My name is Spencer Pelham, and I guess you could say I was born with pretty good “fintuition”. No one in my family fly fished or tied flies, so I'm not sure why I gravitated to this crazy world of grain weights and feathers on hooks, but it sure did become more than just an interest pretty quickly.
I'm married to my high school sweetheart and the woman of my dreams. We have two dogs, which are enough for us, so no, we don't plan on having kids. I love fishing for whatever swims and will eat a well-presented fly. I enjoy the challenge of a new species learning new techniques or fisheries, and “cracking the code”. I spend most of my time guiding on the Clackamas for salmon and steelhead, and on my days off the river, you'll find me at the shop to help with whatever you folks need! I can't wait to meet you guys and settle in with this rad team!
Contact info:
Getting to Know Spencer
Q: What first got you into fly fishing?
A: I love all forms of fishing, but there are two things I can pinpoint; the fact that you're always getting better at casting and learning on the water, and the challenge of doing something in a more difficult and meaningful way.
Q: You clearly have a passion to fish, why did you first decide to become a fly fishing guide?
A: Sharing my love for the outdoors and being away from the “noise” our daily lives can bring is a true gift I get to give those who want to come fishing.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a fly fishing guide?
A: I think we all want our clients to catch, but my main goal at the end of the day is for you to go home with the knowledge you desire of a fishery and the self-confidence to do it on your own.
Q: What species of fish do you help clients target?
A: Steelhead, Salmon, Trout, and Smallmouth Bass
Q: Why do you choose fly fishing over all other forms?
A: At least if nothing gets caught, I can go home feeling like I got better at something whether it was a cast or fly design.
Q: Do you tie your own flies?
A: Yes, it's part of the fun/obsession.
Q: What are your personal favorite species to chase when you aren’t guiding?
A: winter steelhead for the pursuit and the places they live, smallmouth bass because they are simply badass fish, and you'll learn I have a soft spot for chum.
Q: If you could travel to one place to fly fish where would it be and for what species of fish?
A: Hmmm, I've only fished in Oregon so I'd take any trip really; but that's a lame answer. A place that's been on my mind for a while though is BC.
Q: If you could give advice to someone just starting into fly fishing what advice would you give them? (Besides always shopping at NWFFO of course)
A: Practice before you want to go fishing, so your fishing time isn't spent practicing.
Q: What is your most memorable fly fishing trip?
A: I haven't had the opportunity to fly fish outside of Oregon yet, but I remember the first time I went chum fishing I learned the value of an 8wt or 9wt for salmon very quickly after breaking a 6wt almost immediately.
Q: What is your most memorable fish caught?
A: My first winter steelhead on the swing.
Q: What is your most memorable fish lost?
A: Belive it or not, a smallmouth bass. Haunts me every time I drive by its home…
