May 4-7, 2021
Engage in the contemplative art of fly-fishing through a three-day retreat. Local river guides from Davidson River Outfitters will teach casting techniques, share local fly-fishing knowledge, and escort participants on a guided fishing trip to the Davidson River.
Registration Coming Soon
Conference Staff
Kevin Howell, Davidson River Outfitters owner and head instructor
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 fly 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.
Chaplain
To be announced.