Dave Steinbaugh – Founder

Dave started the original Waters West in 1994 while still in Montana guiding for half the year and tying flies commercially year-round. The first and only printed mail order catalog was shipped from the West Yellowstone post office that year. It promoted custom flies, fly tying materials and the guide service that had also become a year-round affair. Dave began spending the winter months on the banks of the Sol Duc River in the late 80’s and then moved to Port Angeles shortly before opening the brick and mortar store in 1998. That closed the book on an incredible 15+ years in the southern half of Montana. Most of his days on the water were with the B and a two-handed rod chasing steelhead, salmon or sea-run cutthroats. His ultimate goal was to be that same fishing bum he once was, and in 2018 that happened when he sold the shop and retired.

Dave now spends his time exploring the Pacific Northwest- sometimes here in our local waters, and sometimes elsewhere. Since his retirement back in 2018, he’s fished all up and down the west coast from Alaska to California. We’re always happy to see him and the B, and to hear about the fish they’ve been landing now that he’s back to his true self- a fishing bum.

Elwha

Elwha took Bella’s place as the shop’s official greeter, she is a sweet Lab-mix who will definitely come say hello and try to play tug-of-war. Careful though, she will tug on that rope as hard as a king salmon.

Ed Fuhrken – Owner

Ed was born and raised in Durango, Mexico. Starting at an early age, he followed dad chasing big fish and wild adventures – he was doomed from the beginning. Alternating from the heavily poached  lakes close to home, to the bass fishing Mecca that is Sinaloa really highlighted the dramatic impact that local mindset can have on a fishery. At age 11 his dad took him up to Oregon, where he caught his first Steelhead on the North Santiam River. The sheer power and natural beauty of these fish planted a seed that would develop into a serious obsession. Eventually this led to a Spey rod, and naturally Waters West followed. If he’s not fishing, talking about fishing, or thinking about fishing, he’s probably asleep.

Curt Reed – Head guide

Curt has been with Waters West for over a decade and is an integral part of and a major asset to the shop.  During this time, he has fished and guided extensively throughout the Olympic Peninsula with heavy emphasis on the famous steelhead rivers near Forks, Washington.  Curt is a skilled fisherman and a true professional.  A day on the water will always be fun and informative and most likely involve hands that smell of fish.  He’s a well-rounded fly tier, an outstanding spey caster and one of the best instructors around.  He teaches many of our classes and clinics on all things fly fishing and is available for private lessons as well.  His fly fishing roots began as a boy studying entomology and tying flies for his dad.  It wasn’t long until he had his first 4-weight and was hooked for life.  He has since evolved into a very knowledgeable, incredibly patient guide with a passion for fishing and a gift for teaching.

Kyle McCurdy – Shop Manager

Born and raised on the waters of the Olympic Peninsula, Kyle was shown the magic of fly fishing and tying by his grandfather, local conservation hero and expert angler Dick Goin(Dick spent 30 years fighting to remove the Elwha River dams). Early on, Kyle focused mainly on trout fishing the Elwha river prior to the dam removal, lakes in Clallam and Jefferson County, and fisheries more off the beaten path. As time went on, Kyle began to expand his fly fishing repertoire, learning modern spey tactics for salmon and steelhead, and exploring the various saltwater beaches the Peninsula had to offer. Looking to further pursue his passion and obsession, Kyle left his job of nearly a decade and joined the Waters West team full time.