Shortly after obtaining his undergraduate degree in Biology, chief guide and owner, Ken Hastings wasted little time in putting that knowledge to use. Following a brief stint here in New Hampshire he secured a job in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he spent the next four years as the assistant manager of Rivermeadows' Crescent 'H' ranch, a guest ranch and fisheries preserve. Nestled in the base of the Tetons with some 3500 acres and four private spring creeks loaded with big cutthroat trout, one couldn't have asked for a more beautiful place to ply his trade. Some of Ken's duties while there ranged from making stream improvements on the spring creeks, to guiding fishermen on such legendary rivers as the Snake, Henry's Fork, Madison, and Yellowstone. Other duties saw Ken giving fly casting and fly tying demonstrations to the guests. Unfortunately a fire and development have worked in tandom to remove this magnificent resort from existence. The memories and experience gained here gave Ken a foundation to build on back here in New Hampshire. Teaching Biology and Science at Colebrook Academy for the past 28 years has dovetailed nicely with Osprey Fishing Adventures. At times guiding fishermen on the headwaters of the Connecticut and Androscoggin rivers seems only an extension of the same for Mr. Hastings. In his 'spare time', during the off season, Ken serves on the Headwaters sub-committee to the Connecticut River Joint Commissions . This is an advisory body that makes recommendations to the various agencies regarding permits and the general welfare of the Connecticut River. During the winter of 2009 Mr. Hastings was honored by NH senate president Sylvia Larsen with an appointment to the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Committee which is another advisory body working to protect and conserve the Connecticut River headwaters. Earlier, at the request of of the Region I fisheries biologists and members of the Fish & Game Commision, Ken was part of a team that worked to develop an Upper Connecticut River Fisheries Management Plan. These efforts towards protecting the river saw him receive the NH Department of Environmental Service's 'River Steward of the Year' in November of 2000.

With his return to northern New Hampshire in 1982 he introduced the art of drift boat fishing to the upper Connecticut and Androscoggin rivers and thirty years later his oars continue to ply these pristine and mighty rivers. From his time on both of these mighty rivers Ken has accumulated knowledge and experience that no other fly fishing guide in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire can hope to achieve. At some point in the not too distant future Ken hopes to pass this wonderful tradition on to his boys. With his wife Lori and their three sons, Ken makes his home on the banks of the Connecticut River. Living on the banks of the Connecticut river allows him a glimpse of the river’s timeless beauty and wildlife that use the river corridor during their migrations. This winter numerous deer, a female bald eagle, and a bobcat have moved through our backyard hinting at nature's timeless beauty.

Copyright © 2012, Osprey Fishing Adventures