Lefty Kreh Passes
If you fly fish you know the name Lefty Kreh. The name is synonymous with fly fishing. Lefty dedicated the last five decades to teaching all aspects of our sport—through newspaper columns, magazine articles, books, videos, and personal appearances. In addition to being a gifted teacher, Lefty was a consummate showman and master storyteller whose expertly timed punchlines could bring down any house.
I got to meet Lefty several years ago as a result of my publishing a fly fishing magazine. He initially called the name Tail (Tail Fly Fishing Magazine) “Kinda dumb,” but after I explained it to him I believe he actually came to like it. In any case, he offered me some advice on the magazine, handwritten on his signature blue stationary.
The last time I saw Lefty was at ICAST 2017 in Orlando. Sadly, his physical decline was apparent, and he spent almost the entire show seated. He did, however, find the strength to muscle his way out of his chair to enter the casting pond and offer an impromptu lesson to a girl who couldn’t have been more than 10 years old. Although he had difficulty standing, Lefty took the rod and cast as effortlessly as he ever had. After his demonstration, he handed the rod to the girl, had her fire off a few casts to make sure the lesson took, and worked his way back to his chair. Barely able to walk, yet he still found the stamina to offer a lesson to a young one. A testament to the man and his legend.
No matter who you are in this game, you have learned much from Lefty Kreh—about fly casting, fishing, fly tying, or knot tying.
He will be missed.
Please send any stories, images or messages you would like to be included in our Tribute to Lefty. Send to admin@tailflyfishing.com
Without Lefty I’d still be a bait fisherman. He taught me to cast,tie flies and knots. Most of all, to love the art.
Lefty is already missed by more than he probably knew