Answer the River's Call

Your journey into fly fishing begins in the Northern Driftless region with expert guide Scott Harness.

Featured in Edina Living Magazine!

Featured in Edina Living Magazine!

"Feather Thief specializes in teaching beginners. “That seems to be my forte,” he says. “I take people on their journey and teach them how to tie it, cast it, and catch it.”

Discover the Driftless: The Urbanite's Guide to Fly Fishing

Feather Thief is your ticket to the great outdoors, specially tailored for those living in the city and yearning to reconnect with nature. With over 40 years of experience, seasoned expert Scott Harness guides people of all skill levels. We invite you to explore the tranquil waters of the Northern Driftless region with us! Perfect for beginners or those aiming to polish their skills, our tailored experiences promise an adventure you won't forget, connecting you with nature in ways you've only imagined.

Our Services

Fly Tying Workshops

Master the art of creating your own fly fishing
flies with our expert-led workshops. Perfect for
fly fishers eager to craft the perfect fish flies.

Guiding Services

Discover the region's best fishing spots under the guidance of Scott Harness, a seasoned fly fishing
guide dedicated to upgrading your experience.

Fly Fishing Classes

Offering classes tailored to every skill level, we specialize in essential casting techniques and the craft of tying effective fly fishing flies.

Beginner's Fly Fishing Journey with Feather Thief

Mastering the Cast: Your First Step

Begin your fly fishing adventure by learning the art of casting with Scott, who brings over 40 years of experience to the riverbank. Our hands-on casting lessons are tailored for beginners, ensuring you'll leave with the confidence to cast your line where the fish are biting.

Stepping into the River: Where Adventure Meets Learning

With the basics of casting under your belt, it's time to wade into the river alongside Scott. His deep understanding of the waters guarantees you're not just entering the river but stepping into a world of discovery, ready to meet the fish face-to-face.

Scott's expertise goes beyond the river; after tying thousands of flies, he's eager to share the secrets of fly tying with you. In our beginner-friendly sessions, you'll learn the delicate craft of tying flies, leaving with a creation uniquely yours, ready to lure in your first catch.

Crafting Your First Fly: The Art of Fly Tying

Finding Peace in Nature: Steal the Moment

At Feather Thief, "Steal the Moment" encapsulates our philosophy for beginners and seasoned fly fishers alike. We encourage you to carve out time from the urban rush to connect with the calm of the great outdoors. It's a journey not just about catching fish, but about finding a moment of peace by the river, where every beginner is welcomed into a community bound by the shared love of nature and fly fishing.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

  • “Wilderness to the people of America is a spiritual necessity, an antidote to the high pressure of modern life, a means of regaining serenity and equilibrium... I have found that people go to the wilderness for many things, but the most important of these is perspective. They may think they go for the fishing, or the scenery or companionship, but in reality it is something far deeper. They go for the wilderness for the good of their souls.”

    -Sigurd Olson

  • “My first fly fishing trip was an absolute success and I cannot recommend having Scott as a guide highly enough! He was great at teaching technique, very patient, and extremely knowledgeable, which made this adventure better than I could have ever hoped! If you are at all thinking about it-DO IT!!”

    -Sara

  • “This summer Scott Harness introduced me to the fly-fishing world having never before used a fly rod. Being with Scott on guided trips on the Rush River is a wonderful experience. With all things new to me and Scott being such a good & patient teacher I’ve really enjoyed the learning process. He would help me with casting technique and line management (yikes) in the river on the front and back end of the trip, and in the middle hunt for trout. There is something special about being on the river seeing trout in the water and trying to get one to take your fly. Scott has spent many decades fly fishing and I’m so glad I’ve been able to spend time on the river learning from him. And I did catch a brown trout our first time out so he must be a good teacher!”

    -Greg

  • "Thank you! It was so much fun! I had a great time fly fishing and was so happy I booked with you! Please feel free to use the photos on social media for advertising purposes. Thank you again, Scott!"

    Brittnay

  • "Thanks for the trip. I enjoyed the hunt & catching! & appreciate your patience, teaching & reteaching😁."

    Greg

  • "Scott, you are a great guide. You made it so much fun and Spencer and I both learned a ton. Hoping to do it again soon. Thanks for sending these pictures."

    JC & Spencer

Meet
Scott Harness

Scott Harness, owner of Feather Thief Flyfishing Guiding & Instruction, has been pursuing his passion for flyfishing both locally and around the world for over 40 years. As a former IGFA world recorder holder – from Brook Trout to Billfish, Scott has caught them all.

Scott provides personalized fly tying instruction, casting instruction, and customized guided trips. He is passionate about teaching people of all ages and backgrounds how to tie it, cast it and catch it. His hope is that others will learn to love the experience of fly fishing and all that it has to offer.

Are You Ready to Cast Your Line?

Join the Feather Thief community for an immersive fly fishing experience.