River Guide
My name is Howard Leavitt and I’ve been a River Guide with Fly Fishing Outfitters for 15 years. I’m originally from Connecticut but have been in the Vail Valley for 47 years.
I’m passionate about appreciating where I live and enjoying the many recreational opportunities provided by living in such a special place.
I love sharing the outdoor experience with anyone ready to appreciate it. My first experience with flyfishing was when a friend from Scotland broke my spinning rod over his knee and showed me the light. Since then, I’ve been blessed to have experienced bonefishing in Mexico several times and, of course, fishing in the Vail Valley. The Valley is a great place to fish as our rivers provide the opportunity to catch several species of trout, and are readily accessible.
To help new fishermen on guided trips, I walk them through the process, step-by-step. They appreciate having an understanding of not just how, but why. My ideal customer is someone who appreciates adventure and new experiences. I’m just wired to be a teacher.
The best part of sharing my knowledge with others is watching them achieve success, whether actually catching a fish or simply perfecting a good drift (which increases their chances of catching a fish!) Decades of experience teaching skiing and fly fishing pay off.
Helping improve casting technique to set them up for greater success is another big part of success. My other piece of advice to a struggling fly fisherman would be to slow down, relax, and enjoy the view. Learn to read the water and find the right speed. That’s where the fish will be.
