Founder's Story: A Lifelong Journey with Fly Fishing

Stephen Rock’s journey with fly fishing started much like yours might—with a deep curiosity and an eagerness to connect with nature at a deeper level. A Marine Veteran with over 30 years of experience in financial services and higher education, Stephen has held roles in software business analysis, project management, Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Agile coaching. Yet, through every career milestone, one passion remained constant over those 30 years: the art and science of fly fishing.

Growing up in Dunstable, Massachusetts, and later making New Hampshire his home, Stephen has spent decades exploring the waters of New England. From the legendary Upper Dam pools of Maine to the striped bass flats of Cape Cod, he’s pursued native brook trout, stripers, smallmouth bass, pike, and panfish with the same enthusiasm and curiosity that first drew him to the sport.

Like many dedicated fly fishers, Stephen became fascinated with the mechanics of casting, the behavior of fish, and the intricate ecosystems that connect it all. Wanting to deepen his understanding and share it with others, he became a certified Casting Instructor through the Federation of Fly Fishers in 2005. Teaching quickly became a passion, leading him to earn his New Hampshire Fishing Guide license and offer hands-on instruction to anglers eager to learn.

However, life has its seasons. In the wake of the 2008 economic downturn, Stephen shifted focus to his full-time career, pressing pause on his guiding and instruction. But the love of fly fishing never faded—it only grew stronger.

Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, Stephen has returned to his fly fishing roots. He launched his new business: “Fly Fishing New England” along with the corresponding community focused Facebook page “Facebook.com/FlyFishingNE”. And in March 2025, he passed New Hampshire’s newly implemented Fishing Guide oral board and written exam, a rigorous process ensuring that licensed guides meet the highest professional standards. Always striving to refine his teaching, his next step is to attend the prestigious Joan Wulff School for Casting Instructors.

Today, Stephen offers a range of personalized services, from custom casting clinics to immersive guided adventures. Whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or looking to refine your skills, his goal is simple: to help you discover the thrill, serenity, and lifelong rewards that fly fishing offers.

For Stephen, fly fishing is more than a pastime—it’s a way of life, a never-ending journey of learning, and a connection to something bigger than ourselves. He’s here to help you navigate your own path on the water, in nature, and in pursuit of a passion that lasts a lifetime.