I wanted to pursue it. I bought a starter kit from Cabela’s and a cheap fly tying kit. From there, the snowball was sent down the hill and I never looked back.
How did you get started as a fishing guide?
My friend Mark Crawford who owns a fly shop in Arkansas had been asking me to start guiding weekends for years, but at the time it just wasn’t a commitment I could make. Eventually I reached a difficult crossroads in life and I finally made the decision to explore guiding as a potential career change. I attended Sweetwater Travel guide school on the Bighorn River in October 2022. In summer of 2023 I joined the staff at Henry’s Fork Anglers as a full time guide and thereafter began pursuing Northern California for the winter months with The Fly Shop®. It’s a fantastic combination of western waters.
If you had one piece of advice to give to your guide clients, what would it be?
Conditions are unpredictable. Focus on variables we can control to work as a team and have a great experience.
Favorite Fish to pursue?
Brown trout
What fly fishing destination is on your Bucket List?
New Zealand, hands down.
Favorite Fly Rod and Why?
Orvis Helios 4D 9ft 5wt – complete all around rod.
Favorite Reel and Why?
Lamson Lightspeed – smooth, lightweight, great drag, and picks up line quickly.
Favorite Fly and Why?
Henry’s Fork Foam Stone – because big dry fly eats rock.
What is your greatest fly fishing extravagance?
5 day overnight float on the Smith River in Montana. I’ve never had an experience like it. To be without cell phone service surrounded by 1,000 ft bluffs, healthy trout, and floating with great friends; what else could anyone want?
Which living or non-living fly fisher would you want to spend a day Fly Fishing with?
Dave Whitlock. I briefly met him years ago at a fly tying expo and he was so kind. His knowledge, passion, and skills (fishing, art & writing) are admirable.
Who are your favorite writers?
John Gierach, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
What single issue in fly fishing do you feel has the greatest adverse potential?
Making the experience solely about numbers of fish caught and using tactics to that end. Certain pieces of water are special, treat them as such. Test your skills even if it results in fewer fish landed. The challenge & reward is worth it.
What is your most memorable fly fishing trip you’ve taken?
A tributary in the Wind River range I found on a map. Drove in a few miles down an ATV trail, set up camp and hiked more miles downstream. Dry flies for big cutthroat from 9am – 9pm. Breathtaking scenery.
Which talent or natural gift would you most like to have?
Throw a fastball like Randy Johnson.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My Dad
What is your Fly Fishing Pet Peeve? (A pet peeve is a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly irritating to them.)
Casting too often and too far. It leads to poor line management and decreases chances of a proper presentation.
What do you most value in your friends?
Companionship, loyalty, and being able to laugh.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Tiger Woods, so I could shoot par for once…
Booking Preston for a day of guided fishing
To book Gary 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 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.