Written by: Will Lillard, Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions
Matthew Owen (right) spent his summer guiding clients in Alaska, fulfilling his dream.
Photo courtesy Matthew Owen
At the age of 17, Matthew Owen became one of the youngest to receive Orvis’s “Trout Bum of the Week” honors. The story of how his obsession with fly fishing helped him persevere through adversity first caught my eye in a series of Orvis Blog post back in 2012. (See here and here.) Impressed by his passion for fly fishing, I awarded Matthew a scholarship for a spot on Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions teen fly-fishing adventure in Colorado. Matthew quickly established himself as one of the most skilled fishermen and mature leaders in our group. (You can read all about his experience here.)
When he told me his dream job was to be a fly fishing guide, I knew he had the skills and drive to make it happen.
This summer, Matthew will be leading expeditions of kids just like him.
Photo courtesy Matthew Owen
Three years later, I am happy to report that Matthew is still living up to his Trout Bum of the Week honors. Last summer, he packed his bags for Alaska and accomplished his lifelong goal of becoming a fly-fishing guide. I am even happier to report that this summer he will be back at Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions—not as a camper, but as a guide. Ever since he started a fly-fishing club at his high school, sharing his love for fly fishing with others has been as important to Matthew as fishing himself.
He is truly a perfect fit for leading Lillard Fly Fishing Expedition’s teen fly fishing adventures. This summer he will be co-leading our teen fly fishing adventures in North Carolina, Maine, and Colorado.