MEET OUR FAMILY AND OUR TEAM
Tennessee on the Fly is a family guiding business run by James and Amy Johnsey in the heart of Middle Tennessee. Your expert guide, James Johnsey, grew up in West Tennessee in the art of Fly Fishing. In his late teens he moved to the heart of the Rockies to chase the Wild Trout of some of the most famed rivers in the West. After 15 years of experience guiding in Wyoming and Montana, he moved to Middle Tennessee to share his knowledge and expertise in fly fishing on some of the most exciting and untapped waters of Middle Tennessee.
When you book a trip with James a lifetime of skill is pressed into action, and he strives to make your trip flawless, informed, honest, and enjoyable. Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced angler, James is known for patience and kindness and treating his customers like family. Along the way you’ll have the excitement of catching beautiful Trout, Bass, Stripers, Musky and many other species that inhabit the Middle Tennessee waterways. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime catching whatever you can imagine on the fly with James!
We hope to share Middle Tennessee’s beautiful rivers with you soon!
James and Amy Johnsey
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 fishing and whitewater 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 . . .
Meet Matt Payne, our newest team member!
Matt, 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.
