Ed Emory | 5X One Fly Champion on Native Cutthroat & the South Fork | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 439

Ed Emory is a legendary fly fishing guide based in Jackson, Wyoming, who has won the prestigious Jackson Hole One Fly competition a record five times. He spends over 140 days each year on the South Fork of the Snake River and is deeply knowledgeable about the river's ecology, trout populations, and the ongoing conservation debates surrounding native species management. In this episode, Ed reveals his approach to navigating the tension between native cutthroat restoration and recreational fishing, shares the story behind his custom fly patterns like the cutthroat candy, and explains what it takes to win five One Fly championships fishing with a single fly all day. His perspective on balancing conservation with recreation is refreshing and grounded in decades of river time.

Over 140 Days a Year on the South Fork

Ed Emory's relationship with the South Fork of the Snake River goes far beyond what most guides experience. Spending over 140 days annually on the water, he's developed an intimate understanding of the river's rhythms, ecology, and fish behavior that only comes from that level of immersion. He describes the South Fork as a freestone stream with high desert characteristics—sagebrush, coniferous trees, clear water, and cold temperatures year-round. The primary food source for fish is aquatic insects: mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Ed explains that the river's character changes dramatically based on snowmelt and precipitation, making it unpredictable and challenging. The cutthroat trout are the real feature, ranging from 14 to 24 inches, with healthy populations of both smaller fish and true trophies. But what makes Ed's perspective unique is how he balances his love for fishing with his concern for the river's future. Ed's full breakdown of what makes the South Fork special starts at 00:02:04.

The Native Cutthroat Restoration Debate

One of the most contentious issues facing the South Fork is the management of native species versus non-native fish. Ed explains that historically, the South Fork was all native cutthroat, but over the course of the 20th century, the population declined dramatically due to fishing pressure, dam building, and other factors. To manage this decline, non-native rainbow trout were stocked, creating the mixed fishery that exists today. Now, there's active debate about what the future should look like. Some stakeholders push for pure native cutthroat restoration through fish removal efforts and electrofishing to eliminate non-natives. Others prioritize the recreational value of the mixed fishery. Ed's take is nuanced: he cares deeply about conservation and native species, but he also believes in balancing those goals with recreation. He says the most important thing is maintaining a healthy and productive fishery, and that requires working with all stakeholders to find solutions that work for everyone. The full conservation discussion begins at 00:03:03.

Winning the Jackson Hole One Fly Five Times

The Jackson Hole One Fly is one of the most unique and challenging fly fishing competitions in the world. Held annually in October on the Snake River, the format is deceptively simple: you're given one fly, and you fish that same fly all day. You can't change it. The goal is to catch the most fish in a set amount of time. Ed has won this competition a record five times, and his success comes down to strategy, river knowledge, and fly selection. Choosing the right fly is critical—you need to think about fall conditions, water temperature, and what insects are on the river at that particular time. Ed says once you make your decision, you have to commit and stick with it all day, no matter what happens. His approach to the One Fly reflects his broader fishing philosophy: understanding the river and the conditions is more important than having the fanciest gear. It's about reading water, understanding fish behavior, and making the right decisions under pressure. Ed's breakdown of the One Fly competition starts at 00:05:21.

Custom Fly Patterns and the Cutthroat Candy

Ed ties many of his own flies, and he believes it's an essential part of being a guide. By tying flies yourself, you understand how they're constructed and how they'll behave in the water. Two of his favorites are the cutthroat candy and the foam panda. The cutthroat candy evolved over time from Ed's need for a fly that could better imitate baitfish on the South Fork. He experimented with different materials and constructions until he developed a pattern he was happy with. The foam panda is a smaller foam pattern he uses frequently in the fall. Ed's willingness to experiment and adapt is a major reason for his success on the river. He emphasizes that guides need to be adaptive and willing to try new things rather than sticking to the same patterns and techniques. His fly selection also varies dramatically based on conditions—during big hatches like the salmonfly hatch, he fishes large dry flies aggressively, but at other times he'll fish smaller flies or nymphs. Ed's story about developing the cutthroat candy begins at 00:10:01.

Final Thoughts from Tom

Ed Emory is the real deal. You can tell within the first few minutes of this conversation that he's someone who has earned his expertise through thousands of hours on the water. What I appreciate most about Ed is his balanced perspective on conservation. He's not an ideologue—he genuinely cares about native species and the health of the South Fork, but he also understands that recreation matters and that people need to be part of the solution.

The stuff about the One Fly competition is fascinating. Imagine having to commit to a single fly for an entire day of competitive fishing. That takes confidence and knowledge that you can't fake. And the fact that Ed has won it five times tells you everything you need to know about his understanding of that river.

If you're interested in fly fishing, river ecology, or conservation debates, this episode is absolutely worth your time. Ed shares insights that only come from spending 140 days a year on the same stretch of water. Listen to the whole thing—it's one of those conversations that makes you want to book a trip to Wyoming immediately.