Fly Fishing Guide - Eric Leininger
Meet Your Guide: Eric Leininger
Eric Leininger is a professional fly fishing guide with 15 years of experience and deep expertise across steelhead, smallmouth bass, tiger musky, and carp. A fixture at Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters for 12 years, Eric runs a tight, season-driven program chasing each species at peak times on prime water.
When asked why fly fishing, Eric puts it simply:
"I just love being outside — it's that simple. That's the reason I fish and why I guide. Over the years, watching my clients turn into friends and seeing their skill level improve is incredibly rewarding. We chase multiple species throughout the year at prime times, meaning the best fish counts and ideal conditions. Always striving to improve, tighten up the program, or find new water. I couldn't see myself doing anything different."
Eric is a true student of fly fishing — his passion extends well beyond the Pacific Northwest, and he's currently developing hosted destination trips for anglers looking to explore new water. He is a proud Brand Ambassador for:
Eric's Guiding Programs
Eric runs a season-driven program built around chasing each species at the right time on the right water. Here's what a year on the water with Eric looks like:
| Dec – Apr |
Winter Steelhead Gear: Spey rods, tube flies, sink tips Boat: Raft Rivers: 3–4 options depending on conditions |
| Apr – Sep |
Smallmouth Bass Gear: Single hand, 6–8wt rods Boat: Jet boat Rivers: Willamette & Columbia |
| May – Jun |
Tiger Musky Gear: Single hand, 11wt Boat: Ranger Phantom 168 Flats Skiff Lakes: SW Washington |
| Jun – Sep |
Carp Gear: Single hand, 8–9wt Boat: Ranger Phantom 168 Flats Skiff Rivers: Columbia |
| Oct – Nov |
Summer Steelhead Gear: Spey rods, dry lines, skaters & Skagit Boat: Raft Rivers: Grande Ronde & John Day |
Eric's Boats
- Ranger Phantom 168 Flats Skiff
- 2012 G3 1860 Jet Boat
- Rio Craft Colorado Raft
- More boats coming?
Beyond the River
When Eric isn't guiding on the river, you will find him at home with his two dogs, Goodnight and Rudy, tying flies for his own personal joy and guiding. Eric is one of the most prolific tyers of carp, bass, tiger musky, and steelhead flies in the region and can be seen on our YouTube channel "Fly Fishing Unfiltered" tying flies for each of these species.
In addition, Eric is a leading voice within Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters, working one day a week, he is continuously brainstorming new ways that Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters can improve and enhance what we do. He is a tremendous asset to the industry and our fly shop.
Book a trip with Eric or learn more: