Boone, North Carolina Project

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Boone, North Carolina Project

Project Mentors

WYNN PARRISH, LEAD MENTOR

Winston Salem, North Carolina

I was born in Canada and have been fishing as long as I can remember, but I didn’t pick up a fly rod until 25+ years ago while living in Colorado when I caught the fly fishing bug (pun intended). Fly fishing is in my blood. It calls to me. It brings me solace, joy, challenge, and balance to my life.

I now live in North Carolina and regularly fishing the rivers and streams in Western NC and East Tennessee. Married with three grown children, I am at the point in life where I wish to give back. The Mayfly Project is the perfect confluence of that desire and my love of fly fishing.

NILS PETERSON, CO-LEAD MENTOR

Linville, North Carolina

The adventure began thirty or so years ago for Nils when his family moved from Western Kentucky to Western North Carolina. This move opened up the world of small stream fishing in the Southern Appalachians and a world of other fishy places like Montana and Idaho. In 1996 Nils Moved to Boone North Carolina to work for the North Carolina Wildlife Resource’s Commission on a short term research project. When the project was over, Nils began his career in Guiding at Foscoe Fishing Company. Through guiding he met his wife and they decided to settle down nearby in Linville North Carolina. In 2001 He began to pursue other interests in the home building industry as a master craftsman. In 2012, through some twists and turns, Nils relaunched his guiding career by opening his own guide service West Fork Anglers. He guides on local small streams and in East Tennessee on the Watauga and South Holston rivers.

TIM DAVIS, MENTOR

Waynesville, North Carolina

I grew up on the other side of the Smokies in Knoxville, TN. I have always been a fan of the mountains, but it wasn’t until I moved to Jackson, WY that I fell in love with fly fishing. I guided for nearly 9 years, three of which were spent with Lillard Fly Fishing working with teenagers in the backcountry of Yellowstone. When I wasn’t rowing a drift boat, I was heading to the Winds in search of golden trout. Fly fishing’s impact on my life cannot be summarized in a paragraph. Friends, experiences, travels, etc. Now that I am in WNC selling rural real estate, I have been missing something. After hearing of the Mayfly Project, I quickly realized it was the perfect outlet to share my love of fly fishing and the opportunities it can bring.

JEFF DEAN, MENTOR

Banner Elk, North Carolina

Jeff grew up in Texas hunting and fishing on his grandparents farm. He started fly fishing about 20 years ago and has been obsessed with it since. He spent over 10 years working for Dallas Fire/Rescue as a firefighter and paramedic until his wife took a job in Boone, NC. They moved out to Boone in 2010 and Jeff continued to work in the fire service with the Boone Fire Department. He was guiding on his off days from the fire department and in 2015, he took the leap and started working full time as a fly fishing guide. Jeff and his wife live in Valle Crucis, NC with their 2 dogs and their brood of chickens and turkeys.

MARK WHITE, MENTOR

Roan Mountain, Tennessee

Mark has been fly fishing the rivers of NC and TN for over 50 years. He has been blessed to fish many rivers throughout North America and particularly loves the rivers of Yellowstone National Park. Since his retirement from the business world he enjoys sharing his knowledge of Fly Fishing and the Outdoors with old and young alike. His favorite quote when ask why he loves Fly Fishing is “Trout Don’t Live in Ugly Places”.

KELLY MCCOY, MENTOR

Todd, North Carolina

I’m the owner of Rivergirl Fishing Co. in Todd, NC. We teach fly fishing, guide fishing trips, rent kayaks, canoes, river tubes and offer eco tours on the river! We are in our 18th year of business and loving every minute of it! Best fishes!

TIM SUTTLES, MENTOR

Boone, North Carolina

Tim grew up in the mountains of North Carolina. Growing up he and his father fished for anything and everything that would bite a hook. Tim is now an avid fly fisherman but still remains happy to catch any fish that will bite a hook across saltwater and freshwater. Tim is also a pilot and works with children in the Civil Air Patrol as one of their glider pilots. Tim is excited to take you fishing and teach you all about conservation and how to enjoy this vast resource.

NICOLE SUTTLES, MENTOR

Boone, North Carolina

A North Carolina native, I grew up fishing in rivers and lakes near Hickory, NC. It was a great way to get outside and have some fun. I got away from fishing for a few years during college and early adulthood, but I came back around in 2018 when my husband asked if I wanted to give fly fishing a try. Since then, we have been fortunate to fish in lots of fun places, including North Carolina, Montana, Colorado, and even Iceland! I enjoy fishing but also love that it gives me the opportunity to travel and experience beautiful places. I’m excited to share it with the Mayfly Project as well!

JON SHOW, MENTOR

Boone, North Carolina

Jon grew up fishing the lakes of Minnesota and the shores of New England with his family. He’s lived in North Carolina for 25 years and was a avid bass fisherman on Lake Norman until a friend introduced him to fly fishing a few years ago. He loves exploring the mountainous creeks of North Carolina and if he could choose to do anything it would be hiking into the hills and fishing small streams for wild fish, but he also loves chasing stocked trout with his friends on weekends in the spring and fall. He recently took up fly tying so he has something to do when he can’t go fishing. Jon lives near Lake Norman with his wife and two teenage children. He owns a small public relations agency that primarily works in college and professional sports.

JASON SMITH, MENTOR

Boone, North Carolina

Growing up in West Virginia, Jason spent many days fishing small streams with his dad in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Those early trips fostered a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the peaceful rhythm of moving water. While still an active duty soldier, he turned to fly fishing in western North Carolina to reconnect with nature and find balance. It became both a passion and a form of therapy—mentally, physically, and even audibly. After all, the only place he doesn’t hear the ringing in his ears is next to a rushing stream! Jason retired from the Army in 2022 and is honored to mentor with the Boone Mayfly Project, sharing the peace and restorative power of fly fishing with the next generation.

NOAH FENERTY, MENTOR

Boone, North Carolina

Noah grew up in Southern WV, where his love for the outdoors was shaped by the adventures of the nearby mountains. With a passion for exploring the unknown and appreciating the beauty of nature, he developed a deep connection to the outdoors. After graduating from West Virginia University in 2019, he settled in Sherrills Ford, NC, just steps away from Lake Norman.
As a novice angler, Noah immersed himself in fly fishing, learning the basics through The Wild Fly YouTube channel and finding inspiration in John Gierach’s novels. What began as a curiosity quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Now, Noah is thrilled to share his love for fly fishing with the next generation through the Boone Mayfly Project!

Questions or Need to Connect?