Urban Fly Fishing Dallas–Fort Worth

The urban creeks of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex are just around the corner, and full of fish.
Join long-time Dallas resident and dedicated fly angler Greg DeMars as he expertly guides you through the hidden world of urban creeks in the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States.

The Local Angler Urban Fly Fishing Dallas–Fort Worth has something for everyone: exciting adventures for anglers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. With invaluable information for both fly and conventional anglers, this is your complete guide to finding and catching fish in the creeks of DFW. Discover wild, secluded spaces that you would swear are nowhere near a metro area of more than 7 million people…and accessing these natural gems from a dog park, or a paved trail, or a green space provided by the city (with free parking!) makes your adventure that much more convenient and inviting.

Only have an hour or two? A great fishing trip doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. There’s likely a beautiful, fish-filled stream with easy access within 10 or 15 minutes of your home or office. If you want to spend a little more time on the water, there are numerous wades and hikes of a mile or more that will keep you fishing all day.

What’s inside:
– More than 70 parking and access points on 17 streams and ponds
– How to read the water to catch more fish
– The most effective fly patterns, some with detailed tying instructions
– How to get in the middle of the springtime white bass run
– Geographically organized into five sections, each covering a different area of the Metroplex
– When and where to catch trout in north Texas
– Local fly shops, guides, clubs and other groups

More than just fishing
This book is also chock-full of interesting information about the history, culture, entertainment, and flora and fauna of DFW, including:
– Frank Lloyd Wright’s only theater built in his lifetime, and you can catch fish in the creek below!
– The Trinity River alligator gar: fascinating, famous, and other-worldly
– A photo essay of the interesting, odd, and unusual things you might find in DFW urban creeks
– How to identify poison ivy, and the local plants that mimic it
– Local hangouts, brewpubs, and restaurants to visit after a great day on the water
– How our rivers and creeks influenced local history
– A curated blues music playlist from a Texas guitarist with 40+ years of playing under his belt

Whether around the corner or across town, Urban Fly Fishing Dallas–Fort Worth is your expert guide to a magical day on the creeks of DFW, any day of the year.

Special Event on December 7, 2024!
Greg will be at The Blue Quill Angler fly shop in Evergreen Colorado for the annual Authors Event.

Even though the public release for his book is March 4th, Greg will have a few advance copies, of his brand new book available for sale, and speaking about fly fishing at this event. The Blue Quill Angler is located at 1532 Bergen Pkwy, Evergreen, CO 80439

* Updates from the publisher of Greg’s book can be found on The Local Angler series home site here.

Praise for Greg’s book:

“This book provides the keys to unlock all of those fishable spots that used to be secrets when I lived in the DFW area. Greg’s detailed descriptions of the water, access points, species, fly patterns and more is a valuable guide for the urban fly fishers of DFW area.”—Jim Gebhart, Founder/Editor-in-Chief, On The Fly Magazine,

“Every fly fisher that lives in or travels to DFW needs this book. It is a detailed resource for access, equipment, fish species and so much more.”—Dani Rose, Education Director, Texas Council Fly Fishers International; Board Trustee, Dallas Fly Fishers; Board Trustee, Casting for Recovery, Dallas, Texas

“A deeply informative and entertaining guide to the astonishing small waters of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation. No matter where you live or land in the DFW Metroplex, you are very likely within just a few miles, or – more likely – blocks, of some darned good fishing. Often it will be on a limestone creek that looks like it was plucked right out of the Texas Hill Country. And if you live in a corner of the sprawling urban area that Greg somehow didn’t get to, he tells you how to find fishable water in your neighborhood. Terrific writing, fine photography, and an introduction to the Texas blues, to boot. What’s not to love? All but the most dedicated North Texas creek stompers will be astonished by the wealth of gorgeous waters Greg has mapped in the Metroplex. A well-thumbed copy of this book should be on the dash or desk of every angler who lives in or visits the Lone Star State.”—Aaron Reed, author of Fly Fishing Austin & Central Texas, National Outdoor Book Award, FFI Roderick Haig-Brown Award, Georgetown, Texas

“What you hold in your hands stacks the odds in your favor to be successful on a wide array of local fisheries in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Greg DeMars spoon feeds his readers with a delightful blend of solid advice on gear, terminal tackle, knots, flies, etiquette, conservation, as well as tricks, tips, and techniques to fool a variety of warmwater gamefish on nearby urban fisheries. The stunning photography and detailed maps put this project over the top. Urban Fly Fishing Dallas–Forth Worth is a nice addition to any angler’s library. It provides hours of enjoyment and helps anglers elevate their angling abilities to the next level. Once you get started reading it…you’ll find it hard to put down!”—Pat Dorsey, author of Colorado Guide Flies, Tailwater Flies, Fly Fishing Tailwaters, and Fly Fishing Guide to the South Platte River and owner and professional guide, The Blue Quill Angler, Evergreen, Colorado

“It is the most comprehensive collection of information for Fly Fishing DFW that I’ve come across. Far more detailed than I had anticipated and I also like the music facts that are slipped in at the end of the chapters. This book will be a valuable tool for both the beginner and seasoned angler.”—Ben Tabor, Fishing Guide and owner of Fatties on the Fly, Fort Worth, Texas

“A masterful guide that combines the tranquility of fly fishing with the vibrant energy of urban environments. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this book offers invaluable insights into the best spots, techniques, and gear for fishing in the heart of Texas. With detailed maps, beautiful photography, and expert tips, it captures the essence of urban fishing in a way that will inspire and educate. A must-read for anyone looking to explore the hidden aquatic gems of Dallas and Fort Worth.”—Chris Gorman, Fishing Guide and owner of Kekoa Outdoors, Melissa, Texas

“Fun to read and easy to use, Greg DeMars has captured the essence and flavor of angling in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro region! Read it, grab your rod and go fishing.”—Dr. Jason Randall, author of Moving Water: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Currents and a member of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association and the Society for Freshwater Science. Chicago, Illinois

“The book has expansive sections on local flora and fauna which helps readers understand the unique natural habitats, diversity of waterways and ecosystems that support a wide variety of animal life and fish species that call DFW home.”
—Ben Sandifer, Naturalist, Dallas, Texas

“Having grown up in Dallas, I spent many summer days fishing and exploring many of the very creeks Greg has written about in this wonderful guide. What an awesome reference for new and experienced flyfishers, as well as, recent residents looking for a way to enjoy the great fishing opportunities in the Dallas area. The historical notes add a special element and surprising twist. Great job!”—Alex Guthrie, Fishing Guide and Owner of Fly Fish Fork, Lake Fork, Texas

“This work of fly-fishing gold provides what fly anglers are truly after – a comprehensive guide to fulfilling and memorable experiences at accessible, beautiful streams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, right in their own backyard! The inclusion of Texas blues music numbers, great eateries, and local history transforms an excellent fly-fishing reference into an exciting regional guidebook with the “weekend warrior” fly angler in mind. I highly recommend Urban Fly Fishing Dallas-Fort Worth to fly anglers of all skill levels.”—Jeremy Jordan, PWS, Stream Ecologist and Owner/Guide at Longear Fly Fishing LLC. Denton, Texas.

“Being an urban fly fisher myself, and one who appreciates how valuable and fragile these waters are, Greg has done a phenomenal job of covering the topic in a very detailed and professional way. He really immersed himself and spent countless hours on the book. While there is so much more water to fish in this urban area we call home, the techniques he shared with us will work on any water.”—Russell Husted, Conservation Director, Texas Council Fly Fishers, Fort Worth, Texas

“It’s cliff notes for fly fishing DFW. This would take years of your life-learning on your own. Exceptionally well done!”—Donavan Clary, Owner of Donavan Clary Fly Fishing, Park Hill, Oklahoma

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Greg DeMars is a retired mechanical engineer who began his fly fishing adventures in the Colorado Rockies in the early 1990s and expanded his range from there, fishing all over the world. From the Devils River in his native Texas to New Zealand’s South Island and the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, Greg has pursued his passion for fly fishing with the analytical mind of an engineer and the creativity of a blues guitarist and songwriter, gaining valuable insight about fish behavior and fly fishing tactics along the way. An award-winning photographer, Greg ties his own flies and enjoys woodworking, cooking dinner for friends, and the occasional wee dram of fine Islay whisky. Greg is married to his college sweetheart and lives in the Dallas area.