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2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
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2005 Created“ Fly Rod Chronicles” |
2008“ Fly Rod Chronicles” won Sportsman Channel’ s Best Fishing Episode of the Year
2010 Inducted into the West Virginia State Parks Hall of Fame
2013 Received Alumnus of Achievement from Fairmont State University
2015 Baptized along with daughters
2017 Inducted into the Southern Trout Legends of the Fly Hall of Fame; Received International Game Fish Association world record; Inducted into Legends of the Fly Hall of Fame
2018 Received Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Bass / Laney Memorial Award; Inducted into Fly Fishing Museum of Southern Appalachia Hall of Fame
2019 Inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame
2021 Inducted into the Bass Pro Shops Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame
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job was as a case manager and instructor at Timber Ridge School in Virginia.
“ I initially had to adapt to working with students from broken homes and varied family structures,” Fleming says.“ I took great pride in helping these young individuals by teaching them essential life skills.”
After 15 years of teaching, Fleming decided to pursue his dream job: becoming an entrepreneur through the creation of“ Fly Rod Chronicles.” He began the journey with a goal of using fly fishing to showcase the natural beauty of West Virginia.
The outdoor activities featured on the show came naturally to Fleming— it was learning how to produce that presented a challenge. Beyond just fishing, Fleming handles sponsorships, marketing, trip planning and production.
“ Though I had much to learn about building a team and transforming it into a successful production company, I embraced the challenge,” Fleming says.“ Over the years, I’ ve worn many hats— quite literally— and played an integral role in every facet of the business.”
Throughout the show’ s 22 seasons, Fleming has experienced many adventures, including fly fishing in Iceland through 70-mile-per-hour winds and chasing peacock bass in the Amazon jungle.
Fleming credits his junior high teachers, Joe Leonette and Al Lanzy, along with his father, for fostering his love of the outdoors. He also acknowledges his wife, Shelly, and two daughters, Laken and Autumn— who now co-host the show— for their unwavering support.
As he navigated entrepreneurship, Dr. Jerry Moore’ s advice from working with
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the Environmental Protection Agency proved invaluable. Ryan Harman, fellow fly fisherman and former TV station head, and Todd Harman, owner of Harman’ s Luxurious Cabins, also helped guide him.
Giving back has always been important to Fleming, and hosting“ Fly Rod Chronicles” has allowed him to do so on a large scale. He partners with Barbour, Harrison and Marion counties to teach students fly fishing and conservation, supports Meadowbrook Children’ s Charities and WVU Medicine and participates in West Virginia’ s Hunting and Fishing Days. Dedicated to veterans, he collaborates with Project Healing Waters, Wounded Warriors and Appalachian Wounded Warriors.
Fleming also supports conservation efforts and is especially proud of the Upper Shavers Fork River Restoration Project, a partnership with the State of West Virginia to improve the stream’ s natural flow, restoring a previously damaged river.
“ It has been a privilege to contribute to these efforts and to share a message of conservation, community and giving back to those in need,” he says.
Throughout his career, one achievement sticks out to Fleming as being his most proud— the show’ s partnership with the State of West Virginia to create“ The State of West Virginia Presents Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming.”
“ I didn’ t want to just be another hunting or fishing show about catching and killing,” Fleming says.“ I wanted to tell a great story and for the fish to be the catalyst. I feel that my ability to tell a great story is a gift and a personal characteristic which makes us an awardwinning show.” •
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