MEET OUR OUR TEAM

Tennessee on the Fly is a fly fishing guiding business run by Drew Taylor in the heart of Middle Tennessee.

Drew Taylor grew up fishing in the Georgia piedmont and began fly fishing in his mid teens for the local species.  A trip to Montana when he was 15 changed his destiny and after graduating college and spending a few years as a fisheries biologist, he took a chance and moved to the Rockies.  Drew spent 5 years guiding full time on many of Montana’s best rivers, and even spent a winter in Chile guiding fly fishing and whitewater rafting in the Patagonia.  He moved back east only to deepen his experience in the fly fishing industry and spent 8 years with the Orvis Company.  While there he opened stores in both Asheville and Nashville, where he continued to hone his customer service and fishing experience.  Eventually his spirit called him back to the water, and 2019 marks his first year back on the oars.  

Drew will work hard to get you on fish whether it be Striper, Smallmouth, Trout, Musky, or anything else that swims close by, and he will take the time to understand what you want out of a day on the water beyond catching fish. He wants you have a memorable day and will strive to make it as effortless as possible.  Novice and expert alike, he will be able to work with you and help you improve.  He loves sharing his knowledge and experience so inquisitiveness is welcome!  At the end of the day, he can’t get enough of watching fish eat a fly . . . 

Matt Payne, a Tennessee native, has spent most of his life chasing fish in middle Tennessee rivers and lakes. This has given him plenty of intimate knowledge of our local waters. Growing up using traditional tackle, Matt's fly fishing journey began after a trip to the South Platte and experiencing the fight of a brown trout on a 4wt. Bringing that experience closer to home, he found a passion for catching anything on the fly. 

After graduating highschool Matt attended Columbia State and received his Emergency Medical Technician license. Spending most of his career on an ambulance he went on to further his education as a Paramedic. He is currently a Firefighter/Paramedic for a city in southern middle TN.

Matt’s enthusiasm for teaching and sharing his knowledge of fly fishing will ensure you have the tools for a wonderful experience. He will strive for your trip to be an enjoyable, safe, great time. Experienced and new fly fisherman alike, a day on the water with Matt will be one to remember.