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.

My Favorite Gear

Simms G3 Guide Boot - Vibram

$249.99

Winston Air Fly Rod

$945.00

Winston Pure Fly Rod

$875.00

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.

My Favorite Gear

Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

$549.95

Simms G3 Guide Boot - Vibram

$249.99

Orvis Helios 3D Fly Rod

$949.00

Orvis Helios 3F Fly Rod

$949.00

Orvis Mirage LT Fly Reel

$349.00

Where are you from?
I am originally from New Jersey, but I have lived in 8 states coast to coast.

When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
About two decades, 15 years seriously... I have have been fishing my whole life, however.

Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I love to guide people simply because I love to watch people catch fish. Anyone who has gone out with me can attest to how excitable I am in that respect.

Favorite species to target?
At this point in my fishing career, I probably fish for trout and steelhead, with fly tackle, 99% of the time. However, I have throughout my life fished for many species.

Favorite gear to use:
Rods: I almost exclusively use Sage rods.
Reels: Nautilus or Sage.
Waders: Simms.

Hobbies:
Surfing, Snowboarding, mtn bikes, road bikes, traveling, music....

Random fact:
I hold the world record (in my mind, at least) for the size of fish caught in Clear Creek; 26". I have been to every state, besides AK and HI, at least twice; most dozens of times.

My Favorite Gear

Sage X Fly Rod

$950.00

Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

$549.95

Simms G3 Guide Boot - Vibram

$249.99

Sage Spectrum LT Fly Reel

$375.00

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!

My Favorite Gear

Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

$549.95

Abel Super Series Fly Reel

$595.00

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?
I was born in New Hampshire. I grew up on Lake Winnisquam in Laconia, NH.

When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I started fishing the lakes and streams around the age of 7 and learned to fly fish from my older brother who has been guiding for over 25 years in Colorado, Montana and the Florida Keys.

Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
I love spending the summers outside rowing boats and Wade fishing on the beautiful rivers in Colorado.

Favorite species to target?
I really enjoy catching trout but the fish I enjoy targeting the most are Tarpon when I have the opportunity.

Favorite gear to use:
My favorite gear: Rod - Scott Fly Rods, Reel - Ross reels or Orvis Mirage, Simms waders and boots, and Simms sun and bug protectant hoodies!

Hobbies:
Skiing and snowboarding, fly fishing, hiking biking, and ice hockey are my passions.

Random fact:
I really enjoy traveling and seeing different parts of the world especially with a fly rod in hand seeking different species of fish! I have traveled to Florida and Mexico for bonefish, Tarpon and Permit. Traveled to South Texas and Louisiana for Redfish and Speckled Trout and would love to search for many other saltwater and freshwater fish! Golden Dorado, Roosterfish and Grand Trevalle are just a few on my to-do list!

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Portland Oregon and was back and forth between there and Alaska until I moved to Colorado in 2016.

When did you start fly fishing / how long have you been fly fishing?
I got my first fly rod when I was 9 years old, shortly after my first fly tying kit and I've been at it ever since, so about 25 years now.

Why do you love being a fly fishing guide?
There are several reasons I love to guide. I think guiding is something that has always come very natural to me. I love teaching and helping others. Nobody will ever "master" this sport so I try to always remain a student. There is always something new to learn out on the water. I love seeing folks put it all together and watching them make major strides throughout the day is extremely rewarding to me. I have also always been fascinated with the etomology of the sport. Why do fish eat what they do? When do they want to eat it and how can I tie my flies better to imitate what they want. I find it incredibly rewarding to fool trout on flies I tie myself. I am probably just as consumed with fly tying as I am fly fishing.

Favorite species to target?
This one is tough. I would say it's very close between wild Oregon steelhead and Alaska rainbows on mouse patterns.

Favorite gear to use:
Waders: Simms G3 waders and boots
Rods/Reels: Sage Ignitor outfitted with a Sage Spectrum LT reel
Fly Lines/Tippet: Rio Gold fly lines and Rio Flouroflex tippet.
Pack: Love my Sage Boat Bag
Glasses; Maui Jim Stingrays

Hobbies:
Besides fly fishing and fly tying I am an avid bird hunter. During the winter you can find me with my black lab Cooper chasing pheasants and waterfowl.

Random fact:
I also own a small ranch called "Rocky Mountain Pastures" in eastern Colorado where I raise poultry, pork, lamb and eggs..