Tim Cammisa: Educator, Fly Fisher, and the Voice Behind Trout and Feather

The Fly Box LLC
Mar 13, 2025
5 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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In the world of fly fishing, some names become synonymous with passion, education, and innovation. Tim Cammisa is one of those names. From his beginnings as a dedicated angler to becoming a leading educator and content creator, Cammisa has built a platform that has helped thousands of fly fishers navigate the sport. Through his website Trout and Feather, YouTube channel, and books, he has established himself as a trusted voice in fly tying and fishing education.

From Passion to Profession

Fly fishing has been a lifelong addiction for Cammisa, who has spent the last 35 years chasing fish with a fly rod. Interestingly, his journey to becoming an industry expert was shaped by his background as an elementary school teacher. Currently teaching 6th-grade Science and Social Studies, his ability to break down complex topics and engage learners translated seamlessly into the fly fishing world.

“Having a few more weeks off in the summer pushed me toward guiding,” Cammisa recalled. He spent multiple seasons guiding on the Delaware River, specializing in dry flies and emergers. That experience, combined with his love for education, eventually led him to create instructional content. “I leaned on my education background and started creating YouTube fly tying videos,” he says. “It was a rough start—I had no idea what I was doing! But I loved sharing my thoughts and experiences with others.”

That passion has since fueled an evolving content platform, featuring interviews with fly fishing legends like Tom Rosenbauer and Joe Humphreys. Now, in 2025, he has returned to producing fly tying tutorials, embracing the deep connection they build among anglers worldwide.

The Birth and Growth of Trout and Feather

As his YouTube channel grew, Tim recognized the need for a more structured way for his audience to access his videos. That realization led to the creation of his website, Trout and Feather. “It was a long process setting everything up,” he explained, “but my goal was clear: to help lessen the learning curve in fly fishing and tying.”

That mission has taken many forms. In addition to his instructional videos, Cammisa hosts destination fly fishing trips to locations like Iceland and Alaska, presents at The Fly Fishing Show, and conducts virtual fly tying classes. His two published books have only reinforced his standing as an authority in the field. “I am truly humbled by how many people consider Trout and Feather a valuable resource,”

A Natural Teacher: Writing and Educating

Cammisa’s success as an author began unexpectedly. “Jay Nichols from Stackpole Books messaged me on Facebook asking if I knew someone interested in writing a fly tying book,” he remembered. “I was floored. I didn’t reply for days—I thought it had to be for someone else!”

That message eventually resulted in his first book, Fly Tying for Everyone, which was designed to help beginners and intermediate fly tiers refine their craft. The response to the book was overwhelmingly positive, paving the way for his next project: Tying Euro Nymphs and Other Competition Favorites.

“This was an amazing project,” Cammisa says. “Imagine talking to over 30 of the best Euro nymphers and fly tiers in the world, compiling their thoughts and experiences into one book—that’s what I got to do.” The book delves deep into Euro nymphing techniques, covering gear recommendations, leader formulas, and fishing strategies. With contributions from top-tier anglers like Devin Olsen, Howard Croston, Tom Rosenbauer, Lance Egan, and George Daniel, it serves as both a tying guide and a fly fishing masterclass.

Mastering Euro Nymphing and Fly Design

Euro nymphing has become an essential tool in many anglers’ arsenals, and Cammisa is a firm advocate for the method. “Euro nymphing allows us to present flies more naturally to fish,” he explains. “The best part is you don’t need to buy an entirely new setup. Just start with your current rod and add a Euro leader. Of course, many anglers upgrade to a 10’6” 3-weight, which provides distinct advantages.”

Beyond fishing techniques, fly design remains one of Cammisa’s great passions. “Solving problems at the vise sparks curiosity and creativity,” he says. Among his many patterns, one that stands the test of time is The Sneak Attack, a Euro nymph inspired by Perdigon flies. “With its slender body and high-visibility thorax between a black abdomen and matte black bead, it simply catches fish,” he says.

Engaging the Fly Fishing Community

As a respected educator, Cammisa has been a featured presenter at events like the International Fly Tying Symposium and the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo. “As a young teenager, my father took me to The Fly Fishing Show, and I still remember receiving casting instruction from Lefty Kreh,” he recalls. “Now, to see my name listed as a featured presenter next to the legends I looked up to—it’s surreal.”

The rise of virtual events has also expanded his reach. While travel limitations once made it difficult for him to attend all the in-person events he was invited to, virtual presentations now allow him to connect with fly fishing groups across the country.

Giving Back Through Project Healing Waters

One of Cammisa’s most rewarding endeavors is his work with Project Healing Waters, an organization dedicated to helping disabled military veterans through fly fishing.

“During the early days of my YouTube channel, I organized a fundraiser to raise awareness for PHW,” he says. “Through the years, I’ve volunteered in person, helping veterans become better anglers. The moments spent on the water with PHW Pittsburgh are some of my most treasured of the year.”

Advice for Aspiring Anglers

For those just getting started in fly fishing and tying, Cammisa’s advice is simple: stick with it. “There’s a steep learning curve that we all go through,” he acknowledges. “Take advantage of local resources—visit a fly shop, join a Trout Unlimited group, or follow a few select YouTube channels. There’s so much information out there, but focusing on a few key resources will help.”

For those looking to stay up to date with his latest content, workshops, and books, Cammisa recommends following Trout and Feather on social media and visiting his website. “I post updates frequently, and my speaking page is updated regularly with all my public events,” he says. “If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!”

Looking Ahead

With new projects always on the horizon, Cammisa remains dedicated to teaching and sharing his love of fly fishing. “Absolutely, and I encourage your readers to find a local group where they can volunteer, too,” he says. Whether through books, presentations, or hands-on workshops, his goal remains the same: to inspire, educate, and connect the fly fishing community.

Where To Find Tim

Instagram/TikTok: TroutandFeather

Learn more from his website HERE

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

Subscribe today and use promo code: "TroutandFeather" at checkout for 15% off and we'll donate 25% MORE to charity for exclusive interviews, insider tips, and to support fly fishing charities with every subscription—50% of all subscription fees go directly to a different fly fishing charity each month!