Dave is a native Oklahoman who resigned his position as a research chemist more than 30 years ago, and pooled his talents in painting, illustrating, writing, photography, fly fishing, fly tying and lecturing to embark on a new career as a full-time professional in the art of fly fishing.
Dave's art and writing appears regularly in many fly-fishing and sport publications such as Fly Fisherman Magazine, Fly Fishing and Tying Journal, Trout Magazine, In-Fisherman and Field and Stream. He has written four books: Dave Whitlock's Guide to Aquatic Trout Foods, the LL Bean Fly Fishing Handbook, the LL Bean Bass Fly Fishing Handbook and Imitating and Fishing Natural Fish Foods for Lefty's Little Library.
Dave has also co-authored or contributed to many other books, including The Flytyer's Almanac, Art Flick's Master Fly Tying Guide, McClane's Fishing Encyclopedia, Migel's Stream Conservation Book and Masters on the Nymph and others. He's illustrated more than 20 books including Steve Raymond's Year of the Angler and Year of the Trout plus President Carter's Outdoor Journal. Dave also demonstrates his fly-fishing and teaching skills in eight videos and through guest appearances on televised fly-fishing programs.
In December 2005, Dave and Emily moved!
They've relocated to Oklahoma. Now before you ask, "Why in the world did they leave Arkansas and the White River for the 'barren plains' of Oklahoma", some explanation is due. First, their new location, near Tahlequah, is still in the Ozark Mountains and the topography is almost identical to that of the Arkansas Ozarks where they lived. The entire area is crisscrossed with beautiful little spring creeks and there are three smallmouth streams within a 20 minute drive. A large lake, Tenkiller, is nearby and the Illinois River flows out of it as a cold trout stream. Big striped bass enter the Illinois from the Arkansas River and provide another wonderful fishing opportunity. Greenleaf Lake and various other waters are also within easy driving distance. Obviously this isn't the typical terrain that most folks think of as Oklahoma.
Dave is an Oklahoma native from this area and attended collage in Tahlequah, so he knows and loves this countryside very well. Emily is a native of Arkansas, but the lush, rolling hills and low mountains feel just like home. With Dave turning 70 in 2005 they decided to fine-tune the direction of their work somewhat, so that Dave will be able to pursue his art and writing more. With this in mind they will not be continuing with their fly-fishing schools, but will be offering private instruction on the waters near their home. They will also continue to speak and instruct at events across the country and occasionally take groups to fly-fishing destinations around the world. They will also work with stream owners to 'redesign' the stream environment to improve fish and wildlife habitat, stream stability and natural beauty.
Dave's first new book will be on his life as a fly tyer, his innovations and the patterns for his many fly designs. He has received many requests for this over the years. He also plans a book of memoirs, among others. Dave is already working on new paintings and drawings and is taking requests for commissioned originals. He and Emily have designed and produced new products such as note cards, mugs and tiles from Dave's artwork and will continue to create and offer more and unique fly-fishing 'artware'.
This is a new and exciting direction for the Whitlock's and they hope that you join them on this continuing journey in the wonderful sport of fly-fishing.
