Craig Amacker

My very first fly line at age 11 was a Scientific Anglers AirCel Supreme for fishing bluegill in a pond by my parents’ house beginning a long history with SA and an addiction that won’t quit. I’ve been involved in the fly fishing industry since shortly after the release of “A River Runs Thru It” working in retail as a buyer and store manager, a Tech Rep, and a fly fishing guide and instructor. Currently I operate my own guide business, Madison Fly Fishing Company specializing in walk/wade trout and smallmouth bass fishing in the Driftless Area and I’m the Lead Instructor for the Orvis Wisconsin Fly Fishing School. When not chasing trout and smallmouth bass; I travel to the Caribbean in pursuit of saltwater species, and South America in pursuit of golden dorado, peacock bass, and trout.

1. Home water? I’m a walk/wade trout and smallmouth bass guide in the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin.  The area has a large concentration of publicly accessible spring creeks teeming with wild brown and brook trout that are picturesque and fun to fish.  It’s one of the finest walk/wade trout fisheries in the lower 48 and a special place to fish.
2. What 2-3 lines do you use the most and why? The MPX is my primary go to line because it’s a versatile line that throws nymphs, streamers, dries, and dry/dropper rigs well.  It also loads faster action rods easily making for a better forward cast.  I also like the Bass Bug Taper for my smallmouth bass trips because it casts bulky poppers and baitfish patterns well with a minimum of false casting.  And for my forays to the tropics I like the Amplitude Smooth Bonefish taper because it casts well and lands softly in skinny water.
3. Where would you most like to fish? Rio Marie, Brazil for giant Peacock Bass, and Canada for trophy pike.
4. Two Truths and a Lie. 
I have a severe case of Gear Acquisition Syndrome(G.A.S.), I love to saltwater fly fish, I turned my wife into a fly fishing addict.