For Matt Verlac, the process of becoming a professional fly tyer and fishing guide was completely organic. He was born in Grayling, Michigan, and raised in the culture of fly fishing at Gates Au Sable Lodge. There, the lifestyle embraced him just as much as he embraced the lifestyle. Nurtured by the traditions of the river where he grew up, he began working at the lodge and tying production at the age of 13. He became a full-time guide in 2008. Verlac’s passion for the sport has translated into a successful career as a guide, while his tying skills have evolved with the introduction of new materials and his interest in innovation. Drawing inspiration from his daily interactions with wildlife, Matt pushes himself to customize flies for every trip. His dry fly and wet fly patterns are known for catching large trout, the only way he cares to do it: with a rod (not a pole).
For Matt Verlac, the process of becoming a professional fly tyer and fishing guide was completely organic. He was born in Grayling, Michigan, and raised in the culture of fly fishing at Gates Au Sable Lodge. There, the lifestyle embraced him just as much as he embraced the lifestyle. Nurtured by the traditions of the river where he grew up, he began working at the lodge and tying production at the age of 13. He became a full-time guide in 2008. Verlac’s passion for the sport has translated into a successful career as a guide, while his tying skills have evolved with the introduction of new materials and his interest in innovation. Drawing inspiration from his daily interactions with wildlife, Matt pushes himself to customize flies for every trip. His dry fly and wet fly patterns are known for catching large trout, the only way he cares to do it: with a rod (not a pole).