Cole Lyon

Fly Fishing Coach

Get to know

My Journey

From frustration to fish!

It all started with a dream..

I always had a fascination with fishing as a kid – dreaming to one day become a nostalgic fly fisherman.

Nothing seemed more elegant and then that classic green fly line flying through the air.

I always thought of fly fishermen as the hot shots – I wanted to be one too. Naive and excited to get going, I bought my first fly rod ($10 from a garage sale).

I wish I could tell you that everything worked out just as I planned. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch much of anything (aside from the tree next to me).

Most of my time was spent untangling the line, only to watch fish rise where I had just put my flies. Talk about frustrating!!

There was so much more to it than I anticipated…

I watched hours and hours of YouTube videos, and read countless articles. Even that didn't help much – I gave up...

After taking a short break (four years), I decided to give it another go...

I must give total credit to one of my good friends, Mike. He was the catalyst that changed everything.

He showed me the ropes, and put me onto fish immediately through expert advice and coaching.

He mentored me through the basics, which included things like getting the right equipment, reading the river, fly choice, and more. Things I previously researched on the internet, but couldn’t seem to execute myself.

The internet is powerful and has a great deal of information, but having a mentor made the difference.

He took complex subject matter, and communicated it in a way that made sense! I was no longer flying in the dark, wading through hours of YouTube videos, and internet articles to find the answer I was looking for.

A new style of fly fishing..

I was also introduced to another style of fly fishing – nymphing, and specifically Euro Nymphing/Tight Lining.

This new technique was both simpler and much more effective. I was able to hook up most days I went out! This was much more fun than my previous experience - days on end without a fish in sight.

As you can tell, this time around, I had much more success. Now, I can say that fly fishing has become one of my greatest passions – and I am pretty damn good at it.

I went from sucking at fly fishing to catching double digits most days out. I even began tying most of my own flies!!!

I have gone from a hopeless fly fisherman to an avid angler – and believe there is no reason anyone can’t see the same success I have.

Euro Nymphing/ Tight Lining

  • Simple and easy to learn

  • Efficient (aka tons of fish)

  • Versatile

  • More fish = more fun

Now, I help others become fly fishermen!

I have had the pleasure of putting many many people on fish - it is something I love doing almost as much as fishing myself!

Let’s face it, fly fishing can be a frustrating and timely process. There are many things to learn and it can take a lot of trial and error to completely figure out on your own.

Having a mentor/coach revolutionized my experience - as it has for others as well.

But don’t take my word for it, hear from some of those I've already helped..

Blair Zerr

"I began fly fishing nearly two years ago. I had begun fishing solo and was very unsuccessful. Cole and I became friends soon after and he was so welcoming in bringing me along with him. My first days fishing with him I remember staring in disbelief. The quality and quantity of fish being caught gave me the fly bug big time. I took his notes, recommendations and constructive criticisms and became an entirely new fly fisherman within the span of just a few months. Cole had me on my first double digit fish day within our first couple outings. As a more experienced angler, I can now look back and see that he has incredibly effective methods and tips. The man can teach you to read water, choose flies, and decide presentations based on numerous factors. There is not a fly fishing trip to this day that I don't hear Cole's tips in the back of my mind. He gives quality insight to every step of the process. I have since taught friends in the same manner I have been taught. It is incredible to see new anglers succeed. Thanks Cole for the gift that keeps on giving! Tight lines and see you on the river soon my friend."

Ed Griffin

"I’ve dabbled in fly fishing over the years but never felt confident in a path that would help me become a more educated and competent fisherman that would ultimately catch more fish. This all changed when I met Cole. The first time out he showed me not only the basics of which fly to use and when, the best knots and easiest ways to set up a line, how to read the river, and most importantly he put me into fish on day one…including the largest fish I’ve caught on a fly rod to date. Fishing is now way more enjoyable after working with Cole!"

Bridget O'Brien

"Prior to going out fishing with Cole I had only been spin fishing when I was little or fishing in the ocean with my uncle. In both these experiences I was more passively involved and let my dad and uncle do all the handling. Cole started off with teaching the basics of knot tying, casting and reading the river. HE did an excellent job of educating while also allowing me to make some mistakes to help encourage learning. Cole is great at explaining things in ways that are easy to understand. His teaching methods encourage hands-on practice after watching a demonstration which helped me quickly learn the skills. Thanks to Cole’s coaching I have not had a day fly fishing without a catch and have found a new hobby!"

And more!

So where do you start??

Whether you want to fly fish, and have no idea where to start, or you have returned with more frustration than fish - I can help. If coaching is where you think we should start, book a call with me through my discovery call page.

Still unsure if coaching could help you? I know where we can start, and it's FREE.

I wrote this free guide, sharing nine things that have been transformative in my fly fishing journey. These have been my biggest "aha moments" and I want you to have them for free. Your journey starts now.

  • Best equipment

  • Local river tip

  • Choosing a fly fishing style

  • Easiest knot (in my opinion)

  • Top fly recommendations

  • And more!

Download Your Free Guide!

How to not suck at fly fishing (9 tips from someone who's been there)

No spam! Unsubscribe at any time.

Call (385) 442-7222

Email: colelyonflyfishing@gmail.com

Site: colelyonflyfishing.com