Two friends, a common obsession, and a dream. That's how it all started. Creek & Current was born from the efforts of two friends, each pulling toward a common goal, a common vision. Dive in and meet your makers.
Camden Patten, Founder and Rod Builder
Raised in the heart of the seacoast of NH, Camden grew up with easy access to all New Hampshire has to offer. An hour from Boston, Conway, and Portland, Dover NH served as Camden's local stomping grounds, with the myriad regional fishing opportunities a mainstay in his life. His great grandfather, Gordon Manson - aka "Pep" - provided an early introduction to the outdoors. Inherited through generations, the love of all things fishing grew organically through strong influences from Pep and his grandfather, Dennis Manson. These two figures were crucial in Camden's development of his love for fishing, passion for conservation, and deep interest in the natural world. Blessed with access to Ayers Pond in Barrington, Camden's summers were spent on his grandfather's boat, casting to bass, bluegill, and basically anything that would bite. This summertime routine would go on to inspire and inform the passion for fishing that Camden carries today.
A Craft Rooted in Curiosity
Camden's rod-building journey began the way many good things do - with curiosity. True to tradition, Camden found inspiration in his elders. Drawn to the sport, he sought any opportunity to get involved. Informed by his friend - and future business partner - Spencer, Camden began volunteering with the Three Rivers Stocking organization in the fall of 2023, quickly adopting the organization's board members as seasoned guides on his fishing journey. An inquisitive question out on the river turned into something much more. What started as a cost effective solution for a broken rod quickly turned into a full-on obsession. Starting from scratch, he dove in head first, determined to discover the techniques that craft the art of rod building. Fiddling in the basement led to a pursuit of perfection that has carried on with intensity. Seeking discomfort, knowing that is where progress lies, he constantly challenged himself to learn something new; to try a new technique, new method, new type of rod. Through trial and tribulation, he dialed it in and honed his skills, sharpening and refining them with each build. Today, his craftsmanship shines strong, gleaning adoration and approval from clients far and wide - from local NH anglers to seasoned guides in Iceland.
Spencer Blake, Founder and Fly Tier
Spencer's story runs in parallel to Camden's. Inspired and informed by a history of experience alongside his grandfather, Spencer's introduction into fishing came at an early age. Raised a short jaunt down the road, Spencer and Camden grew up in similar circumstances without ever crossing paths. Raised in Newmarket, NH Spencer grew up with easy access to the multitude of surrounding waters NH has to offer. In high school, Spencer's intrigue and interest blossomed into a deep passion for the sport. Spending his summers in the north country, Spencer took every opportunity he got to explore new waters, find new fish, and refine his technique and skills. Working for northcountry outposts like Grant's camps and Lopstick Lodges, Spencer gained a deep well of fishing knowledge, with an expertise on north country trout fishing that was unmatched for his age. Here, he began tying flies, finding not only another passion, but a strong skillset. As his tying and fishing abilities grew, he would sell his flies to wayward anglers looking for that sought after tug, providing valuable information and insights into the local waterways.
From Passion to (Brief) Profession
Spencer's fly tying evolution continued through college, with his repertoire of patterns expanding and improving with every tying session, every long night on the vice. This effort paid dividends, bringing larger and larger fish to the net with more and more frequency. As Spencer completed his college career and entered into the workforce, he found himself continually drawn to the waters he was raised on, seeking perfection in his ventures. What began as a hobbyists obsession became something more. In 2022, Spencer began selling customized boxes of hand tied flies under a business he called "Creek Native Fly Company". An LLC provided legitimacy, and - hopefully - a customer base. As his professional career outside of fishing gained steam, focus shifted from the river side to the work site, and the fly tying venture had to take a back seat. Here, he handed the reigns to Camden and sat side-saddle, focusing on building his own career while providing support to the business through fly orders and educational services. Spencer remains an integral part of the Creek & Current, lending expertise, knowledge and know-how to the fishing facets of the business.
These are our founders, this is their story.
Separate, but intertwined.
Parallel, yet independent.
From stream to sea, from boulders to beaches, from the creek to the current.
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