Spencer Siem is a New Mexico–based fly fishing guide known for his deep knowledge of Southwestern waters and his connection to the Feather Thief legacy. Blending technical precision with a reverence for fly-tying history, Spencer approaches guiding as both craft and storytelling. His work reflects a respect for tradition, a curiosity for innovation, and a quiet dedication to passing the culture of fly fishing forward. In this episode of Anchored, we learn more about his story.
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Outline Of This Episode
[0:00] Growing up in Texas and discovering fly fishing in New Mexico
[4:13] Catching his first fish and building a life around rivers and guiding
[8:03] Working in the backcountry with the Boy Scouts and learning simplicity
[11:27] Becoming a full-time guide and reconnecting with the mentor who first helped him fish
[17:02] Why New Mexico feels different and the connection between landscape, solitude, and history
[28:21] Spencer’s role in The Feather Thief story and the world of classic salmon flies
[50:02] Building a guide business, balancing family life, and staying creative outside fishing
Growing Up In Texas And Discovering Fly Fishing In New Mexico
Growing up in Texas eventually led Spencer to the rivers of northern New Mexico, where he first became obsessed with fly fishing. After buying a fly rod with money from mowing lawns, he spent years teaching himself on small creeks and local water. He also reflects on reconnecting years later with the same guide who helped him catch his very first trout as a kid.
Catching His First Fish, And Building A Life Around Rivers And Guiding
Catching that first trout changed everything. Fishing quickly became the center of Spencer’s life as summers in New Mexico turned into work at Philmont Scout Ranch and eventually a full-time guiding career. Fishing also shaped major life decisions over the years, including where he chose to live, the community he built around himself, and the lifestyle he wanted for his family.
Working In The Backcountry With The Boy Scouts And Learning Simplicity
Years spent working in the backcountry at Philmont Scout Ranch helped shape Spencer’s appreciation for simplicity and outdoor life. Daily routines revolved around mountains, horses, and long stretches away from modern distractions. Teaching blacksmithing, hauling supplies by mule, and living in remote camps eventually influenced the way he approaches guiding, parenting, and time spent outdoors today.
Becoming A Full-Time Guide And Reconnecting With His Mentor
The early years of guiding in New Mexico were marked by plenty of uncertainty as Spencer worked to establish himself professionally. One of the most memorable moments from that period involved discovering that the respected guide he hoped to work for was actually the same person who helped him catch his first fish years earlier. He also shares stories about the reality of surviving those early guide years while slowly building a reputation and client base.
Why New Mexico Feels Different And The Connection Between Landscape, Solitude, And History
New Mexico continues to feel deeply personal to Spencer because of the way the landscape slows everything down. He talks about spending time on quiet rivers, exploring remote areas, and developing a connection to the history woven throughout the Southwest. Fishing there feels different to him because the pace is slower, the water is less crowded, and the environment encourages people to pay attention to where they are and the stories tied to those places.
Spencer’s Role In The Feather Thief Story And The World Of Classic Salmon Flies
Spencer’s interest in traditional salmon fly tying eventually connected him to the museum bird theft story that inspired The Feather Thief. What started as an appreciation for classic flies slowly pulled him into a much larger world built around rare materials, history, and preservation. His friendship with author Kirk Wallace Johnson also gave him a close look at how the story developed from conversations within the fly-tying community into an internationally recognized book.
Building A Guide Business, Balancing Family Life, And Staying Creative Outside Fishing
Building a guide business while raising a family eventually forced Spencer to rethink the balance between work and home life. Over time, he also found creative outlets outside of guiding that still kept him connected to fishing culture. Designing watches, tying flies, and working with his hands became another way to slow down and stay connected to the craftsmanship and storytelling that first drew him into fly fishing years ago.
Discover More From Spencer Siem
To learn more about Spencer Siem, guided trips in New Mexico and Colorado, and his work in the fly fishing world, visit Zia Fly Fishing at https://www.ziafly.com/spencer-seim.
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