Born in Erie, PA Ryan has pursued Rustbelt Chrome before “Steelhead Alley” was a street on the map. Hailing from a long line of Outdoorsmen he was mentored in the fishy arts by his Father and Grandfather before him. With a professional life on the go Ryan’s mantra is “Have fly rod; will travel”. From high alpine cutty’s to golf course buckets mouths; backcountry Brookie’s to tidal creek Tarpon; the “Yough” to the “Yak” there is no water or quarry that is off limits.
After 8 years honing his skills on the flats of Florida; Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River in particular; Ryan has made a home on SW PA’s Youghiogheny River. Working as Head Guide and Manager of Fly Fishing Operations for Wilderness Voyageurs in Ohiopyle, PA he helps show clients the beauty of the Yough River Valley and the many secrets it holds. Big browns, plump rainbows, and plentiful bronze backs are the day to day.
Ryan is also an active member of the Yough Work Group which works closely with the PAFBC and Chestnut Ridge TU chapter to help restore, preserve, grow, and manage the Yough watershed’s fisheries. As for fly patterns it’s all about the meat! Although sometimes you just can’t beat the bugs, his focus is on streamers and the predatory nature of large fish with the perfect R&D lab in his own back yard.
If you’re in his neighborhood look him up at WV or just keep an eye out on the river for the “Beard” and his dog!
