Weaving its way through rolling hills, dense woodlands, open meadows, dairy farms, urban centers and three states, the 444-mile Susque-hanna is the longest river on the East Coast. During its prime, it was one of the most prolific stretches of smallmouth bass water in the world. It was on a vast portion of the Susquehanna around Middle-town, Pennsylvania, that inimitable fly tyer and angler Bob Clouser spent more than 50 years deciphering the river’s secrets.
Best known for creating one of the most versatile and widely used fly patterns — the Clouser Deep Minnow — Clouser also has inspired countless fly anglers with his fishing prowess, casting ability and innovative fly tying. He is the author of Clouser’s Flies and Fly Fishing for Smallmouth in Rivers and Streams, and has appeared in numerous instructional videos and television segments.
“Bob is a child of nature, which makes him a keen observer and an amazing angler and hunter,” says Flip Pallot, who hosted The Walker’s Cay Chronicles television show and has led a life immersed in hunting, fishing and conservation. “His ability to see things in nature that are invisible to others is unique.”
“Bobby knows the Susquehanna better than anyone alive,” said fly-fishing legend Lefty Kreh in late 2017. (Kreh died in March 2018.) “His fly-tying and casting skills are second to none. I can’t tell you how much fun we’ve had fishing together around the world. He’s a natural innovator.”
