Lucas Smith splits his time between Pittsburgh and Colorado. When in Pennsylvania, he guides throughout the Allegheny Valley area and Ohio for trout or smallmouth. From November to April he specializes in chasing steelhead trout coming out of Lake Erie into rivers and tributaries. Kay Jackson, FWFF vice president for speakers, and her husband Les fished with Lucas in March, had fun and learned so much from Lucas she invited him to speak to the club.
At the Oct. 3 membership meeting, Lucas will introduce us to his region and review the flies, rod choices and fishing techniques he uses to catch these big guys. Lucas will also cover streamer techniques and effective flies he uses for not only steelhead but other species. He spent the summer on the Colorado River as a guide for Pat Dorsey’s shop Blue Quill Angler, where he served as lead float and wade guide.
Lucas is stopping in Fort Worth on his way back to Pittsburgh, where you can find him at International Angler, a full-service fly shop. He will also briefly discuss some destination trips offered through International Angler.
Lucas attended West Virginia University, where he was an original member of the school’s fly-fishing club. After graduating in 2017, he spent four months working for Kenai Cache Outfitters in Cooper Landing, Alaska. In 2020 Lucas attended Sweetwater Travel Co.’s premier fly fishing guiding school where he training with an array of experienced guides.
Upon his return to Pittsburgh, Lucas started his own guiding company, What That Vise Do: A Fly Tying and Guiding Operation. In 2022, Lucas accepted a position with The Blue Quill Angler as a lead float and wade guide, fulfilling his dream of becoming a full-time fly fishing guide.
