We were lucky to catch up with Lewis Hirsch recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lewis, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever had any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
I’ve found that the best way to overcome creative blocks is by leaning on a strong network of people I trust as a sounding board. Having others to bounce ideas off of not only brings fresh perspectives but also helps refine concepts that might feel stuck in my own head. Collaboration and open dialogue often spark the breakthroughs that wouldn’t come on their own.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the founder of The Modern Fly Fishers, and I’m passionate about offering more than just a fishing trip—I strive to create deep, informative experiences on the water. Larry’s Lodge is our flagship property and experience. At Larry’s Lodge, our guiding philosophy is: guiding and fly fishing are some of the best “soul food” around. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching anglers take what feels like their first deep breath in years, thanks to the tranquil embrace of a trout stream. That’s why every guide at our lodge treats your success—not just catching fish, but finding peace and connection with nature—as their personal mission
What truly sets us apart is our guiding team—a group of anglers whose backgrounds and dedication bring depth and authenticity to each trip.
What’s exciting now—and coming soon
We’re thrilled to co-host the Soque River Fly Fishing Festival in partnership with the Soque River Watershed Association. Scheduled for Sunday, October 5th, 2025, this vibrant event brings together anglers of all ages—recommended for ages 10 and up—for a day full of learning and connection. The festival features:
The Learning Center: Hands-on, expert-led educational workshops
The Fly Fishing Trade Show: A marketplace showcasing goods, services, and conservation initiatives
It’s designed to inspire the next generation of anglers and conservationists, while also offering a meaningful platform for local businesses and nonprofits to grow the fly fishing community
In summary
What I do: I lead The Modern Fly Fishers, offering private, expertly guided fly fishing experiences rooted in conservation, community, and personal renewal.
What’s new: The Soque River Fly Fishing Festival on October 5th brings education, connection, and community celebration to the North Georgia fly fishing scene.
I’d love readers to know that, at The Modern Fly Fishers, your day on the water can be transformative—whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, experience the outdoors in solitude, or find calm in the rhythm of a trout stream.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
These are all skills that I continue to work on and mindsets that I constantly need to make sure I am pursuing.
Expertise in your field, regardless of diploma.
In fly fishing, and really in many fields, formal education is not the only path to mastery. Real-world experience—time on the water, guiding different types of anglers, and problem-solving in the moment—has been the most valuable teacher. Pairing that with strong critical thinking skills has set me apart and allowed me to grow a business that feels authentic and effective. My advice for those early in their journey is simple: commit to learning by doing. You’ll gain skills that can’t be taught in a classroom, and you’ll build confidence that lasts.
The “Why Not” mindset.
This has been a driving force for me. Instead of talking myself out of opportunities, I ask, “Why not try?” This mindset has kept me open to new experiences, new partnerships, and new ways to share the sport I love. For anyone starting out, I’d encourage embracing that curiosity. Don’t let fear of failure stop you—every “why not” is a chance to grow.
Learning through doing (and sometimes failing).
Fly fishing teaches patience and resilience. You never master a river or technique the first time out, and that lesson translates directly to business. Some leaps feel intimidating, but you’ll never know what you’re capable of unless you take them. Failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback. Each challenge teaches you something that sharpens your approach for the next step forward.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I believe collaboration is key to success in any industry, and fly fishing is no exception. The best partnerships are built on honesty, shared knowledge, and the ability to both give and receive direct, constructive feedback. That kind of openness not only strengthens relationships but also pushes everyone involved to grow.
I am always interested in connecting with folks who are passionate about their craft or buisness . Whether you’re in the fly fishing industry, an outdoor brand, a conservation group, or even someone working on community-focused projects, Id love to explore ways we can work together.
If you’re interested in collaborating, the best way to reach out is through our website, themodernflyfishers.net
, [email protected], or 404-713-6958 where you can connect with us directly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themodernflyfishers.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larrys__lodge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewis.hirsch.7
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tmff.larryslodge?si=tZlGbVzatP8mElmg
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
