Curtis Fleming was raised in the small coal-mining town of Bridgeport, West Virginia. He has built an extraordinary career by combining his love for the outdoors with a commitment to faith, family, and community. The son of a coal miner, Curtis is the Founder, Host, and Executive Producer of Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming, an award-winning, internationally televised fly-fishing series. His engaging personality, deep respect for conservation, and unparalleled angling expertise have inspired millions of viewers worldwide.
Before his television career, Curtis spent 15 years in education, working primarily with troubled youth, where his leadership and mentorship made a lasting impact. He also served as President & CEO of a gas and oil company, honing the business skills that would later help him transform his fishing passion into a globally recognized brand.
Through Fly Rod Chronicles, Curtis shares more than just fishing adventures. His storytelling reflects a life grounded in values—faith, family, friendship, and stewardship of the outdoors. A highly accomplished angler, Curtis and his family currently hold nine IGFA World Records, along with multiple Inshore and Offshore Grand Slams.
His achievements have been recognized with some of the highest honors in the outdoor and fishing communities. Curtis has been inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, the Legends of Fly Fishing Hall of Fame, the 2025 West Virginia Executive Magazine Sharp Shooter, and the halls of fame at both Bridgeport High School and Fairmont State University. In 2022, he earned one of the sport’s highest distinctions—induction into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
Over the years, Curtis has been named American Outdoor Sportsman of the Year, declared West Virginia Angler of the Year, and honored with the prestigious Project Healing Waters Purple Heart Campaign Ribbon Fly Award. His work has earned Best Show Host and Episode of the Year at the Sportsman Choice Awards, Best Broadcast Show from West Virginia Tourism’s Stars of the Industry, and recognition as one of the “Best 55 Things to Happen to West Virginia.”
Beyond the camera, Curtis serves as a Fly Fishing Ambassador for leading brands including HUK, Hatch, and YETI, and as an Outdoor Advisor for the Outdoor Sportsman Group. He was selected by Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops as an Expert Fly Fishing Ambassador, and his contributions to the sport were honored with the creation of the Curtis Fleming Fly Rod by Temple Fork Outfitters. He later developed his own FRC brand.
Giving back is a central part of Curtis’s mission. He founded Curtis’ Kids, a program that introduces children to the art of fly fishing, and frequently supports veterans’ initiatives and conservation causes. Whether he’s casting a line in remote waters or encouraging the next generation of anglers, Curtis Fleming continues to embody the spirit of adventure, resilience, and heart that defines the best of the outdoor world.
Curtis was inducted into the category of Recreation in 2018 for his varied contributions to fly fishing.