Chris Williamson - Puyallup, Washington

My name is Chris Williamson. I grew up in the shadow of Mount Rainier in western Washington. I have been fishing my whole life but I didn't start fly fishing until later on. Finally in 2020 I started tying flies. I have always been an artist so tying was just fun to me. Blending materials, colors, and then using these patterns to catch fish and enjoy the outdoors. It didn't get much better than that. In the spring I volunteer with the Seattle chapter of the Mayfly Project and mentor foster children through fly fishing. We teach the children about fly fishing, tying, entomology, and conservation.

Fly Tying Experience

Years Tying Flies: Since 2020

How You Got Started

I started out buying flies from a local big box store and quickly realized these flies were not up to my standards. The hooks would break left and right, tungsten beads were splitting in half, and they were just basically falling apart. I started tying my own flies and using quality hooks and tungsten. I was able to tailor these patterns to fit the needs of my home water. If I had a spot in mind with a fast riffle into a deep short bucket, I could tie a pattern that would just drop right in. I found myself quickly becoming a bug nerd. I was catching bugs in petri dishes and taking macro photos just so I could use it to help tie patterns for specific waters.

Favorite Species & Waters

Target Species: Trout, salmon, steelhead
Favorite Waters to Fish: I fish a huge variety of water from mountain high lakes, to central Washington tailwaters and coastal rivers

Fly Tying Style & Specialties

I tie a lot of trout bugs. I would say my specialty is probably stoneflies, big heavy nymphs, and also big foam adults. I also like to tie trout streamers and tube/intruder patterns.

Why You Trust Firehole

I have been fishing Firehole hooks for a long time. The hooks are super sharp and barbless. Firehole makes a variety of hook shapes that I have built patterns around and these patterns just would not look the same on any other hook.

Social Media & Links

• Instagram: lessthancivilized