Member Spotlight: Jim Bartschi, President of Scott Fly Rods

For Jim Bartschi, President of Scott Fly Rods, fly fishing isn't just a pastime—it's a way of life that began on high-country trips with his family and evolved into a lifelong passion. From the mesmerizing sight of outfitters casting in the Wind River Range to sweeping floors in the Scott Fly Rods workshop as a college student, Jim's journey through the fly fishing world is as storied as the waters he loves. With Scott Fly Rods celebrating its 50th anniversary, Jim reflects on the lessons learned, the craft of rod-making, and the beauty of chasing fish in remote, awe-inspiring places. In this Q&A, Jim shares his early influences, career path, and insights on fly fishing culture, offering a glimpse into what makes this sport and his role so meaningful.

What attracted you to fly fishing?

My dad and grandfather would take me on high-country fishing trips in Montana and the Sierra Range. I'd fish the creeks and lakes with ultra-light tackle. When I was 12, we did a horse pack trip into the Wind River range, and the outfitter and his wranglers all used fly rods. It was the coolest way to fish I'd ever seen. I was completely mesmerized. They saw that and let me borrow a kit and flail away for the week. It was the best week of fishing I'd ever experienced for many reasons: The setting, the fish, the gear and methods, and the people I shared it with. I never looked back and have had a fly rod in my hand ever since.

How did you start with Scott Fly Rods?

In college, I was guiding for trout and steelhead in Northern California. Scott was located in Berkeley, where I lived, and I used to drop by whenever I had free time to cast rods, ask questions, and generally bug the hell out the founder, Harry Wilson. Finally fed up, he told me to be useful or get out of his hair. Naturally, I picked up the broom and made myself useful.

What was the progression of your career through the company?

I started as a part-time rod builder while finishing school. That led to full-time rod building, then rod designer and product developer, and eventually to my current role as President.

What is an interesting thing about Scott Fly Rods or Jim Bartschi that many may not know?

This year is Scott's 50th anniversary. Remarkably, Scott has done one thing: design and craft fly fishing rods for five decades. Oh, and I'm a total cat dad.

What would you tell someone looking to enter this industry that you wish you would have known or learned over the years?

Come into it because of your passion. Keep that burning; you'll always be stoked to jump out of bed in the morning and show up. To this day, I feel the deepest gratitude to be part of this industry.

What is your favorite place to fish in the US, and why?

We're going to end this on the most impossible question in fly fishing next to 'what's your favorite species to fish for'?

Okay, I'll give it a shot. For the past thirty years, I've had a love affair with the Keys, fishing both guided and from my own skiff. It's an incredible environment with a rich fly fishing history and a close-knit community. It's also a seriously challenging and satisfying fishery—so much so that I've picked the exact spot on a specific flat, I want my wake held on when it's time.

That being said, I’m going with the San Juan mountains in my backyard. The high country is where it all started for me, and I still love hiking into the mountains to take in the vistas, rock hop up little streams, and admire in awe the native fish that inhabit those waters. It takes some effort on the front end, but once there, it's a joyously uncomplicated way to fish that leaves my mind clear and refreshed. That's a pretty special backyard.