Cast into Adventure: An Interview with Alexis Pageau

For many, fly fishing is just a sport. For others, it is an art, a way of life, and a means of connecting with nature on the deepest level. Few embody this passion as profoundly as Alexis Pageau - photographer, videographer, TV host, and lifelong angler. From childhood days spent exploring the river behind his home to traveling the globe in pursuit of the perfect cast (and catch), Alexis has carved out a unique career built around his love for fly fishing and the wild places it takes him. In this exclusive interview, Alexis shares insights into his journey, the moments that have defined him, and his relentless pursuit of exploration - both behind the camera and on the water.

By THE EDITORIAL STAFF

BIO//

Full name: Alexis Pageau

Born: September 11, 1990

Nationality: Canadian

Occupation: Photographer, TV Show Host, Videographer

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexis.pageau

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexis.c.pageau

Website: www.alexispageau.com

How did you get started fly fishing?

I started fly fishing at a very young age, in the river that runs behind my family’s home. As a child, I struggled with strong ADHD, and the only place where I truly felt at peace was in nature. Fly fishing became the first passion that made me realize I could be good at something when it genuinely interested me.

The pursuit of a fish would channel all my scattered thoughts, allowing me to focus on a simple yet incredibly complex goal: capturing that fish. It was in those moments that I felt truly centered and connected to the world around me.

What was it about fly fishing that intrigued you in the first place?

What intrigued me about fly fishing was the sense of adventure and freedom it brought. It was the thrill of embarking on a quest with an outcome that was completely unknown and highly uncertain. I was also drawn to the sense of responsibility it gave me.

As a kid, you’re always being told what to do, and with my condition, I was told even more often than others. But on the river, it was my kingdom. It was where I could make my own decisions and truly feel in control. It was also where I learned to take responsibility for my own mistakes and to never take anything for granted because nature is unpredictable. This experience humbled me and gave me a better understanding of the real world.

What’s your fondest fly fishing memory?

My best fishing memory, or at least the most vivid one, took place in Sweden during my first season as a host on the TV show, Hooké. I had been contacted eight months earlier by Hooké because they were looking for a new host. During all that time, I didn’t want to fully rejoice in the news, fearing it might be taken away from me. But in the middle of northern Sweden, on one of the best salmon rivers in the world, as I was making my cast, I was alone and finally took the time to savor the moment and realize that my life would never be the same again.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I cried tears of joy, knowing that from that moment on, I was going to live the way I had always wanted, making a living from my passion for fly fishing. That day, I didn’t catch a fish.

What are the driving forces that keep you going as a fly fisherman nowadays?

The driving force that keeps me going as a fly fisherman today is still the same feeling that has driven me for over 25 years, but now my playground has simply expanded. When you fish a river, a lake, or the sea, as a fisherman, you’re always pushed to explore further, to see what’s around the next bend or in the next pool. It’s that spirit of exploration and discovery that still drives me today. It’s also the feeling of not knowing, the curiosity to better understand and decipher the ever-changing, volatile code of nature.

As a photographer, what are you most looking for in fly fishing?

For a long time, my focus was on capturing beauty - creating the most stunning images possible, always with respect for the fish and the goal of inspiring others toward ethical and responsible fishing practices. My aim was to educate and inspire through these beautiful visuals. While I still hold these goals dear, my focus has evolved. Now, I’m drawn to the authenticity of fleeting, magical moments. Photography, for me, has become a way to preserve these moments in time, keeping them alive when memories alone start to fade.

What’s your most important tip for improving the quality and relevance of fly fishing pictures?

Once you’ve mastered the basics of photography and composition, the most important factor becomes the choice of location. Since we work in natural environments, we are at the mercy of what nature provides. It’s crucial to anticipate the action before it happens, positioning yourself accordingly to capture those key moments from the best angles. Many of the fish we catch are fragile and don’t have the luxury of posing for us, so being prepared and knowing how to anticipate the action is essential.

Equally important is storytelling. Capturing a unique moment is far more compelling than taking a technically perfect photo with a beautiful subject. In the end, the story behind the image always takes precedence over its beauty.

What’s your relationship with Hooké?

Hooké introduced me to the world of fly fishing and was instrumental in shaping my career as a photographer, host, and TV presenter. For that, I will always be deeply grateful. We continue to work together on targeted projects, such as hosted trips and various photo or video ventures. However, I left the company three years ago to launch my own production company because, true to who I am, I felt the need for more exploration and independence.

What’s your favorite destination to fish -and why?

Without a doubt, New Zealand is my favorite place to fish. It’s a wild, untamed land where fishing is a complex and rewarding challenge, set against some of the most breathtaking landscapes you can imagine.

In New Zealand, sight fishing is king, and every fish, no matter its size, feels like a true trophy because of the skill it takes to catch it. It’s also a place of immense grandeur, where the choices and possibilities seem endless.

When you’re there, you feel completely alone in the world, at the far end of the planet - it’s like being in a dream.

What are your ambitions as a fly fisherman and as a photographer?

As a fly fisherman, my ambitions have evolved into a deep desire to discover even more new and uncharted waters, pinpointing the best fly fishing destinations around the globe. I’m passionate about documenting these extraordinary places and sharing them with those who accompany me on these adventures.

As for photography, my mission is to continue creating authentic content that not only captures the beauty of nature but also inspires others to explore and protect it. I want my work to ignite a sense of wonder and responsibility in people, encouraging them to discover the natural world’s treasures and to commit to preserving these precious environments for future generations.