Dan Byford Dies

Jim Teeny reports that Dan Byford, inventor of the Zonker streamer fly at Steamboat Springs, Colorado  in 1975, died Sept. 10 in Thailand where he ran his business tying furled (helical) leaders and his superb leaders for saltwater fishing.  Dan was in his early 70s when he died. He ran a flyshop for many years in Steamboat, and in 1983 I fished with him (and Lefty Kreh) on the Yampa River, perhaps Colorado’s best large-trout stream. Dan was a consumate fly tier and fisherman, an outgoing free spirit, who loved life, people, and especially fly fishers. His Zonker streamer, winged with dyed rabbit skins and body of mylar tubing, quickly became a worldwide favorite, especially for large trout in streams and stillwaters. It became one of my favorites for steelhead, sea-run browns in Tierra del Fuego and other Patagonia  streams, and for smallmouth and largemouth bass in both streams and lakes. For perhaps the finest selection of the Byford Zonkers see flyfishing@blueyonder.co.uk/streamers. Dan Byford was one of fly fishing’s most memorable and kindest men, in a sport noted for its larger-than-life figures. He will be missed by all.

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  • shawn

    I new that man better then any one else. He was not a good man. And he will not be missed by me. The thing he said about you people behind youre backs and the thing he did to me and my mother. You are defined by youre actions in life. Good man, nope he was not.

    • carl r. diffenbaugh

      thats a statement from a bitter person who should know better and doesn't. i knew dan for over 40 yrs. and i can tell you and anyone else that dan was a straight shooter and a very decent person who treated me like a true friend should. dan was also a man that one wouldn't start trouble with unless that person was just stupid. i'm fairly sure who you and your mother are shawn and if i'm correct then it's you two who have something to be shameful for. you had this man in your lives and squandered the opportunity. you truely reap what you sow shawn maybe it's time to look in the mirror.

    • Genna

      Shawn, I am sorry for your loss, and I am sorry for the pain he caused you and your mom. You are a good kid. If you want to chat sometime, lemme know.

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  • Fredrick Williams

    I grouth with Dan from '54 and the last time would be in mid 80. That from eleamentry on . I rember when Dan Managed sporting goods dept in Sage store and help him open his first fishing store in Oildale Ca( Dans Tackel Shop) I helped Dan and his wife pack up and move to Co.Dan and I visted several times after he retured to Greely area after the marriager and other problems in Co. To say that Danny was not a good man is HORSE BISCUITS!!!!! He will ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE IN MY HEART ,along with his parents and sister ,I sent much of my younger years at there house

    • Barbara

      can you tell me how Dan died, I knew him in the early 1960"s, we had a short marriage in 1964, he will always be dear to my heart. Thank you.

  • Barbara

    I first new Dan in the early 1960's, we had a very short marriage in 1964. The last time I saw Dan was in 1986, he was then the same as when he was a young man strong, passionate and good hearted. Can anyone tell me how he died.

    • Wonder Why

      FRom the research I have done on the internet it appears Dan died after a long battle with lung cancer.