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Anita Coulton

FEATURED ANGLER

: I live in Northern New Jersey with my two teenagers, Riley and Brennan (help me…); two spoiled cats, Orvis and Tacoma, that were rescued from the river; and one feisty rat named Gus.
How long have you been fly fishing?: I’ve been fishing most of my life, but fly fishing exclusively over 20 years. It began with an Orvis fly fishing class in Lake Placid, New York.

Favorite fly-fishing partner: Hard to pick just one. As a guide, one of my favorite things is helping people experience the beauty and challenge of the Upper Delaware system. Whether it’s helping a beginner to hook their first fish, or stalking those elusive bank sippers with a seasoned angler, I’d say my favorite partner is who is in my boat on any given day. I get to meet and fish with some of the nicest people. I truly love what I do.
Favorite water to fish: For the sheer size and diversity, the Delaware is tough to beat, and would certainly be one of my favorites. Honorable mention would have to go to the famed Beaverkill River in the Catskills, which has some of the best pocket water to be found. Both should be on your bucket list.
Favorite species to fish for: Wild trout would be at the top of my list, and are a true passion for me, but I do have an extensive list that I’m working my way through. Basically, if it swims in fresh or saltwater, I want to catch it on a fly.
Bucket List: So many places, so little time. A few places I would love to visit and fish someday would include discovering the big waters in the Western US that I have yet to see, as well as New Zealand and Alaska.
Top Three Fly Patterns: My top fly patterns would include, Nymph: Size 14 Hare’s Ear wet fly. Dry: Size 16 EP Olive Cripple, Streamer: Olive Drunk and Disorderly.

Anita Coulton

Anita’s journey with a fly rod began at age three when her father, an avid outdoorsman, sat her on the bank with a old Zebco rod. A deep love for the outdoors was born, and more importantly, a passion to pursue anything that could be caught with a fishing rod. Her extensive fly-fishing experience spans more than 20 years, and she is comfortable in both fresh and saltwater.

A former competitive angler, she has fished alongside some of the World’s best. In 2017, she earned the title of NJ Flyfisherman of the Year. Anita is a graduate of Reel Women Guide School, based in Montana. She is proud to be an Orvis-Endorsed Guide with Cross Current Guide Service, and in season you can find her navigating her Clackacraft on the Upper Delaware River, chasing some of the toughest wild brown trout around. In addition to guiding, Anita has been involved with Casting for Recovery for over 10 years. She is also an avid writer and contributor to publications such as Dun Magazine and Fly Fisherman.