Fly Rod Chronicles to Air on ESPN2
By Julie Perine on December 19, 2025
Starring Bridgeport’s own Curtis Fleming, Fly Rod Chronicles has been a popular fly-fishing reality show, airing since 2007 on various channels and platforms. The new year brings new viewing opportunity as the program – which features worldwide fishing – will now be available for viewing on ESPN2.
“This next chapter marks an exciting transition as FRC moves from the Discovery Channel to ESPN2, while still airing on the Pursuit Channel, Wild TV, various regional networks, and multiple digital platforms,” said Curtis’ wife, Shelly. “All told, Fly Rod Chronicles is estimated to reach nearly 400 million households – a humbling milestone for a show that had such simple beginnings."
Inspired by his childhood outings at Hinkle and Deegan Lakes, among other local waterways, Curtis’ dream to host a fly-fishing show became a reality 18 years ago. Shelly, who supported that dream, recalls the start of it all.
“In the early days, producing 26 episodes a year felt like climbing a mountain. We were juggling everything at once – Curtis living out of suitcases, chasing stories across states and countries, and myself working 60-hour weeks as an administrator while raising two little girls,” Shelly said. “There were times I had to get on Facebook just to figure out what state or country Curtis was filming in. It was chaotic, exhausting, and wonderful all at the same time.”
As Laken and Autumn grew older, they wanted to travel with their dad and be on the show and they did, taking to the cameras like a fish does to water. In fact, the whole family has been featured on the show, their personal lives and milestones intertwined with the fishing adventures.
The show has featured well-known personalities, including sports figures Jerry West and Bob Huggins, fishing legends George Daniel and Joe Renosky, among several others. FRC has collaborated with Project Healing Waters, a veteran support group, and Game Changer, which advocates for teen drug-free, healthy lifestyles.FRC has been blessed with longtime sponsors including YETI and Harman's Cabins who have been with him the entire 21 seasons.
FRC has featured the salmon of Alaska, the bonefish of Belize, and the tarpon of Cuba – among many other species and countries, but the Wild and Wonderful waterways of West Virginia are often front and center.
“Through every season, one constant has been our love for our home state – its landscapes, streams, rivers, and the people who make it special,” Shelly said. “Highlighting West Virginia’s natural resources, State and National Parks and the hidden beauty tucked into its hills has been one of the greatest honors of our careers.”
As the 300th episode approaches, viewers can look forward to much more of the same and involve the next generation of the family. As it has since the beginning, Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming is based on a trio of truths important to the family: Faith, family and fishing.
“What began as a simple idea grew into a lifetime of moments – shared waters, shared miles, and shared prayers,” said Curtis, a 1984 BHS graduate. “I’m grateful beyond words for a family that believed in the dream, partners who walked beside us, and viewers who welcomed us into their homes every week.”
Fly Rod Chronicles continues to air on Pursuit Channel and access via ESPN2 starts in April 2026, airing Saturdays at 6:30 a.m. The show will continue to air on Wild TV in Canada as well.
