Craig Stephens - Fly Shop General Manager

Craig Stephens has been the single most impactful character in my fly fishing career.  We all know the greats, the Kelly Gallops, The Flip Pallots, The Lefty Krehs…but in St. Louis, I associate two names with fly fishing, Tom Hargrove, the namesake of the store, and it’s manager Craig Stephens.

Craig is just about the nicest guy I know and one of the most welcoming humans I’ve ever had the chance to get to call my friend.  Craig has been at T Hargrove Fly Shop on Manchester Road for the better part of 15 years and running the store as it’s General Manager for a decade.

He teaches the fly casting lessons and serves as the main connector of experienced anglers with newer fishermen.  Craig also has a big part in running the fly tying class, offered at the shop, where I learned most of what I know about fly fishing from other anglers each Tuesday night.

Craig and I talked about his move from banking into the fly fishing industry, his favorite places to fish, how he hires guides and more.

You’ll love this episode if you like fishing, customer service, and being a good human.