Andrew Grillos
From Umpqua:
Umpqua Feather Merchants is both excited and proud to announce the addition of another highly regarded, extremely talented and experienced fly designer, tyer and guide to its Signature Fly Designer Royalty Team — Andrew Grillos. An avid fly fisherman for 20+ years, a fly tyer for over 15, and full-time guide since 2001, Grillos is known for numerous innovative patterns including the El Camino, the Bob Gnarly Mouse, the Fat Caddis and the Heavy Metal Worm.
“I’m very psyched to be a part of the largest family of fly tyers in the industry. I take pride in my fly tying and I do my best to tie flies that are unique, purpose-driven, fishing-focused flies. I’m glad to be a part of a brand that will continue to cultivate and share my fly ideas with the world. The consistency and quality of flies that Umpqua produces is second to none and I’m proud to see my name among the ranks of fly fishing and fly tying’s elite.”
—Andrew Grillos
Grillos’ grew up in Colorado and has fished nearly every river in the state. Grillos began tying flies as a teen, and within a year or two was tying flies commercially. Grillos’ progression into guiding was an easy next step while attending Western State College of Colorado. After graduating, Andrew was able to pursue guiding and fishing around the world — working for some of the industry’s top outfitters in Colorado, Alaska, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand. He is now a Western Washington based guide for the Avid Angler in Lake Forest Park, WA, and spends the majority of his time pursuing steelhead in some of the state’s top fishing destinations.
Grillos has been a member of the Simms Guide Ambassador program since its inception in 2008, and he is a member of the Scott Fly Rods pro-staff, a member of the Kingpin Reels pro-staff, an ambassador for Greenfish Movement, and member of the Flymen Fishing Company guide/pro team. His personal Web site is http://www.andrewgrillos.com
“Andrew Grillos represents exactly what we are looking for in our Signature Designers — talent, creativity, experience, conscience, and an untamed passion for fly-fishing. We are honored and fortunate to have Andrew join our team.”
—Jeff Fryhover, President & CEO, Umpqua Feather Merchants
In joining Umpqua’s Signature Fly Designer Program, Grillos becomes an integral member on a team of renowned and incredibly talented designers. Umpqua has more than 150 talented designers in its program, and introduces an average of over 100 new fly patterns to its extensive catalog of flies each year. In addition to being the world’s largest producer of quality hand-tied flies, Umpqua offers retailers a diverse and award-winning selection of fly-fishing accessories, leader and tippet, packs/bags/vests, hooks, and fly tying tools and materials. (www.umpqua.com)
