Sam Reese of Meltdown Fly is a passionate outdoorsman, skilled fly fisherman, and experienced designer with nearly two decades of dedication to the art and craft of fly fishing. His journey began with fly tying, a skill he has honed to mastery, and he has since spent years working in fly fishing stores, sharing his expertise with fellow anglers and newcomers alike. Sam’s extensive experience on the water, combined with his deep knowledge of gear, techniques, and the nuances of the sport, makes him a trusted authority in the fly fishing community. Whether crafting intricate flies, navigating pristine waters, or mentoring others, Sam brings a blend of creativity, skill, and a genuine love for the outdoors to everything he does.

Dorothy Dai is an enthusiastic outdoorswoman and dedicated student of fly fishing. Her fishing journey began when her parents handed her a spinner rod at age five to catch panfish for family meals. As an adult, she sought a deeper connection with nature and discovered the craft of fly fishing. Since 2020, she has immersed herself in the sport by hiring guides, attending clinics, and exploring diverse waters to hone her skills. What began as a solo pursuit now includes practicing casting, tying flies, and connecting with a community of seasoned anglers. Dorothy is excited to share her perspective as a newer fly fisher, along with her love for the craft and its waters, with the broader Los Angeles outdoor community.

Day 1 – Saturday, Sept 20 | Roll In + Kick Back
Arrive in the Sierra and drop your gear before diving into fly fishing 101 basics with your guides. Once you’ve got the essentials down, we’ll explore mountain trails, hidden valleys, and maybe even a cold plunge before the first afternoon fishing session. The evening winds down with a hearty campfire dinner, drinks, and stories under the stars.

Day 2 – Sunday, Sept 21 | Deep Dive Fishing Day
Ease into the morning with coffee, breakfast, and gear prep before heading to the river. Spend the day wading into the water, practicing your cast, and chasing wild trout with support from the guides. The trip wraps with time to connect, share photos, and swap stories before heading home.

Optional Day 3 – Monday, Sept 22 | One More Cast…
Stick around for a smaller, more hands-on workshop with Sam Reese. This add-on session is designed to refine your casting technique and give you a deeper dive into the craft before heading back to everyday life.
Note: This is an extra guiding fee. Please reach out to sam.reese010@gmail.com.

Guided Fly Fishing Session
A hands-on Saturday afternoon session led by expert guides at one of our favorite trout streams in the Eastern Sierras. Learn technique, casting, reading water, and fish handling in a relaxed, supportive setting.

All Fly Fishing Gear Provided
No gear? No problem. We’ll provide everything you need: rod, reel, line, and flies.

Fun Fishing Around Camp
Plenty of opportunities for casual fishing near camp—perfect for extra practice or simply enjoying time on the water at your own pace.

Group Campsite
A reserved group site in the scenic mountains around Bishop or Mammoth, surrounded by nature with plenty of space to relax, gather, and connect. Includes shared campfire area, space for tents, and access to basic amenities.