Meet MidCurrent’s Gear Guru, Rick Mikesell

June 10, 2025 By: Rick Mikesell

Rick enjoys throwing flies at big fish that fight hard.

Editor’s Note: In a very short time, Rick Mikesell has proven himself a valuable member of the MidCurrent editorial team, so I asked him to introduce himself. As you’ll see, he’s got the experience and chops to be our Gear Guru and to provide our readers with expert reviews and advice. —PM

I joined MidCurrent in late April as the new Gear Guru, bringing a function-first perspective on the tools that matter most to anglers. I’m thrilled to contribute alongside folks I’ve long admired—Phil Monahan, Johnny Carrol Sain, and Kubie Brown—and to share real, field-tested gear insights that help readers make the most of their time on the water.

Even when he’s fishing for trout, Rick likes quarry that puts his gear to the test.

Beyond Trout

I’ve fished in Colorado my entire life, but in my late twenties I developed a deep-rooted passion for overlooked waters, urban fisheries, and warmwater species, especially carp. Fly fishing quickly became the cornerstone of my daily life. As a Denver native, I’ve spent nearly 25 years exploring the South Platte River and the extensive network of warmwater lakes and ponds along the Front Range. While I was raised in trout country, I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of targeting big, unconventional fish in places most anglers pass by. That said, I still love trout fishing, particularly stillwater and dry-fly opportunities that reward technical presentations and provide visual eats.

Over the past decade, I’ve focused my career on fly-shop retail, gear development, and brand strategy. As the longtime buyer and operations manager at one of Colorado’s largest multi-location fly shops, I developed a practical, field-proven understanding of gear performance and what anglers actually need, whether they’re picking up their first fly rod or prepping for a bucket-list trip to the Seychelles. I’m obsessive about saltwater knots and rigging. Tying Biminis and working the line winder is as close to a zen experience as I get.

Stillwater fishing for species such as this wiper is a great way to avoid rivers full of runoff or visiting anglers.

While saltwater adventures are always on my mind, travel for pleasure is rare these days. I now work full time as the sales and customer experience manager for Riversmith, supporting fly shops across the country and leading our eCommerce operations. On weekends and holidays, I guide on the Denver South Platte and nearby lakes, helping clients target carp, smallmouth bass, wiper, pike, walleye, and other underappreciated species. One of my clients currently holds the Colorado state record for native white sucker on the fly, caught on a guided trip through the heart of Denver. I also teach warmwater fly-fishing schools and speak regularly at industry events, fishing clubs, and conservation gatherings.

Living the Life

I contributed the Denver South Platte chapters to Pat Dorsey’s Fly Fishing Guide to the South Platte River and frequently guest on fly fishing podcasts. I’m the current vice president of Denver Trout Unlimited and an organizer of the Carp Slam urban-fly fishing tournament. I truly believe there’s no better test of fly-fishing gear than catching a big carp in a city river.

Rick’s kids enjoy chasing carp as much as he does.

When I’m not working, guiding, or writing, I’m usually foraging in the Colorado foothills or taking any other excuse to be outside or on the water with my wife and three kids, tinkering with gear, or night fishing—because it’s the only time left in the day—chasing fish that don’t get nearly enough credit.

I’m obsessed with gear that adds real value and efficiency to time on the water. Life is busy, between work, guiding, and family, so every minute counts. Good gear can mean the difference between a missed chance and a memorable eat. Helping others make the most of their time outside is what drives me, whether through a guided day, a gear recommendation, or by sharing tactics for chasing underappreciated species close to home.