A native Oregonian, born and raised in Portland, remembers catching his first Red Side Trout on the Deschutes River when he was six years old. Seems like it was just yesterday to him.

At age ten, John’s art instructor, Bud Lance, introduced him to fly fishing when Bud showed John a Fly Rod his was building. With an instant spark of interest, John bought the components to build his own. After completed the project, he spent most of the remaining Spring learning to cast, and by late Summer, he caught his first Trout on the rod he built, a leader he hand tappered, and on a fly that he tied.

From that day forward, his passion grew rapidly as he pored himself into building better rods, tying better flies, and designing better hand tied tapered leaders. All of these things gave him an advantage, as he enjoyed  positive results by achieving the best presentation possible.

He felt that if he could learning more about the insects that trout feed on every day, it would surly increase his success by fooling larger trout, more often.

In 1985, John moved from Portland to Maupin Oregon to open and operate a Fly Shop and Guide Service on his favorite river,
the Deschutes.

Now, his passion for fly fishing stronger than ever, continues to operate  his shop and guide services with enthusiasm. He is also an Artist, Musician, and tries to get in the occasional round of golf. He likes the feeling of freedom he gets when he take a ride on his motorcycle, and when he returns home, he enjoys the benefits of living in a small community in the sun drenched climate of the Deschutes river canyon.

Check out John's website for tips and fly fishing guide service on the Deschutes river:
www.flyfishingdeschutes.com

Articles of interest from Central Oregon and the Deschutes River:
Articles by John Smeraglio

E-Mail John Smeraglio