Second Wednesday of the Month
Oasis Conference Center, Loveland, OH 45140 (map)
The public is always invited and welcome!
The after-dinner program covers an aspect of fly fishing (techniques, destinations, conservation, environment, etc). The cost for dinner is $20. Dinner is optional.
The February general meeting has been rescheduled for February 18 instead of the 11th.
February Program:
“Gem City Gold: Dayton a Fly Fishing Destination?”
Matthew Parker
A true “locally grown” product of Dayton’s Gem City, Matthew Parker has spent a lifetime decoding the waterways of Southwest Ohio. From the technical currents of the Mad River to the scenic stretches of the Stillwater, Great Miami, Twin Creek, and the Brookville Tailwater, Matthew’s obsession with his home waters is the driving force behind his career. Known since childhood by the nickname “Pescado,” his journey from a kid on the banks of the Little Miami to a professional guide is a testament to a life lived entirely by the water’s edge.
Matthew’s transition from passionate angler to professional guide was galvanized by the local fly fishing pioneers at the Rusty Drake. Seeing Tom and Bill establish Dayton as a legitimate fly fishing destination provided the blueprint for his own dreams. Their mentorship proved that the Great Miami and Little Miami river corridors were more than just local streams—they could be destination fisheries waiting to be shared.
What sets Matthew apart from the average guide is a deep-rooted foundation in the life sciences. As a trained Wildlife and Conservation Biologist, he spent over a decade serving as a biologist for Five Rivers MetroParks. During this tenure, he worked on the front lines protecting the very natural areas and river corridors he now fishes. This biological background allows him to offer his clients a “fish-eye view” of the river, blending technical angling with insights into entomology, river morphology, and ecosystem health.
Matthew’s influence on the fly fishing industry extends beyond the boat. For over ten years, he served as the General Manager of ReelFlyRod, working alongside Todd Mikesell to help build the business into one of the premier fly shops in the United States. This experience at the top tier of the fly fishing retail world gave him a global perspective on gear, industry trends, and the high standards of service required to provide a world-class outdoor experience.
While his heart remains in the Ohio waterways, Matthew’s pursuit of fish has taken him across North and South America. Having fly fished in 45 states, he brings a wealth of diverse experience back to his local clients. Matthew’s new career in the finance administration world as a Sourcing Director at the University of Dayton brings new balance to family, work, and fly fishing. Matthew’s focus remains on precision, strategy, and the preservation of the sport.
Today, Matthew continues to share his local expertise and biological insights through his 20 years of guiding services. He remains a vocal advocate for the Dayton river systems, proving daily that you don’t have to travel across the globe to find exceptional fly fishing.
Ten-Minute Tech Talk: Taking Photos of Our Adventures by Jim Vota
| Schedule: 6:00 Social Hour & Cash Bar 6:10 Ten-Minute Tech Talk 6:30 Dinner 7:15 Announcements 7:45 Program | Buffet Items: Caesar Salad Garlic Bread Sticks Lasagna Italian Green Beans Italian Roasted Potatoes |