06/08/2026
Meet Dave McCoy, our first Conservation Angler Ambassador.
Dave is the owner of Emerald Water Anglers in Seattle and a lifelong steelhead angler whose roots run deep in the Pacific Northwest. Raised near Eugene, Oregon, Dave grew up fishing some of the region’s most iconic waters, including Crane Prairie, Hosmer Lake, the Deschutes, McKenzie, and North Umpqua rivers.
Those early days on the water shaped more than his love of fishing. They helped build a lifelong connection to rivers, wild fish, and the responsibility anglers have to protect the places and fish that shape us.
In 1999, Dave founded Emerald Water Anglers, which has become much more than a fly shop and guide service. It is a place where new anglers are welcomed, experienced anglers continue to grow, and the fly fishing community is challenged to become more inclusive, thoughtful, and conservation-minded.
Dave has used his voice, business, and platform to advocate for wild fish, responsible angling, and a stronger conservation ethic across the steelhead community.
That is exactly why we are honored to welcome him as our first Ambassador.
The Conservation Angler’s Ambassador Program is built around stewardship, not brand promotion. Ambassadors are anglers, guides, shop owners, storytellers, and community leaders who know wild steelhead rivers and want to give something back.
Wild steelhead conservation depends on science, but it also depends on trusted voices in the angling community who can help turn concern into action.
Dave represents that spirit fully.
Welcome, Dave. Please support his shop to help conserve wild steelhead.
https://theconservationangler.org/blog/ambassador-program-launch
