George Daniel National Fly-Fishing Champ

Sunday, October 14, 2007 - By John Hayes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Drought conditions that turned Rocky Mountain rivers into Pennsylvania-style streams gave Lock Haven, Pa.'s George Daniel the edge he needed to win the gold medal at the 2008 U.S. National Fly Fishing Championship Oct. 4-6 in Boulder, Colo.

Daniel, a pro angler who works at the TCO Fly Shop in State College and has presented casting demos in this area, out-fished 70 challengers on Colorado's Big Thompson and Poudre rivers, and two lakes.

"The thing that got me the win was ... they're having a drought," said Daniel, "extremely low, low water and the trout were extremely spooky. Those rivers were just like creeks in the east. A lot of those western guys are used to banging out 20 or 30 fish an hour; this was producing one to three fish in two hours. You had to fish slowly, thoroughly, in one or two passes, like in creeks around home."

With a first-place showing, Daniel won a spot on the U.S. fly-fishing team that will compete in the world championship, held in March 2008, in New Zealand.

Heather Seitz, an 18-year-old graduate of Hampton High School, placed 62nd of 70 a few days before undergoing hip surgery. Seitz, who competed in international competition this year with the U.S. Youth World Fly-Fishing Team, plans to try out for the team again in 2008.

George Daniel - TCO State College:

George began fly fishing at age 6 while growing up in Potter County, PA and credits Joe Humphreys for the bulk of his knowledge along with many national and international industry professionals. George has been seen on ESPN and OLN while competing in the Great Outdoor Games and the Fly Fishing Masters and is a certified FFF Fly Casting Instructor

Some of George's accomplishments include:

  • 3rd place fishing (team) 2003 Fly Fishing Masters
  • 1st place Casting Competition 2004 OLN Fly Fishing Masters
  • Bronze Medal-2005 Oregon Trials FF Team USA
  • Bronze Medal-2006 Fresno Trials FF Team USA
  • Gold Medal-2006 Michigan Trials FF Team USA
  • Gold Medal Team -2006 National FF Championships
  • 8th Place individually-2006 National FF Championships
  • 5th Place (individually) 2006 World FF Championships, Portugal
    - Second highest individual finish in US history!
  • George was also selected to compete in the 2007 World Fly Fishing Championships, Finland!!
    where the USA Team finished 6th out of 23 Countries.
  • George was among the Coaching Staff for the 2007 Youth World FF Championships, State College, PA
  • Won the 2007 OLN FF Masters!
George's Clinics & Lessons - 2007

Czech/Long Line Nymphing Seminar
with George Daniel February 2nd
SOLD OUT
Whether Punxatany Phil sees his shadow or not, one thing is inevitable…high water in the spring!! It’s that time of year to begin thinking about and preparing for nymphing the fast-deep water conditions the early season usually presents the angler. Why not break the monotony putting heavy split shot on the leader and begin tying/fishing with a whole new series of flies that quickly penetrate the water column and simply catch more fish in areas where most fly fishers would overlook. After taking the seminar, anglers will suddenly find themselves fishing water they never thought possible of fishing. Czech nymphing utilizes simple patterns and simplified fly fishing techniques and is fun and easy to learn by anyone.

  • George will show one of his professionally edited nymphing videos demonstrating the Czech Nymphing in both Eastern and Western waters.


  • George will explain/demonstrate nymphing rigs for various types of water and show you some of the tricks he has picked up from some of the World’s best nymph fly fishers.


  • George will tie for you his favorite Czech style nymphs for fishing East or West. These patterns are simple but deadly! You will find yourself catching more fish and spending less time behind the vice.

Note: All students will receive a 10% discount off all merchandise and/or a free fly line with any rod/reel purchase. This offer is only good for the day of the class.

Cost: $60 (Sold Out) email George for more dates: George Daniel
Class Size: Limit to 10 Students
Location: TCO State College Educational Center (Upstairs)
Time: 10:00 to 2:00

George also offers private lessons, please contact him by email at George Daniel or at the State College Store, 814.689.3654
Catch one of George's Speaking Engagements:
Date Location
November 10th, 2007 Erie Ultimate Angler
December 8th, 2007 TCO State College Streamer Clinic
December 9th, 2007 Lock Haven University Commencement Speaker
January 4-6th, 2008 The Fly Fishing Show: Denver, CO
January 18-20th, 2008 The Fly Fishing Show: Marlborough, MA
January 25-27th, 2008 Somerset Fly Fishing Show
February 4th, 2008 Delco Manning Trout Unlimited Chapter, PA
February 8th, 2008 The Fly Fishing and Wing Shooting Show: Charlotte, NC
February 16th, 2008 Ramsey’s Outdoor Cabin Fever Show: Paramus, NJ
February 23rd, 2008 Gateway Lodge Fly Fishing Weekend, PA
March 8th, 2008 TCO Reading - Spring Celebration
April 7th, 2008 FFF Club - Twin Tiers Five Rivers Chapter
May 17-18th, 2008 McKeever Environmental Center, PA
June Masters School of Fly Fishing: Spruce Creek, PA
TBA Harrisburg Fly Fishers’ Luncheon Speaker
TBA Cleveland Trout Club
TBA Erie Casting Club

Book at Lesson with George
If you would like to book a Class or Lesson with George, email him at George Daniel or call him at the TCO State College Store - 814.689.3654