Meet a Member: Larry Forte

Larry Forte with Lefty Kreh

How long have you been fly fishing?

I started fly-fishing about 20 years ago.

What type of fly fishing do you like the most?

Dry fly fishing for wild trout.

What is your favorite water to fish?

Penns Creek in central Pennsylvania.

What is your best fly fishing memory?

I have 20 years of memories. When I started fly fishing, it was with a group of four other guys. Three of us were new to the sport. Since that first trip, we have been doing an annual fishing trip. These trips have kept us connected as great friends and have also created many amazing memories.

What is your favorite fly?

I love fishing with Sulphurs in the spring at dusk.

If you could only fish with five flies, what would they be?

Olive Wooly Bugger, Adams/Purple Haze, Elk Hair Caddis, Copper John, Yellow Sulphur

What advice do you have for others?

While fly fishing is an amazing sport, it is not just about catching fish. Try to give back to the sport we love. That could be teaching kids how to fly fish, mentoring someone new to the sport, or helping a Vet learn how to tie flies. There are plenty of ways to get involved and help.

What is your bucket list fly-fishing trip?

Patagonia, Alaska, and someplace where I can catch bonefish!

When did you join the club?

I joined about 17 years ago. When I started fly-fishing, my fishing buddy lived three hours away and I knew I had a lot to learn. Joining the Potomac Valley Fly Fishers (PVFF) was the answer. Over the years that I have been a member, PVFF has taught me many things including: fly-casting, fly-tying, rod-building, how to catch fish, and how to give back.

Do you have any memories of past club events or members you would like to share?

PVFF has provided many memories and I have made some great friends because of the club. If I had to pick one memory, it would be the time in 2014 when Lefty Kreh spent the day with our club. After the event, I was lucky to have dinner with Lefty and a few other club members. It was an incredible evening. Listening to Lefty talk about his life and tell fishing stories was pretty cool.

Column coordinated by Mike Holland