Trouts Fly Fishing is proud to employ some of the finest professional fly fishing guides in the country. From the urban Denver South Platte, to the iconic Colorado River, our guides are waiting for the opportunity to curate a fly fishing experience that you will not soon forget. Whether float or wade, private or public, 1 person or 20, Trouts Fly Fishing pride ourselves on the ability to meet our customer's needs, and go the extra yard.
Where are you from?
Wenatchee, Washington
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I started my freshman year in high school and caught my first fish on a fly between two a day football practices, soaking my legs in the Wenatchee River. So that brings me to fly fishing for 32 years.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I love teaching people the art, science, technical and strategic aspects fo the sport. To me, I am always fishing just sometimes vicariously through my clients.
Favorite species to target?
While I love all that trout have to offer, right now Tarpon are what I froth about.
Favorite gear to use:
For trout, I love the Scott Centric and Flex rods in 905/4 versions. Then add the new Scott Sector in a 6wt and then a 9ft 12 weight for Tarpon and I am set. Nautilus Silver King for the Tarpon rigs and a Ross Gunnison for the trout rigs.
Hobbies:
I am an avid snowboarder, backcountry snowboarder, mountain biker and surfer whenever possible.
Random Fact:
I keep my house and boat tidy and clean, probably from living in a van as a young 20 plus-year-old. Everything has its place. The guys around the shop refer to me as either the "Professor" or "Major Pain" which completely depends on them.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Mukilteo Washington and moved to Colorado back in 1991.
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I first started fly fishing in the early nineties. The first few years I had no idea what I was doing. In 95 I started fishing with some buddies that really helped me advance my skills.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I love being a fly fishing guide. My office has awesome views, and the people I take out are there to have a good time. I like being the instructor on trips, where I get to see the development of there skills throughout the day. I like being the fish spotter and netter. I like creating experiences and memories that keep people coming back year after year. And I like being responsible for creating a passion for fishing that some people didn’t have before we started our day.
Favorite species to target?
I love all fish as long as they tug. Probably my favorite species is a tarpon. They're big, strong, love to jump, and are a challenge to keep on the line.
Favorite gear to use:
I have a few favorite pieces of gear I use daily. My Simms G3 waders and boots keep me comfortable hiking the rivers in all season. In my opinion, Simms makes the best outerwear. Besides the waders and boots, my raincoat, base layers, cold-weather coats all perform great and take the abuse of being used on a regular basis all year long. Another favorite gear item is my Costa Whitetip polarized sunglasses. They fit comfortably and help me spot those tough to see fish. Lastly, my 9’ 5wt Winston’s. They cast great, whether I’m turning over a heavy nymph rig or presenting a tiny dry to a sipping fish. They make my job easier.
Hobbies:
When I’m not fishing I’m playing around at home with my boys. They’re at the age where we have fun doing anything and everything. They're also still at the age they think dad’s cool and funny. I hope that continues for years to come.
Random Fact:
Lastly, I found some species of sharks are a ton of fun to target. I’m freaked out by sharks while playing in the water but being in a boat and casting at them I’m not scared of them at all. The movie Jaws scared me as a kid.
Where are you from?
I'm a Colorado native and I've lived here exploring the Rockies my whole life. I grew up in Denver and never found any reason to leave. While the ocean calls my name occasionally, the mountains own my heart.
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I've been fly fishing and tying flies ever since getting my first fly rod for my 11th birthday. That's 30 years and counting. My dad hooked me on the sport when he took me on a horse pack trip into some high mountain lakes in northwest Colorado when I was 13. I obviously enjoyed it because I asked for the same trip for my birthday present for the next three years in a row.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I love being a fishing guide for a number of reasons. Not only do I get to help people make memories and experience my favorite pastime, but I also get to work in the best office in the world! Seeing the joy and excitement on peoples faces when they hook a fish makes me smile every time.
Favorite species to target?
I have a special kind of affection for high country cutthroat trout. They're absolutely gorgeous fish and they live in some of the most beautiful places on Earth. That said, I love catching pretty much anything that swims in fresh or saltwater, including mahi-mahi, bonefish, northern pike, tiger muskie, and more.
Favorite gear to use:
I've got a great appreciation for high quality, high-performance gear. My favorite waders are the Simms G3's. They're light, comfortable, and durable. I pair them up with the Simms G3 Guide Boot with rubber soles and I like to install a set of the Simms Alumabite star cleats for the best traction in slippery rivers. My favorite trout rod is the Orvis Helios 3. I like the H3D in a 9' 5-weight for nymph fishing and the H3F in a 8"6" 4-weight is a perfect dry fly rod in my opinion. These rods are light, incredibly accurate, and have a great feel. I pair these up with Orvis Mirage LT reels. They've got a smooth sealed drag that's virtually maintenance-free, and have a great look, feel, and sound.
Hobbies:
I've got lots of hobbies. Most of them revolve around fishing. I like hiking (usually to get to a fishing spot), traveling (preferably to good fishing destinations), photography (mostly of fishing, nature, and wildlife), and ice fishing. I'm also a bit of a foodie and beer aficionado, so I like exploring local breweries and restaurants.
Random Fact:
As soon as my parents would let me out of the house without supervision, I spent many days riding my bike 20 miles to the nearest trout water just to cast flies at rising trout for a few hours.
Where are you from?
Killington, Vermont
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I have been fly fishing for a long long time. I have fished my whole life. I was a Captain on a longline fishing boat for over 25 years. I have fished the whole East Coast at one time or another from the Gulf of Mexico to South of Greenland catching swordfish and tuna.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I enjoy guiding to share my passion for the water and teaching my clients different techniques and methods which are always changing. It is different every day and you need to adapt.
Hobbies:
I spend over 250 plus days a year guiding and when I get a rare day off I go fishing with my dogs. When not fishing or walking I am tying over 5000 flies a year.
Random fact:
I am the only left-handed rower at Trouts.
Where are you from?
Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I started fly fishing in 2013 when I was 25.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I enjoy sharing the passion as well as the knowledge and skills I have accumulated from time spent on the water with others. At the end of the day, when I have inspired someone to pick up fly fishing or maybe have helped them improve their skills or maybe even just made a new fishing buddy... That is why I love working as a professional fly fishing guide.
Favorite species to target?
Anything that will eat my fly!
Favorite gear to use:
I use the Simms way point sling pack with G3 waders and boa boots. Simms never disappoints, the sling pack is a great pack for guiding as well as my personal days spent on the water. It is very spacious allowing me to pack my camera flies and any other accessories I may need for the day. The G3 waders are comfortable durable made for the hard-working angler not to mention stylish. Whether I’m scrambling through a canyon or bush whacking to get to the water they get the job done. As for the boa boots, I was quite skeptical of the lacing system due to the reviews I've heard about with snowboarding boots using the boa system, but after purchasing a pair I was very satisfied with them. I am now actually on my second pair. I believe the thing I like most about the boa is winter fishing and not having to deal with frozen laces and stiff boots. The way the tongue really opens the boot up as well as the effortless tightening system avoiding frozen hands and speeds up my preparation to getting on the water.
Hobbies:
Fishing, hunting, and the outdoors.
Where are you from?
Seattle, Washington
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
As early as I can remember, my father and grandfather had a fly rod in my hand at a very young age. Things escalated quickly when I moved to Colorado for college ten years ago.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
First and foremost, I love to be outside. The fact that I can make my “office” the outdoors is such a treat and I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to do so. On top of that, I also love teaching people. Fly fishing is something that I’m incredibly passionate about. One of the reasons I love fly fishing is all of the moving pieces. No one cast or drift is the same and with that, there are so many different things that have to go right in order to be successful. When all of the stars align, you get the eat, connect on the hookset, and then land the fish, what a feeling! Having the ability to share that passion with other people, coach them through the processes, and the joy that it can bring them is incredibly rewarding.
Favorite species to target?
Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat
Favorite gear to use:
- Favorite Rod/Reel Combo – G Loomis NRX Four Piece 9’ 6 Weight w/ Abel Super5N or Ross Evolution R (Sink tip line)
- Simms G3 Waders
Hobbies:
Fly Fishing, Snowboarding, Surfing, Hiking, Camping, Seeing Live Music
Random fact:
Currently enrolled in the Avalanche Science Program at Colorado Mountain College Leadville. Very interested in avalanche control work with the use of explosives. Looking to make the “office” outside in the winter as well!
Where are you from?
Born in Indiana. I grew up between Indiana and Vail, CO.
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I spent some minimal time around fly fishing as a kid as a result of a brother who was obsessed with it to put it mildly. In 2012, I came back into the lifestyle following some heavy life events and a desire to seek out some solace and grounding. Since that time, fly fishing has consumed my life and become a part of my personal and professional life. I can't imagine it any other way.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I appreciate getting the opportunity to help provide people with a life experience and give them success on the water, however, they define that; catching fish, improving technique, memory making, or whatever their personal goal is!
Favorite species to target?
Locally, Brown Trout on streamers. Otherwise, Pike and Peacock Bass.
Favorite gear to use:
Orvis and Sage Rods with Orvis and Abel Reels. I love the women's Simms G3 waders and associated women's boot.
Hobbies:
Fishing, my son, snowboarding, golf, mountain biking, the usual Colorado suspects.
Random fact:
I used to competitively snowboard. I've slowed down A LOT, but still love to get out and ride in the winter.
Where are you from?
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
Senior year of High School - 10 years
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
It enables me to share the knowledge I have acquired and techniques that I have worked so hard to perfect. It's amazing to me how a little instruction/guidance can help a fly angler take their skills to the next level. From never having touched a fly rod to decades of experience - I always believe there is a new concept to learn or an old concept to discuss changes in order to benefit the positive progression of an angler's skills. Simple casting to complex rigging, I could talk about it all day long, and I do!
Favorite species to target?
That Big Ol' Brown Trout
Favorite gear to use:
Dries: Sage Trout LL 904 // Ross Reel //Rio Tech Trout WF4F
Nymph: Sage Sonic 905 // Sage Trout 4/5/6 // Rio Grand WF5F (heavier head to mend)
Streamer: Winston Alpha+ 6wt // Sage Spectrum Max 6/7 // Rio Predator 6 ips sink tip
Hobbies:
Snowboarding, inline skating, tying flies, biking.
Random fact:
I canoed the entire Huron River in Southeast Michigan (120 Miles) - portaging around 12 dams in 2013.
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Denver, CO
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I started fly-fishing when I was 6 years old; my parents signed me up for a clinic with the famous Lefty Kreh on the Fraser River and the rest is history.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
There is something really special about seeing someone catch their first fish on a fly rod and being a part of all that goes into that process. I enjoy teaching people the intricacies that come with fly fishing and introducing them to the outdoors in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Seeing clients’ faces light up when they bring a 20” fish to the net and all the puzzle pieces come together after a long day of work make for some incredible memories that push people to get outside.
Favorite species to target?
Too tough of a question to narrow it down to one so I’m going to give you two: Warmwater species would definitely be Tarpon. They are such acrobatic and strong fish that get the adrenaline pumping every time you get hooked up. Coldwater species would have to be Silver Salmon. 80 yard runs with a 20 pound fish on the end of the line will make anyone’s heart race.
Favorite gear to use:
When targeting larger species like Silver Salmon in Alaska, Redfish on the Texas Coast, Carp on the South Platte in Denver, or chucking meat from the boat on a windy day I love to throw my R.L. Winston Alpha + in an 8wt. It powers through the wind.
Hobbies:
Fly-Fishing, of course. But when I’m not fly-fishing, I love to get out on the golf course, ski, or catch a game of one of my favorite Denver sports teams with buddies.
Random fact:
I speak Spanish fluently and have Mexican citizenship!
Where are you from?
Lake Orion, Michigan
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
Been at it since I was a wee lad. My Father instilled the practices of fishing and tying a fly in the early stages of life targeting trout and salmon throughout the great lake tributaries.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
Some of my most cherished memories involve fly fishing. Having the ability to create those memories with new people fires me up.
Favorite species to target?
Nothing gets me going like big aggressive browns in the upper Colorado River basin during the fall months. Closely followed by rainbows/cutthroat eating hoppers, and high country lakes/small creeking for brook trout.
Outside of that, I like chasing salmon and steelhead. Along with bass, pike, and carp in the warm water.
Favorite gear to use:
On my favorite days I use my drift boat (Solveig), a hearty 6 or 7wt Scott Sector, Ross Evolution reel, Scientific Anglers Sonar line, Rising boat net, and big streamers🍖!!
For wading, I am a big guy but I like to travel light and swift, that's why I go with Simms Flyweight waders and boots, Fishpond sling pack, Fishpond Nomad mid-length net, Umpquoa boxes, paired with a 9ft 5wt Scott Centric, Ross Animas reel, and Scientific Anglers Amplitude line.
Hobbies:
Outside of Fly Fishing/Tying: Whitewater Sports, Football, Snowboarding, Ice Hockey, Hunting, Off-Roading, Snowmobiling, Backpacking/Camping.
Random fact:
The Roaring Fork River descends more elevation in its 70 miles than the entire Mississippi River (2,340mi)
Where are you from?
I am from Apple Valley, Minnesota.
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I started fly fishing my freshman year of college at CU in 2013 and have been hooked ever since, in total it has been 9 years.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I love being able to share my experience and passion with people on the river. Whether that is someone who is new to fly fishing or has been doing it for years. It really excites me to share tips, knowledge, create lasting memories and of course see someone else's excitement when everything comes together to land that fish.
Favorite species to target?
My favorite species to target is trout in smaller streams in the high country while getting away from the crowds. When I'm back home in Minnesota I love throwing big poppers to bass.
Favorite gear to use:
I enjoy using my Sage Foundation with the Nautilus X-series reel. Simms G3 waders along with the BOA laced boots.
Hobbies:
I enjoy using my Sage Foundation with the Nautilus X-series reel. Simms G3 waders along with the BOA laced boots.
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Bloomington, IN
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I grew up bait casting in Indiana and I first picked up a fly rod in 2013 while I was living in Dubois, WY. I really fell in love with it 3 years ago when I moved to CO when a great friend took me under his wing. It's been a wonderful obsession ever since.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I love being outside and I really enjoy the people I get to meet. Getting to share the day with someone who's excited to try or learn something new is hard to beat. There is something undeniably joyful about catching fish and it's a ton of fun to be a part of that process.
Favorite species to target?
It may sound cliché, but I really love catching anything that's willing to take what I'm throwing out there. That and the colors on a fall brown are just awesome.
Favorite gear to use:
I really like my Sage Sonic 5wt with the Ross Reels Animas matched up. I'm also a big fan of the Umpqua Overlook ZS2 500 chest pack and I basically live in the Simms Coldweather Hoody once it gets cold enough to justify it. My Simms G3 waders are the best I've ever used and have been a champ with everything I can throw at them.
Hobbies:
Obviously fly fishing, especially when I can go with my partner Grace and our puppy Murphy. If I'm not fishing I'm out hiking, climbing, biking, or skiing or inside with some good music on the speakers, tying flies.
Random Fact: I have been a climbing guide and instructor for over 10 years and my first full time job was to help design, build and run a climbing gym for Penn State University.
Where are you from?
Elk River, Minnesota
When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I started fishing almost 30 years ago when I was 2 years old at our family cabin in Alexandria, MN with my Grandpa and I haven’t stopped since. The more I travel and explore different types of water the more fascinated I’ve grown with fishing.
Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
Fishing is my passion and being able to explore the rivers of Colorado is a different adventure each day. It’s rewarding to educate and share my expertise to help create a successful day on the water for my clients. There is nothing better than watching a new fly fisher catch their first fish, or an experienced angler master a new technique. Being the guide that can set up these incredible experiences never gets old.
Favorite species to target?
Nothing beats throwing big articulated streamers to big predatory brown trout
Favorite gear to use:
Simms Boots, waders and fishing packs. Scott and Sage Rods. Ross and Sage Reels. Rio and Scientific Anglers Fly Lines.
Hobbies:
When I’m not fishing, I’m likely hunting, skiing or camping with my family and friends.
Random Fact:
I enjoy tying flies almost as much as I enjoy fishing.
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