Josh Smitherman
Signature Tyer
HOMEWATERS – I get to call the Texas Hill Country my home waters. There are more creek and river miles in the Hill Country than I could fish in a lifetime. I typically enjoy fishing the small, clear creeks more than the large rivers in the area. I’m also only a few hours away from the Gulf Coast where the redfish are plentiful and eager to eat. Although I wouldn’t consider it home water, it definitely gets a lot of my attention.
ABOUT – I grew up in a small town in Central Texas. With not a lot to do around town, fishing was always a great way to pass the time. This led to many days pond-hopping for bass. I first picked up a fly rod when I was 18 and haven’t been able to focus on much else since. With my first fly rod purchase also came a fly tying vise. I was lucky enough to have a great tying community and learn from other fly designers in the area. Fly tying quickly became one of my biggest passions. Tying flies has allowed me to creatively solve problems that I encounter on the water. There are so many variables to consider when tying that make a difference in how a fly will fish. Sometimes the slightest change will be what seals the deal on a picky fish. Figuring out those changes are what drive me to tie up new, creative flies that will solve that problem fish.
Now I enjoy giving knowledge back to the community that has taught me so much. I am fortunate enough to be able to run most of the fly tying classes at Living Waters Fly Fishing in Round Rock, Texas. In addition to running classes, I get to share knowledge through presentations to different fly fishing clubs and other events around the country.
HOMEWATERS – I get to call the Texas Hill Country my home waters. There are more creek and river miles in the Hill Country than I could fish in a lifetime. I typically enjoy fishing the small, clear creeks more than the large rivers in the area. I’m also only a few hours away from the Gulf Coast where the redfish are plentiful and eager to eat. Although I wouldn’t consider it home water, it definitely gets a lot of my attention.
ABOUT – I grew up in a small town in Central Texas. With not a lot to do around town, fishing was always a great way to pass the time. This led to many days pond-hopping for bass. I first picked up a fly rod when I was 18 and haven’t been able to focus on much else since. With my first fly rod purchase also came a fly tying vise. I was lucky enough to have a great tying community and learn from other fly designers in the area. Fly tying quickly became one of my biggest passions. Tying flies has allowed me to creatively solve problems that I encounter on the water. There are so many variables to consider when tying that make a difference in how a fly will fish. Sometimes the slightest change will be what seals the deal on a picky fish. Figuring out those changes are what drive me to tie up new, creative flies that will solve that problem fish.
Now I enjoy giving knowledge back to the community that has taught me so much. I am fortunate enough to be able to run most of the fly tying classes at Living Waters Fly Fishing in Round Rock, Texas. In addition to running classes, I get to share knowledge through presentations to different fly fishing clubs and other events around the country.