For Kevin Howell, the quiet sport of fly fishing is in the blood: His father and uncle were both acclaimed North Carolina anglers and tyers and the co-owners and namesakes of famed Dwight and Don’s Custom Tackle. Howell has been guiding clients on Western North Carolina streams since the late 80s; after his father and uncle both passed away in the late 90s, he took over their beloved shop and combined it with his own: Pisgah Forest, North Carolina-based Davidson River Outfitters. While trout fishing has a special place in his heart, Howell spends the majority of the year fishing and guiding for smallmouth bass; he also coordinates and leads guided fishing trips to Montana, Brazil, Argentina, and beyond. Howell was a Federation of Fly Fishers-certified casting instructor and is a world-renowned fly tyer and Signature Fly Designer for Montana Fly Company, with patterns featured in numerous national industry publications. He is also a master fly rod builder; lure designer; speaker; competitive, award-winning angler; and the author of several books on fly fishing and fly tying. Howell was appointed by the legislature to the inaugural North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Council and North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Trust Fund, has served as the president of the Brevard Transylvania County Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. He was inducted into the Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame and the Legends of the Fly Hall of Fame. When not guiding or tying flies, Kevin Howell can be found fishing in his home waters with his two sons David and Andrew and his wife Mellissa.

Check back later to see what classes Kevin Howell will be teaching at our upcoming festival.