Galen’s obsession with water began in 1979 on the Van Duzen River in upstate California when he was 3 years old. He is originally from Georgia and grew up spotting fish throughout the Savannah River watershed fishing for smallmouth, largemouth and striped bass, and trout in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. He has been fishing and exploring these streams since 1998. In 2000, Galen moved to Brevard, NC to study music composition at Brevard College. While earning his Bachelor’s degree, he spent every free moment learning the area’s intricacies from the backcountry creeks in Pisgah National Forest to the tailwaters in East Tennesee and beyond. Galen has served as a guide for the past 10 years and fly fishing has taken him to many exciting destinations, including Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, California, Vermont, West Virginia and Virginia, but he says “ Most of all I love this area for the variety of fish and the close proximity to many waters.” When he is not guiding he enjoys his home waters, uncharted waters and salty waters. Galen also enjoys teaching his wife how to row his 17’ Boulder Boat Works drift boat. Under pressure, Galen is an easy going, patient, instructive guide who enjoys guiding the most skilled fisherman and novices alike. “I love it when the guide and client sync into a rhythm; two people, keen senses, one mission, bound by respect.” Click here to view Galen’s guided trip photos.

When he is not fishing, he composes and performs music. His love for fishing and music has been featured in magazines and on radio stations throughout the U.S. A couple of his favorites are Midcurrent, Southern Culture on the Fly, KPFA and WNCW. His music can be found on iTunes, Amazon and www.galenkipar.com He says, “There is an interesting parallelism between the currents of water and music, the simplest being they both make people happy and healthy.”