Who are the top fly fishers today?

[LadyFisher]

Here's one which might get some interesting discussion.
While talking to a friend the other day, he mentioned a person who he said was "one of the top ten" fly fishers in the world.

I had never heard the person's name in connection with any fly fishing "greatness" and it got me to thinking.

Who would you name as the 'top ten' fly fishers? (I certainly wouldn't include either of us, we don't fish enough any more.)

Any names come to mind?

[clyde holmes]

One name jumped right in my brain. John Shewy. Besides hes local

[gonfishn]

In my mind or the mind of others?
how would you define the top?
Contributions to the sport,casting ability,sheer numbers of fish caught,species caught?

[John Rhoades]

Before naming them, perhaps everyone should agree on the criteria for determining what it takes to get into the top 10.

p.s. I think I'm one of the top 10, but maybe not everyone will agree.

John

[Gramps]

Lefty Kreh has to be right up there.

[Heritage Angler]

Hi LF - I've had the pleasure to fish with Gary Borger. To say he is a good fisherman is a gross underestimation of his skills. I would think he has to be regarded as one of the best EVER. Another great fisherman that comes to mind is Joe Humphreys of Pennsylvania. He is a LEGEND here in PA, and still holds the record for the largest brown trout in our state. IMHO, these two individuals sit at the pinnacle of our sport, and they're just plain nice people as well.

[Dave E]

Alive "Today" that's the twister. Kreh & Whitlock but after that?
The Kman, Combs, Popovics & Clouser would be on my short list, but those simply typify my interests in the sport.


After a little more thought, my final draft.

Lefty Kreh
Stu Apte
Dave Whitlock
Randall Kaufmann
Chico Fernandez
Bob Clouser
Bob Popovics
Trey Combs
Renee Harrop
Dave Hughes

There have been others who've influenced my fishing greatly.....

[rookie]

I am with gonfishin. What are the defining characteristics?



Steve (Rookie)

[DG]

Certified or uncertified?

I'm not going to vote, because so far I haven't fished with any of them that anyone else would have heard of.

[fish4trout]

If he fishes half as well as he ties my vote goes for AK Best!