MikeWattsOutdoors.com
Publisher, Author, Freelance Writer
MikeWattsOutdoors.com
Publisher, Author, Freelance Writer
Publisher, Author, Freelance Writer........................
About Mike Watts
Mike Watts is a passionate fly fisherman and freelance writer. He’s also a storyteller who loves to write and share the many outdoor experiences he’s witnessed on the water and in the woods. Like all good fishermen who recount their stories, everything he writes is considered nonfiction. In addition to riversandfeathers.com, readers can find his stories in several outdoor publications. Many of these stories have earned Excellence in Craft awards from the South Carolina Outdoor Press Association.
For fifty years, Mike has fly fished across the country, yet he still calls the rivers and creeks of Southern Appalachia his “Home Waters.”
As the fly-fishing instructor at Clemson University for over 20 years, he introduced more than 1,200 students to the sport. A letter recognizing him as an individual who has made a positive impact on students at Clemson University noted: “The work that you do has truly made a difference in the lives of students.”
Mike’s unwavering dedication to fly fishing is evident in his numerous accomplishments and awards, reflecting his commitment since he began in 1976. His passion for the outdoors and conservation earned him the prestigious Silver Trout Award twice, demonstrating his significant role in the fly-fishing community.
The greatest award was watching his grandson catch his first trout on a fly rod at age four, many years ago.
Mike also played a key role in creating a public fly fishing program and volunteers as an instructor through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
The Perfect Stocking Stuffer for the Outdoorsman! $5.95
The Christmas Fly is a heartwarming short story about the enduring bond between a father and son, forged through their shared love of fly fishing and the outdoors. As a teenage boy struggles to balance school, work, and the challenges of growing up, he finds peace and perspective in the quiet solitude of a mountain stream.
During a late autumn fishing trip, he realizes he has left something important at home, leaving him discouraged and emotional. Just when his day seems ruined, he encounters a kind stranger whose generosity and wisdom lead to an unexpected friendship.
Set against the beauty of the outdoors and the magic of Christmas, The Christmas Fly is a touching short story of hope, kindness, and the lasting impact one simple act of compassion can have on a young person’s life.
This story was originally written as a gift to the author’s lifelong fishing friends and family, but he was encouraged to create it in book form to share with others.
"The Christmas Fly"
“I call it a Christmas fly because of its colors. The glistening green peacock reminds me of lights twinkling on a Christmas tree. The red could be the presents or the stockings hanging from a mantle. The white is the softly falling snow of winter. And besides, it really catches fish, and that’s what counts,” Nick said. Nick offered him a fly, and their friendship was born.
His warm, friendly temperament brought out the quiet boy’s openness. Nick laughed a lot, which made Jimmy feel comfortable and laugh, too. He had so much to say. He and Nick talked about everything, and Nick was a good listener. Jimmy found him easy to talk with. He quietly sensed they had somehow, in some cosmic way, known each other for many years. Jimmy discussed the constant juggling of being sixteen-years-old, in high school, and the obligations of working every day. Nick assured him things would work out in the end.
"Tales of Rivers and Woods" Mike Newest Book Published September 2026
The book, Tales of Rivers and Woods, was taken from outdoor experiences and written on notes and journals spanning fifty years. Through the eyes and writing of Mike Watts, the reader will experience firsthand what it’s like to stand in a cold river and feel the pull of a feisty trout, or the solitude of a deer stand at daylight, and greet a new day.
This book is a heartwarming chronicle of the shared laughs, great friends, and family journeys that define a life spent outdoors. Prepare to feel the deep, resonant emotion and incredible adventure awaiting you. Get ready to experience the shared laughter, wonderful friends, family and the meaningful places they’ve visited. The book captures the deep, authentic emotion of being outdoors and the incredible adventures that lie ahead.
Tales of Rivers and Woods is an ideal bedside read. It consists of short stories that will make you laugh, lift your spirits, and vividly capture the feelings of losing a fish, breaking a fly rod, or sitting on a rock at dusk watching lightning bugs.
"Riverbank Memories"
Riverbank Memories is a collection of humorous anecdotes and heartfelt observations from spending time outdoors wading rivers, creeks, and streams in Southern Appalachia and beyond.
This book is a lifetime of notes scribbled and finally compiled into one manuscript. He wrote many of his angling stories and thoughts in journals, notes, or on the riverbank.
As you read, you will embark on an emotional journey and feel as if you are standing beside him, participating. Mike shares the joy and wisdom he's gained from fly fishing and being outdoors.
Mike also highlights the importance of teaching others the sport. He supports this belief by sharing stories from his own family and truly defines the meaning of "Take a Kid Fishing."
This enjoyable book makes great bedside reading and will leave the reader smiling.
"Riverbank Memories" book review from Josh Lanier.
A good indicator of one’s character is the kind of stories they tell. Pay close attention and you can gauge where their values are, where their true passions lie, and what they hold closest to the heart. In Mike Watts’ new book, Riverbank Memories, readers will get a true sense of what the author’s passions are, and they will also discover a man whose abiding love for family and friends give hunting and fishing stories a greater depth and meaning..........
Another "Riverbank Memories" book review from Jerry Kustich.
In the past I used to have a bucket list of places around the country that I still wanted to fish. That bucket grew into fifty-five gallon drum when adding desirable destinations from around the world to cast for exotic species one could only dream about. Unfortunately, however, time and circumstances have gotten the best of me, and now it seems the most I can hope to accomplish from a fishing trip standpoint is a “tin-can” list of modest user-friendly places to explore.
The one merciful aspect of reaching a certain age is that now I can enjoy the vicarious thrill of reading about angling ventures more than ever. Some stories are about far-away places, but many are close-to-home tales written by anglers influenced by the familiar surroundings that have touched their lives significantly in a region where they have spent a lifetime. One such book that I have recently finished is RiverBank Memories by Mike Watts. Mike is a dedicated conservationist and a free-lance writer who has taught fly fishing at Clemson University for over two decades. For several years he has also published an online website devoted to posting stories and articles from writers around the country who desire to share their talents and insights to a broader audience. Check out: riversandfeathers.com Personally, I have posted a couple of my pieces on Mike’s unique site
A Children's Book Introducing the Great Outdoors!
Pond Fishing with Papa by Mike Watts is a heartwarming journey into the wonders of fishing, family, and nature, seen through the eyes of a child captivated by their grandfather’s tales. Join Papa and his young fishing buddies as they set off before dawn, rods in hand, in search of new adventures and the thrill of the catch.
Each page is filled with the joy of a child’s first experiences—from the tickle of “minnow dust” on tiny fingers to the suspense of watching a bobber dip below the surface. Papa shares his wisdom, storytelling, and love for nature, helping his grandchildren discover that fishing is about so much more than just fish. Through playful interactions with a wise blue heron and bullfrogs belching by the pond, Pond Fishing with Papa brings the outdoors to life, reminding us all to listen to nature’s quiet lessons and savor the time spent with loved ones.
"Pond Fishing with Papa"
As we walked briskly down the path to the pond, he told us to hurry. He said, “Sunrise only happens once daily, and we didn’t want to miss it.” The sun started peeping over the mountain as we approached the little dock where Papa tied his boat.
"Pond Fishing with Papa"
Meanwhile, he grabbed another spinning rod, pulled out a minnow bucket full of “special minnows,” and told me to stick my hand in there and spread my fingers apart. The minnows tickled as they swam through my fingers. When I pulled my hands from the water, I noticed tiny, sparkling fish scales stuck between my fingers. Papa called it minnow dust and told me it was more powerful than fairy dust, and if I made a wish about catching a big fish, it would probably come true.
Mike Watts, Special Guest on the Nationally Acclaimed WET FLY Swing Podcast
In this episode, we head to the Southeast to explore South Carolina fly fishing with Mike Watts of Rivers and Feathers. From chasing wild trout in the Southern Appalachians to building community through Clemson University’s fly fishing club, Mike shares what makes his home waters so special. If you’re curious about Southeast fly fishing, small stream tactics, or want a glimpse into a growing regional fly fishing scene, this episode is for you.
Freelance Writer
Mike is a freelance writer and has published articles in several magazines, including a regular contributor to South Carolina Wildlife Magazine. His articles include fly fishing for fresh and saltwater species and other outdoor stories.
Thanks for visiting my website!
Welcome! Check out my new books, just published on Amazon!