– Hayden Williams @ Red's Fly Shop
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
MEET HAYDEN WILLIAMS
Hayden Williams, known for his youthful energy and unmatched enthusiasm, grew up honing his fly fishing skills in Rochester, WA. Taught to cast by Robert Gerlach at the Northwest Youth Conservation and Fly Fishing Academy, Hayden spent countless hours perfecting his technique on the lawn before hitting the water. Today, he calls Ellensburg home, where he’s immersed in the fly fishing scene at Red’s Fly Shop.
One of Hayden’s fondest memories is hiking with his dad to a childhood fishing spot to sight fish for coho—a moment that reflects his enduring love for the sport. Whether tying flies or chasing steelhead, he approaches each aspect of fly fishing with the same excitement that first hooked him years ago.
"There's something special about catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself—it's like the ultimate connection between creativity and the water. Each pattern carries a piece of your own story, and when it works, it feels like you’ve cracked the code in a way only you could."
Hayden began his guiding career on Alaska’s Kanektok River, a place that sharpened his skills and fueled his passion for swinging flies. Now, as part of the Red’s Fly Shop team, he shares his expertise on the Yakima River, where he enjoys teaching others to fish. His preferred methods include swinging flies for anything that swims and chucking streamers for bigger catches, techniques he loves for their immersive and rewarding nature.
For Hayden, the ideal client is someone who’s excited to be on the water and ready to embrace the experience. His genuine love for the sport shines through in his instruction, making every outing a chance for growth and enjoyment.
When he’s not guiding or teaching, Hayden’s recreation revolves around fun fishing, tying intricate flies, and pursuing big game and turkeys during hunting season. He’s widely recognized as one of the best fly tiers in the business—a skill fueled by both talent and a relentless curiosity to improve. Surprisingly, Hayden also shares his home with a hen chukar named Dennis, adding a quirky charm to his outdoor lifestyle.
Lifelong Goals and Inspirations
His passion for fly tying pairs with his dedication to teaching others. Hayden hopes to inspire guests to master a single technique they enjoy, emphasizing that catching fish should always take a backseat to having fun on the water.
Hayden’s dream trip is to chase steelhead in British Columbia, a destination he views as the pinnacle of fly fishing adventure. His personal mantra for beginners reflects his positive outlook: “It’s fun to be bad at fly fishing—just keep going out and focus on having a good time more than anything.”
If Hayden could sit down for dinner with any historical figure, it would be Teddy Roosevelt, a legendary outdoorsman whose legacy embodies the adventurous spirit Hayden strives to live every day. Whether helping a client perfect a cast or tying the perfect pheasant tail jig, Hayden brings unparalleled enthusiasm and expertise to everything he does.