"Kurt Thomas...is one of those very highly skilled anglers who takes these challenges to hand. He is one of the finest casters that I have ever seen. What sets Kurt apart from other accomplished fly fishers on these waters?..."
Charles Meck; Fishing Limestone Streams; The Lyons Press, 2005

"If you remember in How To Catch More Trout, I said I often rate the fly fishers I know with ten being the highest. Kurt is a ten."
Charles Meck; 101 Innovative Fly-Tying Tips; The Lyons Press, 2002

"He's (Kurt Thomas) one of the most skilled fly-tiers and fly fishermen I've had the opportunity to fish with in the past decade. The Clarion is Kurt's home water, and few anglers know the stream better than him."
Charles Meck; Trout Streams and Hatches of Pennsylvania; Backcountry Guides, 1999

Kurt Thomas has amassed a lifetime of experience unraveling the secrets of success with the fly rod. He is skilled in all techniques of fly fishing on streams and rivers of all sizes, from the largest of Pennsylvania's waterways, to the smallest of spring-fed brooks. The number of trophy-sized brown trout he's landed on the fly rod in Pennsylvania waters run literally in the range of several hundred! He's explored the waters of the Clarion River for well over 30 years, and the limestone streams of Central Pennsylvania for 20.

Kurt has worked for the past several years as a fly fishing guide on the limestone streams around State College, PA. He has the ability to demonstrate and communicate the essentials and skills of fly fishing to beginners and expert anglers. Kurt's fly tying ability, innovative ideas, and unique fly patterns have been noted in print. His extensive knowledge of the casting techniques and tactics of fly fishing will improve the ability of any angler.

Kurt, this semester I have been taking Fly Fishing as a gym class. This evening we had a skills and accuracy competition and the winner receives a prize. The competition included spot casting, distance and accuracy. By relying on what you taught me, including side arm (simulated cover was one of the stations) I finished in a comfortable first place. - Evan Brown

"Regarding our three days together on the river. I came away with something totally unexpected and of greater lasting value than big fish: improved flyfishing skills. I have been flyfishing some of the best rivers of the world over the past 32 years and consider myself reasonably proficient. The people at Orvis must agree because I have been guiding and teaching in their name for the past four years. However, you identified the bad habits which have crept into my casting and techniques and, more importantly, helped me overcome them. That is the beauty of flyfishing, there is always something to learn, and you proved to be a superior teacher." - David Bailey - Cornwall, CT.

"I've found Kurt to be the hardest working guide I've ever had the opportunity to fish with. His knowledge of the central PA spring creeks and the creeks and freestone rivers of his local waters around Ridgway, PA are extensive. You will also have the opportunity to sharpen your tactics and casting skills, as Kurt provides advice in these areas throughout the day. All in all, a well rounded fly fishing experience". - Frank Roberts - Arlington, VA

"Kurt, I wanted to thank you for an outstanding trip. I have been an avid fly fisherman for more than 10 years, but never have been able to pull it all together. You have done more for me in a day than I was able to do on my own in ten years. Your approach to casting has greatly increased my success on all waters. I would recommend your service to anyone who wants to improve their ability to catch fish". - Tom Shetterly - Perryopolis, PA

Kurt, the two days I spent fishing with you were two of the best guided experiences I have ever had. The mornings were devoted to small stream fishing for native brookies and small wild browns and rainbows, polishing casting skills and techniques I used later in the day for the large browns on the Clarion River. Eight hours fishing with you was better than a whole weekend at a fly fishing school. Living near Lake Erie, I have utilized the new skills which you taught me to take on the fall and winter steelhead in both big and small waters. Thanks again". - Scott Henry - Erie, PA

"Kurt, the Clarion River experience we had with you was one of the best PA fishing days I've ever had. You do know a great deal about the river, its hatches and best fishing techniques. We had a really great time and look forward to fishing with you again soon (and the streamside lunch was pretty good, too)". - Stan Stein - Pittsburgh, PA

"As an 'Old' rank amateur, I can assure you that with Kurt as your instructor, you are never too old to learn. He is patience personified and, I might add, a great guy with whom to spend the day fishing. Thanks for a wonderful "adventure" for my memory files". - Larry Courter - Russellville, Missouri

"Kurt is a great teacher. Under Kurt's guidance, my fourteen year old son caught some nice browns the first time he had a fly rod in his hand. Kurt's knowledge of the river and passion for the sport is first class. The Clarion river is on its way to becoming the premier trout stream in the East". - Rick Say, West Chester, PA

"Kurt - Tom, Nick & I really appreciated you sharing your 37 years of fly fishing experience! Your enthusiasm is 'catching'". - Frank D. Maggio - Norton, Ohio

"Every trip with Kurt has provided me a wider variety of fly fishing techniques that has enhanced my fishing experiences. His ability to communicate and instruct proper casting procedures has made me a better caster. All this has happened while I was having the time of my life; can't get any better than that." - Bill Glecos - Erie, PA