I posted this question on the "Fly Anglers Online" board. Sagefisher suggested that I also post it here (Thanks, Sagefisher)...
I have searched all over the net but could not locate anything close. I was hoping to find the authors name or title:

Does anyone remember (or know of) a short story about a poor boy who loved flyfishing in his local brook, who agreed to show a visiting stranger his favorite spots? The visiting man later mailed the boy a brand new cane fly rod, with his compliments, as a thank you. The man turned out to be a famous rod maker (cannot remember his name). I cannot remember the author's name, but it was in a book of short stories from the 1960's, possibly earlier. I remember reading it as a student in school back then. I would love to find a copy. Guess I am getting nostalgic in my middle age. Thanks.