I was born in the Sutter Buttes. I also happen to be born an identical twin, brother to Matthew Benson. Before the age of 6 we were both set loose in the Buttes among an almond orchard filled with rattlesnakes and coyotes. After the age of 6 I was raised in Lodi, CA where we had family. My childhood was blessed with recreation as I lived on the Mokelumne River. When my brother and I weren’t competing in junior golf we were filling buckets full of Bass while fishing on private property (you know who you are…. thank you). After a bass filled youth I first encountered trout on the fly in high school. After fishing some local rivers like the American, Yuba, Stanislaus, and Delta I left to college in San Diego. Golf, work, and school kept me busy in San Diego. After a BS from SDSU and working at a few water districts I returned to Lodi to work in Agriculture. Fishing local fisheries lead me North to the Lower Sacramento River where I really started my fishing obsession. After really catching the fly fishing bug In my late 20’s I moved to Redding in 2013/2014 at the age of 29/30. From 2014-present I have kept my guide license attending Sweetwater Guide School in Montana (2014) and operate a small fly fishing guide service with my twin brother called “Benson Brothers Fly Fishing”. The rest is unwritten.
Q&A with Ryan Benson:
How you did you get started in fly fishing?
In high school during family trips. Having family in Ketchum, Idaho lead to fishing some rivers such as the little big wood and Silver creek.
What does Fly Fishing do for you that keeps you coming back for more?
Fly fishing invokes a feeling inside that feeds a primitive need or desire. It satisfies the senses. I suppose when it all comes together magical things CAN happen. Also, the cast, hook set, and rod pulsing in your hand from acrobatic fish doesn’t hurt to keep you coming back. Let’s be honest, nobody likes loosing the biggest fish of the day, but, it’s those experiences that will drive you to pursue more fish on the fly.
Favorite fish to pursue?
Trout & steelhead
What fly fishing destination is on your Bucket List?
Cuba, Florida, Belize, Mexico, Alaska (again), and Argentina/Chile.
Favorite Fly Rod and Why?
Scott Fly Rods because they satisfy every category on my checklist. If I’m looking for an indicator rod they make some of the best. If I need a fast action rod to cast tight loops Scott delivers. American made, great company to work with regarding warranty, and they look and feel amazing.
Favorite Reel and Why?
Easy….. Galvan Torque Fly Reel. Galvan Fly Reels are a locally owned company out of Sonora, CA. Family owned, they are great to work with and happen to put out some of the best reels that are high end and won’t break the bank. The Torque has great aesthetics and comes in multiple anodized colors. One of the smoothest sounding drags, a classic feel, and the quality craftsmanship is hard to beat.
Favorite Fly and Why?
Pheasant Tail… because it is the first fly I tied that was eaten by a trout. It is also universal in that it generally works on most trout streams.
What is your greatest fly fishing extravagance?
Getting to experience a fly fishing trip to AK West in Alaska. The camp was something I will never forget, not to mention ridiculous fishing. Frankly, one can get spoiled fishing in AK. I don’t know many spots where you can find Dolly Varden, Grayling, Leopard Rainbow Trout, and multiple Salmon species. Not to mention fishing different methods like Spey for the salmon and mousing for the leopard rainbows. Other than the above, in terms of extravagant fly fishing items I do love my drift boat.
Which living or non-living fly fisher would you want to spend a day Fly Fishing with?
Dec Hogan during the 80’s with a Spey rod, must have been awesome.
Who are your favorite writers?
John Gierach, John Steinbeck, Ben Taylor, and Yvon Chouinard.
What single issue in fly fishing do you feel has the greatest adverse potential?
Social media giving misinformation and divulging spots that are already heavily fished. It can also cause the sport of fly fishing to look unapproachable.
What is your most memorable fly fishing trip you’ve taken?
Split between AK West in Alaska and Flaming Gorge on the Green River. The 2 day float trip on the green river in Utah changed my life forever but the Alaska trip was my favorite trip.
Which talent or natural gift would you most like to have?
To fly… sounds cliche but life from a Birds Eye view must be cool.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents. They instilled a good upbringing. My father is one of my greatest heroes, he has explored so many fishing destinations that include Kamchatka, Alaska, and Belize to name a few.
What is your Fly Fishing Pet Peeve?
Picking up the net the moment someone hooks up with a fish (in a drift boat). I don’t know why but it generally has bad results or it’s superstition. I try not to touch the net until the person in my boat (usually my twin brother) is settled into the fish.
What do you most value in your friends?
Trust, humor, loyalty, and generally being a good person.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Dolphin
