It’s my pleasure to offer this interview with Pat Clayton – The FishEyeGuy – as the first in our series of interviews with fly fishing photographers and videographers.
I’m sure you’ve seen his amazing work before; here’s a part of his story from his website explaining just a bit of why he does what he does -
No single event led me down the road to focusing so much of my time and effort on attempting to document our native trout species in their natural environment. I could say I got the idea while observing a school of hundreds of brook trout hovering over an aquamarine seep amongst the lava rocks of the Upper Deschutes. Or maybe it came to me while scouting waterfalls deep in the Wilderness of the Purcells and seeing fifteen pound bull trout scurry off their gravel bar redds. But in reality it has been a lifelong connection with the natural world which I have fostered through activities as diverse as commercial fishing in Alaska to steep creeking in Mexico. There is no place I would rather be than out somewhere feeling the sting of the elements and fine tuning my judgment amongst powers much greater than myself. These photos are my way of sharing the stunning circle of life that all of us are part of…
You spend a lot of time on our rivers now; have you always been an outdoorsman? What got you into the “fish” mindset?
I grew up sinking clams on the Puget sound for flounders. We sold them to folks in the neighborhood. I headed east to Jackson Hole when I was 18 and quickly fell in love with the rivers.
Where did you first photograph fish underwater?
Lake Chelan, Washington, my first camera was a point and shoot and I sold cards for 3 dollars at art shows. It’s been a long trip but the first time I actually captured that first bass on film I was hooked.
How has your photography evolved throughout the course of your career?
Having no formal training I have kinda winged it from the start. Always focusing on the art side of things as that was my only outlet. Diversification and finding new challenges keeps things fresh for me. I have been lucky to shoot skiing, panoramas, and night photography in recent years.
Favorite piece of gear that you won’t be caught without?
My camelback, if I ain’t walkin’ to get somewhere then it ain’t worth shootin’.
You live in Bozeman – fly fishing mecca. How did you end up in the Gallatin Valley? What do you like the most and the least about it?
I landed in Bozeman after 15 years on and off the road. I bounced between Jackson, Canada, Washington, Alaska, and everywhere in between. I love the greater Yellowstone region and Bozeman is on the doorstep of all of it. The least? 19th street.
Seems like you have a good mind for conservation. What projects / concerns are you passionate about?
More than I can name. We need to enter a new paradigm of sustainability cuz this planet cannot provide unlimited resources forever.
I know I’ve come close to ruining some gear on the river several times. Any good stories to tell?
I have waterlogged 4 SLR’s in the last 6 years. It is a crushing blow to me every time.
Favorite river to photograph?
The Metolious is the prettiest river out there.
Favorite species to photograph?
The native cutties; people say photoshop to me and I laugh. Once u see a genetically pure native you know they can have riotous colors.
Where is your favorite place to go and just “get away from it all”?
The Eagles. It’s like the stars wars bar and no one talks to me.
Pat – thanks for taking the time to chat with me and appreciate the pics. That’s Pat’s Yellowstone cuttie from Slough above and a Native Inland Redband from the Yaak below. Great stuff. – Fire Girl Jess
Tags: People of Fly Fishing
