Jeff Frawley
Growing up in Menomonie, WI, I spent much of my childhood fishing the local waters with spinning gear. No clue what I was doing and never fully appreciated what the area had to offer. It wasn’t until I left home to join the army serving on 2 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division that I truly began to value the natural beauty of western Wisconsin.
Upon returning home, I found solace and a renewed passion in the rivers and lakes of western Wisconsin. An impromptu trip out west with my now wife, Marie, ended in a half day guided fly fishing trip on the frying pan river. I was hooked. By the time we got home I had my own rod and a bunch of other junk the internet told me I needed. I had no idea what kind of fly fishing I could find back home but I was determined to learn how to have that much fun in my back yard.
I signed my wife and I up for a 1 day class at the Hayward fly Fishing Company with founder Larry Manns. Followed by a day of small mouth bass fishing on the Namekogan river with now owner Stu Nevile. (hands down the best guide I've ever fished with)
I spent the next decade learning how to fly fish. I did not do this in the conventional sense. Yes, I signed up for an online entomology class bought books about trout, and acquired a bunch more gear I didn't need. I soon realized most of that was useless here. Ultimately I taught myself how to fly fish in WI, which is hands down the most unique fly fishing destination in the world. I have now fished on 3 contents. And, while I agree there is absolutely nothing like a 150 lbd Tarpon stripping 100 yards of backing while jumping 8ft in the air on a 12 wt, Wisconsin offers a diversity that is unseen anywhere else in the world.
After a lot of trial and error implementing some less than conventional techniques and skills I have acquired from other guides I eventually discovered the abundant fly fishing opportunities back home in Wisconsin, which I now believe offers some of the best fly fishing in the world. Whether it's smallmouth bass, pike, musky, walleye, crappie, or blue gill Wisconsin's rivers and lakes provide endless opportunities for anglers. If you are looking for more conventional fly fishing WI is also home to some of the best trout streams and rivers in north America.
FAMILY
Fly fishing has truly become a family affair for us, with my wife Marie by my side from the very start. She was there the first time I ever cast a fly rod, patiently watching as I learned the ropes. Over the years, she has continued to fly fish with me, and to this day, she usually catches more fish! Marie’s support and enthusiasm have been a huge part of my journey into the world of fly fishing, and it’s something we both enjoy together.
Red Cedar Fly Fishing became a reality after we purchased a building with the original intention of renovating it for Marie’s business, Estilo Salons. However, plans changed, and I “stole” the building to turn my dream into a fly fishing outfitter instead. It felt like a natural progression, combining my passion for the sport with the opportunity to create something new. Marie has been on board with the idea from the beginning, offering her support and encouragement every step of the way.
Now, we have a 5-year-old daughter, Marley, who is learning to fly fish herself. She’s eager to catch her first big fish and hopes to be big enough to row a drift boat soon. With any luck, Marley will grow up to follow in our footsteps and maybe even become a guide at Red Cedar Fly Fishing one day. Having Marie and Marley along for the ride makes this journey even more meaningful, and I look forward to the adventures we’ll continue to share on the water.
Outdoor Videography
When I'm not guiding fly fishing trips, I also work in outdoor videography with Rogue Productions. Whether it's documenting a duck hunt in the bearing sea, filming a fishing trip, or producing a product ad my videography work allows me to share the serenity and excitement of nature with others in fun and exciting format