Interview with an Angler

Trout season is open here in the Adirondacks, so I decided to sit down with an avid angler to talk about his love of fishing.  

Moose River Plains
Moose River Plains

Charlie Warfield is an experienced fly fisherman that lives (and fishes!) in the Adirondacks. He works for  The Fly Shack in Gloversville, NY. He contributes monthly to The Angler and The Coastal Angler, as well as doing some other freelance writing.  He has his own YouTube channel, Modern Fly Fisher, where he publishes a weekly fly fishing/tying video, and a website, www.modernflyfisher.com  He is also a husband and father to three boys. 

So Charlie, how did you come to call the Adirondacks Home?

I came to the Adirondacks for a visit, and I just never left. I have even tried to leave a couple of times, but it seems like this is the place where I am supposed to be. I love the ADKs.

When did you start fishing?

Was it something you learned to love as a child or something you found when you got older?

My dad is a fisherman. He introduced me to fishing as a child and I have loved it ever since.

What is your favorite thing about fishing in the Adirondacks?

I love the beauty here. I also love that there is so much open and accessible land available to hike, fish, and explore.

I know fishermen tend to be very secretive about their favorite fishing holes...

Do you have any "go-to" fishing spots that you would be willing to share?

I love to fish the West Canada Creek, the Jessup, Piseco Lake, Indian River, and lots of small creeks and ponds in between.

Charlie Warfield Fly Fisherman
Charlie Warfield Fly Fisherman

Do your kids love to fish as much as you do?

They just love spending time outside with Mom and Dad. Once they are doing things outside, they have a great time. I hope that they find their own personal passion for fishing and the outdoors.

It certainly seems that they have parents who will help guide them to that love! 

You work for a Fly Fishing retailer, and you write for The Angler on Fly Fishing...

Is this your go-to type of fishing?

I love fly fishing the most, but I do like to get out and do a little lake trolling, and ice fishing when the season is right.

What is your favorite type of fish to Catch?

I love fishing for all kinds of fish, but my first love is wild trout.

Do you ever work as a guide?

When people are looking to get out and aren't quite sure exactly where to go, can you help?

Yes. I am licensed by the state as a guide for not only fishing, but hiking and camping as well.

What is your "must have" piece of equipment when you fish?

I am a bit of a gear head and because of my work in the industry, I have lots of awesome fishing gear that I love. But when you are fishing in the Adirondacks between the beginning of May and the end of August, the single most important thing to have is probably some good bug spray! 

Fly FIshing Adirondack
Fly FIshing Adirondack

Get Out There and Fish!

For Charlie, and many other people in the Adirondacks, fishing isn't just a hobby. It is a way of life. It's one of the few things you can do in the Adirondacks pretty much all year round. So get your license, grab your fishing gear and get out there! If you need some new equipment, make sure you check out some of the great local shops for supplies such as Hoss's Country Corner in Long Lake,  The Speculator Department Store in Speculator, Pines Country Store in Indian Lake, or The Inlet Department Store in Inlet. Be sure to read all local rules and regulations before fishing!

 

Lapland Lake Fishing
Lapland Lake Fishing

 Thanks Charlie - we hope to see you out on the water!

This week in ADK Mud Season news:

Spring wings

Two-fly Challenge

Dishin’ on Daffest Derby

Walk the walk

Wildflower season

Summer dreaming

Angler alert