About DRO
Kevin Howell
Growing up as the son of a nationally known fly tier and fisherman, Kevin was fortunate enough to have fished in 2 foreign countries and 38 of 50 states before heading off to college. Kevin earned a BS in Technology and a BS in Education from Appalachian State University. After college, Kevin returned to the area and took a teaching job so that he could have his summers free to fish. While nearing completion of his Masters in Engineering, Kevin left his teaching job so that he could design houses for a living and have even more time for fishing. In 1997 Kevin took a job as Manager of Davidson River Outfitters. He was also helping his father run Dwight and Don's Custom Tackle. After his father passed away in 1998, Kevin took over the operation of Dwight and Don's Custom Tackle while remaining the Manager of Davidson River Outfitters. In 2000 Kevin purchased Davidson River Outfitters and combined the operation of the two businesses. Kevin has been guiding the streams of western north Carolina since the early eighties and knows most of the fish on a first name basis. While Trout fishing has a special place in his heart, Kevin spends the majority of the year fishing and guiding for Smallmouth Bass. Kevin has also put his vast knowledge of the sport into developing our school curriculum, and is also a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor. Kevin is also a nationally known flt tier and is currently the Fly-Tying Editor for Fly-Fishing the Mid Atlantic States. He has also had several of his original patterns published in various magazines as well as being produced by some of the national tying companies. When not guiding or tying flies Kevin can be found off in the far corners of the world hosting a trip,or looking for the next great fishing location in the world.
Walker Parrott
Growing up on the South Carolina coast, Walker was introduced to fishing as a child. Catching Redfish,Trout,Jacks and other inshore species. While completing high school in Sandpoiont Idaho, Walker was introduced to Mountain Trout fishing. Walker wanted to stay in the mountains, but live in the Southeast, so after completing Brevard College with a B.A. in Experimental Education. Walker settled in Brevard where he could fish the streams and rivers for Trout and Bass. After college, Walker took a job with an environmental engineering firm, which he soon left to pursue his passion of fishing and came to work at Davidson River Outfitters. Now, ten years later; Walker is managing the fly shop and guide service. Between working with a great staff in the shop and guiding trout and smallmouth trips, he has the perfect balance. While trout are the staple, Walker likes to float for Smallmouth Bass in T.N., N.C. and V.A. also throw cat size flies for Miss.Toothy, The Elusive Musky. If you want a laid back full day of action and fishing, you may want to give this guy a call at the shop.
Landon Lipke
Landon aka Cali-Boy grew up fly-fishing on the streams of the Southern Sierra Mountains in California. Landon has been a hunting and a fishing guide for more than 10 years and now calls the Southern Appalachian Mountains home. When Landon is not exploring the streams of Western North Carolina for Smallmouth Bass and Trout, you an find him in a kayak, or on a surfboard. He also spends a lot of time traveling in Central America chasing his favorite saltwater species.
Bill Strickland
Bill grew up in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains chasing bass along the shores of Lake Lanier. While attending Appalachian State University, Bill sank his teeth in the world of fly fishing and has never looked back. After graduation, he packed up and headed North to Alaska working and guiding on the legendary Kenai River. Bill has continued honing his skills by spending ample time on the water each year and becoming a commercial tier. His travels have taken him all across the Rocky MTN's, throughout the Patagonia Region of Argentina, stalking the flats of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and down the Florida Keys. If you get the opportunity to fish with Bill, his patient instruction and humorous personality will have you coming back year after year. Dont forget to bring your camera, big fish are always a part of the experience. In the off season you can usually find Bill on one of his favorite rivers producing HD fishing videos.
Dave Bender
Dave grew up in the mountains of south central Pennsylvania, an area that provided lots of opportunities for fishing and hunting. When Dave was in his early twenties he got bit by the fly fishing bug and it was not long until the hunting fell by the way side. Dave spent a lot of time perfecting his fly fishing skills on the limestone streams of Pennsylvania until his company relocated him to Aiken, SC in the early 1990's. With no Trout to fish for in Aiken, Dave claims to have almost gone crazy, until he discovered the great fishing around the Brevard area. While living in Aiken, Dave would drive to the mountains several times a month to get a trout fix. Dave became very involved with the CSRA Fly Fishers in Augusta where he eventually served as President. As luck would have it, Dave's company decided that he needed to take an early retirement, so he went to work part time for Rivers and Glen Fly Shop in Augusta until he could find a house to buy in the mountains. Within a year of his retirement he moved to the Brevard area and now spends his time on the rivers and streams that he has come to love over the last 14 years. Dave guides 3-4 days a week and is a member of the R.L. Winston Pro Staff. If you are looking for a great day on the water with a laid back trout junkie, then spend a day with Dave.
Lou Barlow
Lou moved to Brevard from the Blacksburg, Va area. Lou a retired middle school Principal by training is a seasoned fly fishing instructor. Lou spent the last 10 years teaching for the Orvis School in Roanoke, Va. Lou is head of our fly fishing school program at Davidson River Outfitters and is always willing to share his knowledge. If you are looking for someone to get you started in the sport of fly fishing, Lou is the guide for you.
