Meet the Team

James Parker is the heart behind Arbor Anglers. With more than 40 years of fishing experience and a lifelong love for the outdoors, James has built the shop around more than just fly fishing — he has built it around people, relationships, and making everyone feel welcome.

Born and raised in Texas, James grew up fishing farm tanks, creeks, backwaters, and coastal waters throughout the South. His love for fly fishing eventually led him west to Colorado, where he fell in love with trout fishing and the rivers, streams, and alpine waters that continue to shape his life and work today.

Before becoming a shop owner, James spent 20 years as an educator and athletic trainer at the high school and college level. His years working with young athletes helped shape the patient, encouraging, and instructional approach he brings to Arbor Anglers. Whether someone is an experienced angler or picking up a fly rod for the first time, James believes everyone belongs in the shop and on the water regardless of age, gender, or skill level.

Today, James works alongside his wife, Lisa, as they continue growing the outfitting side of the business and creating experiences that connect people to the water in a meaningful way. Outside of the shop, James is deeply devoted to his family, and nothing brings him more joy than time spent with his daughters, loved ones, and especially his grandson.

At his core, James is a teacher, a mentor, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a lifelong angler. That genuine care for people is what has shaped Arbor Anglers into the welcoming community it is today.

Jason Haddix has a lifelong passion for all things fly fishing and fly tying, beginning with childhood fishing adventures in rural Illinois and later growing into a deep love for the outdoors and the waters of the West. He now calls Colorado home with his wife, Melody, and uses it as his base to explore some of the most scenic waters the state has to offer.

At Arbor Anglers, Jason plays an important role in both the shop and the broader education side of the business. His responsibilities include supporting customers with product knowledge, fly selection, tying materials, gear recommendations, and on-the-water insight. He also helps develop and teach fly tying classes, supports customer education, and brings a high level of technical knowledge to the shop’s tying department and instructional programs. Jason’s experience makes him a valuable resource for anglers looking to better understand flies, materials, techniques, and how those choices translate to success on the water.

What makes Jason’s fly fishing journey unique is that it has taken a different path from the norm. While he has gained over two decades of on-the-water experience, he has spent just as much time behind a fly tying vise as a commercial fly tier. His years of guiding experience across the United States have provided him with the knowledge of what it takes to attract a wide range of fish species, which helps him create his sought-after flies.

Jason now takes pride in sharing his talents with others in the fishing community through teaching, creating classes, and helping anglers better understand the art and purpose behind fly tying. His vast knowledge of tying, including his deep understanding of materials, makes him especially skilled at helping others select the right medium for creating exceptional flies.

Jason’s long tenure in the fly tying community is reflected in the many personal and professional relationships he has cultivated over the years. This includes partnerships with Regal Vises, Cortland Fly Lines, Ahrex Hooks, Fulling Mill, Raidzap Resin, and more, where he serves as a brand ambassador and pro staff member.

Whether teaching on the water, developing new patterns, helping customers in the shop, or educating the next generation of anglers, Jason continues to be a passionate advocate for the sport and a respected voice in the fly fishing industry.

Brand Ambassador / Pro Staff:
Regal Vises, Ahrex Hooks, Cortland Fly Lines, Raidzap, Lagartun Threads, Squimpish Materials, Landsend Foam, Upavon, Fulling Mill, Anadromous Scissors, Twisted Feather Chests

Nico Weissberg: Born and raised in Colorado, Nico Weissberg developed a passion for fishing on the small creeks, rivers, and reservoirs of the Front Range. What started as local adventures quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit of fish and the waters they call home.

At Arbor Anglers, Nico plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of the shop. His responsibilities include supporting customers with product knowledge and gear selection, assisting with inventory, shop organization, POS systems, and internal communication, as well as helping train new team members on shop procedures and daily workflows. Nico’s experience and familiarity with the shop make him a steady resource for both customers and the Arbor Anglers team.

Nico enjoys a wide range of fishing opportunities, from Colorado’s stillwaters and tailwaters to saltwater destinations across the country. He believes that fishing is about more than catching fish — it’s about exploring new places, learning new skills, and creating memorable experiences outdoors.

When he’s not on the water, Nico can often be found working on vintage boat motors, planning his next fishing adventure, spending time with his dog, or exploring new fisheries in search of his next memorable catch.