Charley May Fly Fishing

22/08/2025

It's been awhile between posts, so I wanted to make this one a good one.
I'm delighted to say my new original drawings are ready for sale! This pelagic series features some of fly-fishing's most hallowed saltwater species.
These big three are the ones people dream of chasing and get a heart condition when they do! I've sold the bonefish already but the GT and the Permit are still available.
If you want a one of a kind piece of fine art then DM me. And know that 20% of the sale will go to Mending Casts Inc.

19/08/2024

Anyone else hanging for the start of the season? I can't wait! However, I've been keeping myself busy in winter working on a new project that combines my love of fly fishing and art for a good cause.

Last year, I unveiled my first original trout series at the Victorian Fly Fishers Association Christmas Dinner and it was a terrific result. Thanks to the generosity of the club we raised $1,600 for Casting for Recovery Victoria.

Right now, I'm completing my 2024 pelagic series and I'm giving you a sneaky peak about why you need to own one of my works. https://www.charleymayflyfishing.com/blog/2024/8/19/art-angling-and-altruism-sketching-limited-edition-series-for-a-cause

22/02/2024

It’s been a while between posts but I managed to get on the water last weekend. It was everything I hoped for and more and really helped settle my restless mind and troubled soul.

Had some bad news about a dear friend recently that’s hit me hard. The fresh water helped wash away the tears for now. I feel so unbelievably lucky this kind of country is only a few hours away.

13/05/2023

Sun was shining on the Stevo yesterday but they made us work hard for the goods. Loved watching my Jedi land some lovely browns.
I’ve been fishing this river for 10 years, a speck in time compared to other anglers, but I’ve seen it change so much over that time. Yesterday the lack of fencing and impact of stock in the section I fished was startling. If only all landowners had an enlightened view of managing their patch of Mother Earth things would be better for everyone.

29/04/2023

Just a quiet Saturday morning remembering the epic trip I took with Katherine Grech, Casey Pfeiffer and Lubin Pfeiffer chasing dreams in the Tongariro River region of New Zealand and meeting legends like Ross at the Tongariro River Motel Would love to do this again one day.

31/03/2023

To guide, or not to guide. It’s a question I’ve been asking myself since I’ve been on my sabbatical.

Some days I’d recall the juggle of balancing a full-time job, family and a serious side-gig. Others, I’d remember the golden days where I thought I had the best job in the world.

Then it came to me and fly fishing became fun again. So, here’s why I’ve hung up my guiding boots. https://www.charleymayflyfishing.com/blog/from-guiding-to-giving-more-to-others

21/12/2021

The river has always been the place where I can lose and find myself. Fly fishing, along with art, are two pillars of creativity that have always been constants I could hold on to that anchor who I am and what I stand for. But what happens when you step into a stream and feel nothing? An identity crisis, that's what. Maybe you're also feeling a bit lost? Well, I've penned a five minute piece on how I'm trying to find myself again in a world that seems along way away from how life used to be. You can check it out here if you like - I'd love to know what you think and how you're feeling. Sending you all the best festive vibes people. https://www.charleymayflyfishing.com/blog/gone-fishing-just-me-for-a-while

13/05/2021

And just like that, my season came to an end. Couldn’t think of a more lovely fella to share it with. A complete beginner, Chris was an exemplary student and his dedication paid off on a hard day. I asked what he thought of his experience and here’s what he said: ‘I honestly don’t think you could improve on your service!

You covered the basics and also the terminology of fly fishing so I felt I had an initial understanding of the flyfishing equipment and how to cast a rod.

Once on the water, you encouraged me when I was doing well and helped correct the mistakes I made along the way.

I had an amazing time, and couldn’t recommend you higher for anyone that wanted to try flyfishing.’
Talk about going out on a high! I hope everyone enjoys their winter fishing. For me, I’ll be cleaning my gear and working on a few other projects before firing up again in spring. 🎣👌🐟

14/04/2021

I don’t know about you but when I cast my mind back to this time last year my chest tightens and I get a sense of impending doom.

While life feels a bit more normal everything remains fragile - like skinny tippet bearing the strain of a big wild brown that could snap and break your heart. For now, things seem to be holding up and hope is most definitely on the horizon. But that’s the thing about a global pandemic, you just never know what’s around the corner. For me, it was great fishing and a new level of gratitude - and here’s exactly why:

If there’s one positive of 2020 it’s my new level of love for the little things. While life feels a bit more normal everything remains fragile - like skinny tippet bearing the strain of a big wild brown that could snap and break your heart. For now, things seem to be holding up and hope is most ...

28/03/2021

It’s always a wee bit intimidating taking out a Kiwi 🥝 but this one had a ball. Sure, there were no trophies 🏆 but as Bill found out there was a whole lot of fun to be found on light gear and wiry wild fish. An absolute belter of a day, Bill there will always be a cold beer 🍺 waiting for you. Until next time, good luck with tying your new found favourite f fly!

05/03/2021

Golden days like these remind me I landed the jackpot when it comes to jobs! Helping Isaac Anderson refine his technique on tricky water and land countless trout goes down as one of my best days as a guide. An exemplary student and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, Isaac mastered the bow and arrow cast, broke his habit of over rotation and got his head around the benefits of appropriate casting arcs and firm stops to throw lovely controlled narrow loops. His efforts certainly paid off. Well done, Isaac you are an absolute legend and I’d love to take you out again 🎣☀️🍺

02/03/2021

Is it the weekend yet? I’m starting to get amped for my next fly fishing adventure in NE Vic & I’m confident it’s going to be as good as this one. Meet Matt and Maddy, two legends I had the pleasure of guiding a couple weeks ago. A near miss stepping on a little tiger 🐍 got the blood pumping and then the fishing kicked off and kept everyone’s fingers on the pulse. Big ups to Maddy - a complete beginner- whose persistence resulted in a couple of lovely fish and a cracker brown on the dry. And Matt, that moment when you stalked and so nearly set the hook on that lurking monster will stick in my mind as a highlight of this season. Next time, my friend we’ll get him.