Founder's Story: A Lifelong Journey with Fly Fishing

As a Marine Veteran, Stephen Rock has spent over 30 years building a diverse career in the financial services and higher education with roles ranging from software business analysis to project management, Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Agile coach. Yet, amidst his professional growth, one passion grew even stronger: the art and science of fly fishing.

Stephen’s fly fishing journey began in southern New Hampshire, where he immersed himself in the region’s waters. Originally from Dunstable, Mass., Stephen has lived (and fished) in Nashua, Keene, Durham and now in the serene landscapes of the Lakes Region. He has explored New England’s waters far and wide—from the Cape’s striper flats to the legendary Upper Dam pools. Whether targeting stripers, native brook trout, small mouth bass, or panfish, Stephen approaches every fishing opportunity with curiosity and enthusiasm, embracing the endless possibilities of the sport.

Like many dedicated fly fishers, Stephen became captivated by the intricacies of casting, fish behavior, and the ecosystems that connect them all. To deepen his understanding and share his knowledge with others, he pursued and earned his Federation of Fly Fishers Casting Instructor certification. Teaching others quickly became a passion, and he paired this with his NH Fishing Guide’s license, offering on-the-water instruction to those eager to discover the joys of fly fishing.

However, life brought its challenges, and as the 2008 economic downturn unfolded, Stephen refocused his energy on his full-time career, and put the fly fishing school and guiding services on hold. Still, the spark for fly fishing never faded.

Now, as Stephen looks ahead to the next chapter of his life, he’s returning to his fly fishing roots with renewed energy and purpose. He’s currently preparing for the updated and rigorous NH Guide’s exam and oral board scheduled for Spring 2025, as well as updating his teaching skills to incorporate the latest instructional techniques.

By late Spring or early Summer 2025, Stephen plans to offer a range of services, from casting clinics to personalized guiding adventures. His goal is to help anglers of all levels discover the thrill, serenity, and community that fly fishing offers.

Stephen believes life is a learning curve, and he’s here to help you navigate yours—on the water, in nature, and in pursuit of a passion that can last a lifetime.