Est. 2008

The Gem City aka Dayton, Ohio is home to a rich history of innovation, creativity, and sustainability through one of the largest Metropark systems in the nation. Surrounded by 5 rivers and a 1.5 trillion gallon aquifer, the Gem City provides endless opportunities for anglers pursing fish on the fly.

Explore our beautiful and scenic rivers including the Great Miami, Little Miami, Stillwater and Ohio’s premier brown trout stream, the Mad River. Take a break from the daily grind and experience the beauty the Greater Dayton area has to offer.

Hometown guides chasing hometown species including: the rod bending smallmouth, reel screaming carp, or the elusive brown on the dry.

Trout bums and smallmouth junkies, stay up to date with the Dayton Fly Fishing Company. Browse our fishing reports, recommend patterns, to recent guided trips on our waterways. Let us give you the local experience that will last a lifetime.

Founder: Matthew “Pescado” Parker

A true “locally grown” product of Dayton’s Gem City, I have spent a lifetime decoding the waterways of Southwest Ohio. From the technical currents of the Mad River to the scenic stretches of the Stillwater, Great Miami, Twin Creek, and the Brookville Tailwater, my obsession with my home waters is the driving force behind my career. Known since childhood by the nickname “Pescado,” my journey from a kid on the banks of the Little Miami to a professional guide is a testament to a life lived entirely by the water’s edge.

I transitioned from passionate angler to professional guide by a pair of local fly fishing pioneers at the Rusty Drake. Seeing Tom and Bill establish Dayton as a legitimate fly fishing destination provided the blueprint for my own dreams. Their mentorship proved that the Great Miami and Little Miami river corridors were more than just local streams—they could be destination fisheries waiting to be shared.

What sets me apart from the average guide is a deep-rooted foundation in the life sciences. As a trained Wildlife and Conservation Biologist, I spent over a decade serving as a biologist for Five Rivers MetroParks. During this tenure, I worked on the front lines protecting the very natural areas and river corridors I now fish. This biological background allows me to offer clients a “fish-eye view” of the river, blending technical angling with insights into entomology, river morphology, and ecosystem health.

My influence on the fly fishing industry extends beyond the boat. For over ten years, I served as the General Manager of ReelFlyRod, helping to build the business into one of the premier fly shops in the United States. This experience at the top tier of the fly fishing retail world gave me a global perspective on gear, industry trends, and the high standards of service required to provide a world-class outdoor experience.

While my heart remains in the Ohio waterways, my pursuit of fish have taken me across North and South America fishing species you read in magazines. Having also fly fished in 45 states, I brings a wealth of diverse experience back to my local clients. My new career in the finance administration world as a Sourcing Director at the University of Dayton brings new balance to family, work, and fly fishing. My focus remains on precision, strategy, and the preservation of the sport.

Today, I continue to share my local expertise and biological insights through 20 plus years of guiding services. I remain a vocal advocate for the Dayton river systems, proving daily that you don’t have to travel across the globe to find exceptional fly fishing. 

Book your next adventure on the Mad River, Great Miami, Brookville Tailwater, Little Miami, Twin Creek, or the Stillwater River with a certified fish bum.

Contact Details

Phone: 740-591-4829
Email: 1stcast@gmail.com

Social Presence

Address

Fish Bum River Rd.

Dayton, Ohio 45410