Carson Wiesner 3/12/2025
Fly fishing. A noble pursuit that requires skill, patience, and the perfect amount of questionable decision-making. And what better way to celebrate those moments of triumph (or devastating loss) than with a perfectly paired beer? That’s right—we’re diving into the world of beer and fly pairings because if we’re gonna sit in a river all day talking to ourselves, we might as well do it with a cold one in hand.
1. Deschutes IPA & Adams Dry Fly
"For the Guy Who Thinks He's The Best.......He's Not"
IPAs are like dry flies—beloved by purists, but not for everyone. The Parachute Adams is a staple dry fly, just like an IPA is the go-to beer for the guy in the fly shop who won’t stop talking about his “epic hatch day on the Gunnison in 2014.” Both are trendy, overanalyzed, and yet undeniably effective. This guy will often be spotted in a Melanzana hoodie and drives a brand new Tacoma. Probably from Denver.
PBR & San Juan Worm
"No Shame, Maximum Results"
PBR and the San Juan Worm share a common trait: people love to hate them, but they work way too well to ignore. Whether you're nymphing a muddy river or just need a cheap beer after spending all your money on fly gear, this combo gets the job done without apology. For the hungover college student on his way back from a darty in FOCO.
3. Michelob Ultra & RS2
"For the Athlete Who Swears They Drink It Because its 95 Calories"
You know the guy. The one who “only drinks Michelob Ultra” because he’s watching his "figure". This person probably pedaled down to the river, much like a fly drifting along the current—riding the fine line between swimming and getting pulled under. Except, in their case, it's not the water that’s pulling them in—it’s a loop of 10-12 Michelobs. But hey, it's just Michelobs, so it’s all good. Pair that energy with the RS2—tiny, efficient, and weirdly effective. If you’re trying to stay light while still catching fish, this one’s for you.
4. Oatmeal Coffee Craft Stout & Mouse Pattern
"It's 12%, so I only need one..."
That obscure barrel-aged chocolate coffee stout you picked up? It’s the perfect match for a mouse pattern—both require commitment, patience, and an understanding that the payoff might be ridiculous. But when it hits? Oh, it hits big. This guy has a beard and is fishing the muddy waters of Aurora. He claims he is gonna catch a carp but really, he's catching a buzz and maybe a bass with 3 eyes.