Leslie Hillyard has dedicated much of his life to preserving the rich history of Maine fly fishing, particularly the legacy of renowned fly tier, Carrie Stevens. Leslie’s journey began with family vacations to Rangeley, where his father, Robert Graydon Hillyard, exposed Leslie to the world of Maine fly fishing. Over time, what started as a shared family pastime grew into a deep passion for documenting and preserving Carrie Stevens’ work.
In this episode, Leslie takes us back to those early days, sharing how his father’s fascination with fly fishing history shaped their family’s connection to the sport. Leslie recounts some of the history of Upper Dam, the characters and life in that area, and the meticulous process of researching and authenticating Carrie Stevens’ iconic flies.
Leslie also opens up about the personal inspirations that inspired him and his father to channel their curiosity into writing a comprehensive book on Stevens’ work. Along the way, we’ll learn about their relationships with other influential figures in the fly fishing world, like the Palmers and the founders of the Rangeley Outdoor Heritage Sporting Museum, and how those connections helped them acquire and preserve valuable artifacts and learn deeper insights into the preservation of Maine’s fly fishing history.
Outside of his work preserving this legacy, Leslie has had a diverse career as a flooring preservation contractor and a chef, experiences that he reveals have enriched his life and perspective in unexpected ways. His reflections on Carrie Stevens’ enduring contributions to fly tying, and her influence on the sport as a whole, are both thoughtful and inspiring.
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Host: Michael Jones
Producer: Sheri Maines
Fly Line Podcast is distributed by Podbean.
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