Featured Angler: From Gifted Rod to Lifelong Passion: Hunter Bowers’ Fly-Fishing Journey

The Fly Box LLC
Feb 7, 2025
4 min read

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter.

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Sometimes, passion finds you in the most unexpected ways. For Hunter Bowers, fly fishing wasn’t something he actively sought out—it was something that found its way to him.

It all started with an old Orvis Clearwater 5wt rod, gifted by an older gentleman in his LDS ward. At the time, Hunter was in high school and had no idea how to use it, so the rod sat untouched. But years later, when he spent a summer as a camp counselor near a river, his love for fishing was sparked in an unexpected way.

“That first taste of river fishing led me back to the Desouches River in Tumwater, Washington. I remembered seeing people fly fishing there when we had taken family photos, so I grabbed the Orvis Clearwater and gave it a shot. I think I only caught a few creek chubs and a small cutthroat trout, but it was so challenging, which made it so satisfying. From there, it just snowballed.”

A Memorable Catch That Changed Everything

Every angler has that one unforgettable fish—the one that cements their love for the sport. For Hunter, that moment came while indicator fishing with a tiny pheasant tail nymph.

“I was in a casting trance, not really thinking, when my indicator went up. I half-heartedly set the hook, thinking I was snagged. But when I tried to shake it free, ‘the bottom’ took off into the middle of the river! My heart was pounding.”

After a 10-minute battle, Hunter landed the biggest brown trout he’d ever caught—so big that only half of it fit in his net. “I immediately FaceTimed my mom to show her. I was so happy.” But beyond the size of the fish, it was a lesson in fly selection. “It taught me that even big fish eat tiny flies and plunged me deeper into the entomology side of fly fishing. That experience made me take the knowledge of the sport seriously.”

Sharing the Passion: How Instagram Became a Platform for Community

Fly fishing is often a solitary pursuit, but for Hunter, social media opened up an entirely new way to connect. What started as a way to fill time after a long-term relationship ended quickly grew into something bigger.

“I thought it would be cool to share my adventures on social media, but I didn’t realize it would get so much attention. Before long, I saw an opportunity—not only to document my journey but to help new anglers get excited about fly fishing while also engaging with more advanced anglers.”

His steelhead fishing videos in particular resonate with his audience, not just because of the fish but because of the passion behind them. “I love seeing people’s fish and connecting with them. I try to answer every DM I get so I can be their ‘Fishing Friend.’”

One of his favorite aspects of fly fishing is the camaraderie that comes with it. “Months later, I realized that I had a chance to help out other new and beginner fly fishermen be excited about the sport, as well as relate to more advanced fly fishermen.” For Hunter, it’s not just about the catch—it’s about the shared experiences, friendships, and community that make it all worthwhile.

Fishing Wisdom: Hunter’s Top Tips for Success

For those just starting out, Hunter has one key piece of advice: Presentation matters more than fly selection.

“Sure, having the ‘right’ flies is important, but how you present them matters even more. Your drift has to match the speed of the debris in the water. Mending is key—you don’t want to scare the fish.”

And when it comes to must-have gear? Hunter never hits the water without his trusty satchel, packed with flies, leaders, indicators, and other essentials for a successful day of fishing.

Dream Destinations and Future Goals

Like many anglers, Hunter dreams of chasing fish in Alaska, targeting salmon and steelhead in legendary waters. “I think it would be so fun to catch those big rainbows feeding on salmon eggs in between the salmon runs.”

But beyond dream destinations, Hunter has big aspirations for his fly-fishing journey. “I want to make a career out of it—traveling around fly fishing with my followers, teaching them how to catch fish while also learning from them. That would be the dream.”

Join the Journey

For those who want to follow along, connect, or learn from Hunter’s experience, you can find him here:

📍 Website: YourFishingFriend.com

📍 Instagram: @yourfishing_friend

You can also shop his super cool branded apparel HERE

It was a pleasure to get to know Hunter better, and this interview reminded all of us about the spirit and inspiration that accompanies fly fishing! With a fly rod in hand and a growing community by his side, Hunter Bowers is just getting started.

Casts That Care brings you in-depth stories, expert insights, and the best of the fly fishing community. Our content is always ad-free, never sponsored, and dedicated to providing unique, high-quality information.

Subscribe today for exclusive content, insider tips, and to support fly fishing charities with every subscription. 50% of your subscription fees go directly to a different fly fishing charity each month!