Melissa Smith is more than an award-winning angler — she’s a passionate ambassador for fly fishing as a way to connect, recharge, and grow together. Based in Black Hawk, Colorado, Melissa found her way into the sport through her husband, Chris Smith, former coach for the U.S. Youth Fly Fishing Team, and competing angler on the Senior and Masters Fly Fishing Teams. What started as weekend trips chasing trout soon turned into a shared way of life — one built around exploration, teamwork, and time well spent on the water.

Together, Melissa and Chris co-founded Confluence Fly Fishing, a fly fishing experience company focused on helping couples build deeper bonds through time outdoors. Their mission is simple: teach people how to fish, slow down, and rediscover each other in wild places. Whether it’s a first cast or a lifelong hobby, they believe fly fishing offers a unique way to unplug, share purpose, and create lasting memories together.

Melissa is also the President of the U.S. Women’s Fly Fishing Team and has competed in three consecutive World Championships — earning Team Bronze in Canada (2023), a Top 4 finish in the Czech Republic (2024), and most recently, Team Gold and an Individual Silver Medal on home waters in Idaho (2025). As a leader and competitor, she’s known for her steady presence, inclusive spirit, and unwavering belief that fly fishing should be open to everyone.

Whether mentoring a new angler or guiding a couple back to what matters most, Melissa brings heart, humility, and joy to every cast. Fly fishing changed her life — now, she’s helping others discover how it can change theirs.