About

Hi, I'm Liam. I guide fly fishing in Connecticut.

I started Chocolate Dog Fly Fishing to share what I love about being on the water: exploring new places, figuring out a stretch of river, and slowing down enough to enjoy it.

I'm based in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and spend much of my time fishing the Salmon River, local small streams and Connecticut's wild trout waters. Roaring Brook and the Salmon River are my home waters. I'm especially drawn to the quieter places where a careful approach and a little patience can make all the difference.

The dogs behind the name

The dogs are a big part of my fishing and the identity of this brand. Chocolate Labs have a reputation for being rambunctious and rowdy, while their field-trained cousins are known for steadiness. I think that craziness can be honed, and I try to embrace the wildness of the chocolate dog rather than fight it.

I've had four chocolate Labs in my life, and two remain. When I'm scouting new water, they give me constant reasons to stop and appreciate the nature and beauty around me. They also boulder through pools like it's no one else's business, and they can be a nightmare on float trips.

Like a chocolate Lab, we're willing to run right in and deal with the consequences later.

That spirit runs through how I fish and guide. We're a little different, a little crazy, and always happy to be on the water.

How I guide

As a licensed Connecticut fishing guide, I want to make fly fishing feel approachable. If you have never picked up a fly rod, you're welcome here. We'll work through casting, choosing flies and reading the water at your pace, with plenty of room for questions along the way.

My trips focus on enjoying the experience, building confidence, and treating the fish and their habitat with care. My goal is for you to leave with a few good memories and the confidence to get back out there yourself.

How I got here

I'm a self-taught fly fisherman, and I grew up all over the country, always near water. I spent time in the Litchfield Hills and near Bear Creek outside Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, close to well-known spring creeks and trout fisheries. I went to Syracuse University, where I was part of the Syracuse Outing Club, and fishing and hiking were a big part of my life there, including the steelhead run nearby.

Hiking is still part of how I find new water. I've done several multi-day trips on the Appalachian Trail, day trips on the Pemi Loop and Mount Greylock, and other Appalachian Trail sections.

Waters that shaped how I fish

MontanaSeveral trips to fish the Yellowstone, Madison and Gallatin, and spring creeks like DePuy's and Armstrong.

Delaware systemTime spent honing my skills on the Upper West Branch of the Delaware.

MassachusettsGold-ribbon trout waters, including the Deerfield River and the Swift River.

Conservation comes first

I take a traditional approach to fly fishing, trying to imitate and learn from the skills and lessons of the anglers who came before us. That comes with a strong emphasis on conservation: keeping fish wild and returning them to their habitat unharmed, as best we can.