September Speaker Meeting – Jonathan Chizmadia

Alaska’s Bristol Bay and his time guiding at NakNek River Camp on the NakNek River and Katmai National Park.

As a lifelong angler and outdoorsman, USCG Master Captain Jon Chizmadia grew up in Otisville, Michigan where he spent his time fishing light weight conventional gear in the muddy lakes and streams of the Flint River watershed. He picked up a fly rod in his early teens and became infatuated with the idea of teasing fish into striking flies crafted of natural materials imitating natural food sources. He began tying and selling flies commercially while working at his local sporting goods retailer using saved funds to travel to the famous coldwater streams of Northern Michigan where he fell in love with Michigan’s coldwater fisheries.

After his basic schooling Jon joined the Marine Corp and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He returned to Michigan post service to attend college in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where he  took to the woods and waters of the Superior State rediscovering fly fishing as a means of tranquility and healing.

As a working professional, Jon traveled and fished throughout the U.S. and Canada learning different techniques to incorporate back home in Michigan.  He is always ready to try something new and shares what he has learned along the way.  He supports several angling organizations including Trout Unlimited, Casting For Recovery, and Fly Fishers International.

Today Jon lives in St. Joseph, MI where he is an independent guide and owner of St. Joe Angler LLC.  He fishes for everything from Carp to Brook Trout.  He fishes the waters of Northern Michigan as a guide with the team at True North Trout and annually spends time in King Salmon, AK where he hosts and guides clients through Alaska’s Nak Nek River Camp.

What Jon loves most about fly fishing is the constant learning and people he has been able to connect with through the shared passion.  When not on the water he can probably be found in the northern MI woods. Behind a bird dog and alongside his son.