Chetola Resort’s manager of fly fishing and head guide Dustin Coffey has landed a prestigious award. Coffey was named the 2024 Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year on April 5, 2024 during the organization’s annual owners and partners meeting in Manchester, Vermont.

He talks with Rick, this week.

Coffey calls the award the “heavyweight championship of the world for fly fishing guides.” It goes annually to the Orvis-endorsed guide who earns the highest customer satisfaction rating, while also excelling in the areas of conservation and recruitment of new people to the sport.

Pete Kutzer, head fly fishing instructor and endorsed operations manager at Orvis International, presented the honor to Coffey. Kutzer noted that Coffey received the best customers ratings, and he received the most customers ratings.

“Dustin blew us out of the water,” Kutzer said. “He created a new standard for getting guest reviews.”

Coffey, 44, began fishing with his grandfather at age five. He has 25 years of experience as a professional guide. He’s known for his friendliness, attention to detail, and ability to explain complicated fly-fishing techniques to everyday anglers while making the experience fun and rewarding.

Chetola is one of only two Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodges in North Carolina, and Coffey says the award is definitely a team effort. He gives credit to each of the resort’s guides and to his wife, Morgan Tarbutton, with whom he co-manages the fly-fishing program.

A native of Western North Carolina, Coffey grew up just outside Blowing Rock in the small community of Globe, N.C. In addition to his work at Chetola Resort, Coffey is a member of Trout Unlimited and owner of Native Innovation Consulting, which provides consulting for land owners who are interested in fly fishing programs.

About Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock NC

Chetola Resort is a 78-acre mountain resort tucked between downtown Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For information about fly-fishing guide service, the Chetola Sporting Reserve and lodging, visit www.Chetola.com or call 800-243-8652 to book reservations.