AboutMark Mahler
Mark Mahler is one of our fly fishing instructors and guides, and has been teaching our nymphing and dry fly classes since the inception of the shop over 35 years ago! Now retired from commercial general contracting, one of his favorite projects was building the new Angler's Covey shop in 2004-2005. Mark delights in the instruction of new and intermediate fly fishers, and enjoys teaching casting, techniques and observation skills on the water, and streamside etiquette and outdoor ethics. He has fished all over the United States, including multiple trips to Alaska, in search of Salmon & Trout. the challenge of taking total novices and getting them into their first trout on a fly rod.
One Recent Review for Paul:
Paul and Neil provided our 4 sons a absolutely perfect experience that they will always remember. We caught lots of fish and the planning was excellent.
We Asked Paul to Tell Us More About Himself...
What do you do for fun in addition to fishing?
International travel with my wife Mari. Having dinner with friends.
Have a favorite fishing story?
There are so many stories after 30 years of fly fishing. I would have to say my favorite is getting a first time fly fisher into their first trout on a fly. The student/client makes the right cast, the drift is perfect, they see the eat, and the hook set is timed just right. The look of joy and excitement on their faces can not be beat.
What's your earliest fishing memory?
My first fishing memory is fishing with my dad on Lake Irwin just outside of Crested Butte, Colorado. I was 4 years old according to the photos of that day.
How did you get “hooked”?
My father got me hooked on fishing when I was very young. My dad grew up in Crested Butte, Colorado and used to fish all the lake creeks and rivers in the area. He wanted to instill a love of nature into his children, and one way of doing this was teaching us to fish. I fell in love with the outdoors and especially fishing.
Favorite “Go to” flies for the South Platte?
Nymphing- size 20 RS2. Dry Fly: Neil’s BWO size 18-20.
Technique you’re passionate about?
I am passionate about all forms of fly fishing, but High Stick Nymphing without an indicator is the one. A great tool to have in your tool bag of fly fishing. This method is not used much these days with all the indicators that are available, and the ease of detecting a strike when using them. But there are times indicators can be a hindrance to catching trout, i.e. low, clear water with spooky fish.
Favorite “off the grid” fishing location?
Out of the Country: New Zealand. It is so much fun casting both nymphs and dries to big trout in gin clear water - sight fishing to the extreme. In Colorado it varies from season to season. Last season my favorites were the upper stretches of the Arkansas, Hayden Meadows, and Middle Fork of the South Platte, Tomahawk.
Favorite fishing buddy?
As a kid it was my father, but his health declined to a point he could no longer fish. Now it is the two of the three Amigos, Neil Luehring, and Mark Mahler. Plus a very good friend from the CSFD, Butch Stevens.
More Random Stuff:
Who was your favorite celebrity as a child?
There were a couple of celebrities: Tom Selleck Magnum PI, William Shatner Capt. Kirk, and Red Skelton.
Favorite band/group growing up?
Earth Wind and Fire
What type of pets do you have now or did you have growing up?
DOGS! We always had dogs growing up, and now we have there Golden Retrievers.
What word describes you best?
Honest. My wife answered this one. She says I am brutally honest, sometimes to a fault.
What is your favorite season and why?
Fall. Some of the best fly fishing is in the fall. Most important, I married the love of my life in the fall.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I do have many faults, but those faults have partially made me what I am today. I am happy with myself as I am, so I guess I would not make a change. Ok one thing: not such a quick temper.
Name your best and worst vacation moments and why.
Best vacation moment has to be seeing for the first time a big male Cheetah in an Acacia tree in Africa. Worst vacation moment was being stuck on a plane on La Guardia Airpot tarmac for over 4 hours!
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Being Married to one of the most beautiful, sweetest, generous, and smartest ladies in the world!
What is your favorite summer or winter drink?
Red Wine, preferably California Cabernet Saigon, or a French Bordeaux.
When you go out to eat, what are you most likely to order?
Steak, or pork chop. Meat!
Where do you want to retire?
I am retired from the Fire Service and I live in Colorado Springs. I want to be close to family, good friends, and some very good fishing.
What is your most memorable vacation and why?
There are two. My first Safari in Africa, wow the animals are mind blowing. Second, a vacation that Mari and I took my family on to Mexico. It was the first time many had been out of the USA and it was my dad's first week-long vacation. Ok, there was a third: New Zealand - beautiful country, beautiful people, and great fly fishing.
Who do you admire?
I admire my wife Mari. She is the most friendly, generous, and open/accepting person I know other than my mother. I have to say that I am way over-chicked!
What are you reading right now?
I am in the middle of two books. Lion in the White House, a biography about Teddy Roosevelt. Crescent Dawn by Clive Cussler.
If you were invisible, where would you go?
I think I would go to the White House to see exactly what is going on in our Government. On second thought maybe not; ignorance is sometimes bliss.
What is your favorite television program?
NCIS and Agents of Shield. Anything on the History Channel.
What is the kindest thing anyone has done for you?
Mari marrying me and sharing her incredible life with me.
What is your real hair color?
Brown, although it looks more and more grey.
What sporting, musical or cultural event have you been to recently?
The Sochi Olympics, and seeing the Jersey Boys in London.
What attracted you to Angler’s Covey?
Neil Luehring, right around 25 years ago.
You have a 10 minute speech to give at a high school, what is it about?
Respect and self accountability.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Speaking better Spanish.
What is the kindest thing anyone has done for you?
Mari marring me, and sharing her incredible life with me.