Bio

Born in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Lee Blanton grew up on a family farm where Wills Creek runs through the valley and into every childhood memory. At twelve a VHS called “Tying Bass Flies” put a vise in his hands and started a lifetime of experimenting at the bench. Early attempts hooked more trees than fish, but they taught him the craft.

Trips to the Smokies and Yellowstone sharpened Lee’s focus on trout and the finer points of presentation. Mentorship with Rob Prytula in Chattanooga moved Lee from hobbyist to demonstrator, and led to appearances at major shows and festivals. Lee’s patterns have traveled to Cuba, Belize, and Christmas Island, and helped anglers land some of the Southeast’s largest fly-caught freshwater fish, including three Texas state records.

Lee lives in Sanger, Texas, teaches Ag Mechanics at Lake Dallas High School, trains gundogs, and runs Feather and Fly Outdoors. He offers custom tied flies, bench lessons, casting clinics, and speaking engagements. Most Saturdays you’ll find him at Dirty Water Fly Co. in Plano. Tell him the water and the target species, and he’ll design the fly you need.