Meet Chuck Kashner
My family moved to Manchester, Vermont in 1965. My mother was an elementary school teacher and father worked at Orvis as a buyer/product developer. He made fishing available. So when I started showing interest he gave me a rod and told me to practice in the yard and maybe I could go with him on a big trip some day. And I did, I practiced every day and I wore that fly line out. Luck would have it, my parents bought a house a short bike ride from the East Branch of the Battenkill. So by 13, I could really catch trout and my father kept his promise. My first big fishing trip was to West Yellowstone, Montana to the Annual Federation of Fly Fisherman Conclave. Which pretty much was an excuse for everyone in the business to fish that area for the week. Lee Wulff was there tying his pattern by hand not using a vise. So I was a wide eyed little boy to say the least!
My father and I couldn’t find… let alone catch a Yellowstone Cutthroat in West Yellowstone National Park during the Federation of Fly Fishermen Conclave in 1974. So the following year, Dad hired a guide from Bud Lilly’s and it was AMAZING! The impression that guide made on me has lasted a lifetime. The Richarson chest “BOX” is still in service!
Once upon a time there was a thing called books and book signings. So, at a very young age I got to meet and listen to most of the leading authors in the 70’s and 80’s who would promote their work at an Orvis function. Mr. Schwiebert was one the first I remember writing about Matching the Hatch. The whole concept has inspired my love for fly fishing.
After college, I worked at Orvis very briefly. Being “little” Dave was not suiting me so when I heard about an Orvis Endorsed Alaskan Outfitter who was looking for help…I pounced, packed my duffle bag and flew to Cleveland to interview. The condition was the successful candidate would then immediately drive to Anchorage. Chip and I hit it off like brothers from different mothers… In fact we even made it in a feature article of Sports Afield. Living the dream Chip would say! AMEN BROTHER
From 1993 - 2004, I guided fulltime as an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide in Manchester VT. In 2003, I established this vermontfishingtrips.com domain and left the paid endorsed lodges outfitters and guides program but have continued as an Orvis Pro Guide.
Some of my patterns and flies are published…
Throughout my life, I have tied flies professionally to meet my fishing and guiding needs. But to also pay for “living the dream” and to keep the lights on. I was lucky to get four of my “own” patterns published in a book called “Guide Flies” by David Klausmeyer and I tied the Oatman fly series of five flies as a contributor in “Tying Heritage Featherwing Streamer” written by Sharon E. Wright.
I prefer fly fishing but will use whatever gear suits the conditions and species. Having fished in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and most of New England I am extremely confident I can help you catch more fish both here and at home!
“What a pleasure to spend a day fishing with Chuck! He is patient, knowledgeable, a good listener, teacher, and guide all wrapped into one. I have fished with many guides; Chuck is simply the best. I always learn something new every time I fish with him” - Pat Dempsey
I call these “WMD”~ Weapon of Mass Destruction. Tungsten beads and up to .030 lead wire underbody. This is my weight fly that I fish on the dropper. The materials are local grouse and squirrel with assorted UV ice dub.
