Chris Johnson, owner and founder of Living Waters Fly Fishing, a fly shop and guide service based out of Round Rock, will present an update on the cutthroat restoration project on the Rio Costilla in Valle Vidal in northern New Mexico and discuss fly fishing in the historical Republic of Texas region. Make plans now to attend the April 4 meeting at 7 p.m. at the UNT Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd.

Chris’ interest in the Rio Grande Cutthroat is deep. He co-produced the short film “Unspoken,” in an effort to raise awareness for Rio Grande Cutthroat trout conservation. Living Waters is working with Trout Unlimited as a Gold Level-endorsed TU Business to restore Rio Grande Cutthroat throughout their native range. Chris also serves at the current state council chair for Texas Trout Unlimited and is the conservation chair for Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited.

He takes the long view when it comes to Texas fishing, focusing on the historic Republic of Texas territory that spanned what’s now Texas and also parts of today’s New Mexico, Colorado, and even Wyoming. He’ll take us on a fly fishing journey that begins in the waters of the Texas Hill Country and winds up in the high elevations of New Mexico and Colorado in pursuit of native cutthroats! From Rio Grande Cichlids to Rio Grande Cutthroat, he ties all the techniques together and might just inspire you to fly fish the Republic of Texas in a brand new way!

Chris has guided the Hill Country for 15 years, and has fly fished the heart of the state for over 20 years. Chris has been a licensed guide in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Alaska. He’s also an FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Umpqua Signature Fly Designer, Tenkara USA Guide, and TPWD Angler Educator Area Chief. He is a pro team member for Whiting Farms, Scott Fly Rods, Dyna-King, and Scientific Anglers.

Chris uses his passion for photography and cinema to help 

 

 

share the sport and invest in the next generation of fly anglers. He often is a featured presenter/fly tier at fly fishing, outdoor, and community events throughout the state. He and his shop have also been featured in several outdoor publications including Trout magazine, Garden and Gun, and Tenkara Magazine. He was awarded the 2014 Man of the Year from the FFI Texas Council and in the same year, Living Waters was the recipient of the FFI’s prestigious Lee Wulff Award.

 Chris is happily married to his wife, Emily, and together they enjoy fly fishing the world and raising their children in the sport.

Pin It on Pinterest