Guiding in Silence: A Deaf Fly Fishing Guide’s Unique Approach to the River

With: deafflyfish

We caught up with James on a crisp morning not far from the headwaters, just as the sun started to spill over the ridgeline. He's one of those anglers who doesn’t just fish rivers — he listens to them, quietly and deeply. James isn’t your average fly fishing guide. As someone who’s deaf, he’s had to carve his own path into guiding, learning to tune into the water in ways most of us miss. His story is one of grit, grace, and connection — not just to fish, but to the wild places that hold them.

James, how did you first get into fly fishing, and what role has it played in your life over the years?

Fly fishing started for me just four years ago.

Back then, I was traveling around and living out of a van. During those travels, I would often see fly fishermen out on rivers or near alpine lakes, and I was always fascinated by it.

It took me a while to build up the courage to walk into a fly shop and get started until I moved to Colorado to work as a park ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park. That’s when I finally stepped into Kirk’s Fly Shop, and I’ve been in love with fly fishing ever since.

Since then, fly fishing has taken me to some of the most scenic and wild places. I love how it pushes me deep into the backcountry, always in search of the beautiful trout that live in those remote waters.

Out there, I find peace and solitude. It’s deeply meditative, a reminder of why we need these wild places, and why it’s so important to protect them.

What have been some of the biggest challenges — and unexpected advantages — of being a deaf fly fishing guide?

Being a deaf fly fishing guide definitely comes with its unique challenges but also some unexpected advantages that have really shaped the way I guide and connect with people.

Challenges:

One of the biggest challenges has been communication. Many clients expect verbal instructions, especially when it comes to safety or technique. So I’ve had to be creative using hand signals, written notes, or even pre-trip demonstrations to make sure everything is clear. It also requires a bit more planning to establish trust and comfort, especially with clients who may not be familiar with interacting with a deaf guide.

Advantages:

At the same time, my deafness has given me an advantage in other ways. I’ve developed a strong sense of visual awareness, which helps me notice subtle things on the water like fish movement, insect activity, or changes in current that others might miss. It also helps me connect more deeply with the environment and guide with a calm, observant presence.

Another unexpected benefit is the way it encourages clients to slow down and become more present. Since we’re not relying on constant talking, the experience often becomes more immersive for them. I’ve had clients tell me they appreciated the quiet and felt more connected to nature because of it.

How do you communicate with clients on the water, and has that changed the way you guide compared to others?

Being deaf has definitely shaped how I guide. I use clear hand signals, body language, and visual cues to communicate with clients. Before we get on the water, I take time to explain everything upfront which helps set a clear, comfortable tone for the day. It actually helps clients slow down and become more aware of their surroundings. A lot of people tell me they learn better that way because they’re really seeing and experiencing things, not just hearing instructions.

How has your perspective as a deaf angler influenced the way you approach fly fishing and connect with nature?

Being a deaf angler has definitely changed how I experience fly fishing. Since I don’t rely on sound, I tend to notice a lot more visually like how the water moves, when a fish rises, or small changes in the weather. It’s made me really in tune with what’s happening around me.

Fly fishing is super peaceful for me. Without the distraction of noise, it feels more meditative and calming. I think I connect with nature in a quieter, deeper way because of that.

It’s also changed how I guide. I focus a lot on helping people slow down and really pay attention to the details. A lot of clients tell me it makes them feel more connected to the experience and the outdoors, that’s what I love most about it.

If you could fish anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be and what species would you be chasing?

If I could fly fish anywhere in the world for one day, I’d head up to Alaska to fish for Dolly Varden or Arctic Char. There’s just something about those fish, their colors, the places they live, and the challenge they bring.

Alaska feels like one of the last true wild frontiers, and fishing for char or dollies up there would be an incredible mix of adventure and pure fly fishing excitement. Plus, I’ve always been drawn to remote places that make you work for it where the journey is just as rewarding as the catch.