Pros

Bio

I began my career in the fly fishing world at a young age. I first picked up a fly rod around age 10, started tying at age 14, and by age 16 I was a production fly tier. I then chose my college based on the fishing surrounding Gunnison, Colorado and began working as a full time guide soon after. Fast forward and I now bring nearly 2 decades industry experience to the table, gained while working for some of the industry’s top brands and outfitters in Colorado, Alaska, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand.

I’m incredibly impressed with the fishing options that we have within a short drive from Bozeman. Whether it’s fishing a fiberglass 2 weight for cutthroats in a tiny creek, high stick nymphing in the Madison, chasing spooky carp on a hot summer day, or spey casting in big water for big trout, we’ve got more than enough options to keep things interesting nearly year round! I also spend a great deal of time chasing steelhead around the Pacific Northwest, I’m involved in the testing and development process of Scott’s spey rod line up and have come up with a couple unique, niche-filling rods that Scott offers!

For me, fly fishing has always been about having fun while in the outdoors. When I was still a full-time guide I always considered a day to be successful when we had a good time on the water. Whether it was catching some fish, learning a thing or two, or just enjoying the escape of being outside, these are all things that made a guide day a success in my eyes. Presently, I tend to gravitate towards fishing buddies that share an enjoyment of the experience and relaxation spent outdoors, rather than trying to catch the most/biggest/etc.

Besides guiding for a living I’ve taught a great deal of fly fishing and fly tying classes. I take great pleasure in seeing people with a genuine interest in the sport make progress and learn new things. One thing that I think is so great about fly fishing is that I continue to learn nearly every time I get out. The lifelong learning curve that fly fishing provides keeps me interested and coming back day after day. Although I’m no longer guiding full time I still enjoy teaching spey casting and teaching the odd fly tying class at our local fly shops around Bozeman.

I’m very proud to be a part of the Scott Fly Rods family. Having built the first 10 years of my career guiding on the Gunnison river, within an hour’s drive from Scott Fly Rod headquarters, it makes me feel that much more connected to the brand. I like the fact that I know and respect the people that run Scott. I think the friendliness of the company is somehow reflected in the brand itself. Somehow Scott Rods have become a “by fishermen, for fishermen” company. In this day and age it’s tough to find any company, fishing or otherwise, that is 100% owned and operated in the US, and it’s nice knowing that the whole product line is handmade in Montrose, Colorado.

Within the fly-fishing world I’ve always tried to support companies that I respect and make equipment that actually works well. Even if I wasn’t affiliated with Scott I’d still be fishing only Scott Rods. I’d wear Simms even if they weren’t made 10 minutes away. I’d seek out and fish with Umpqua flies even if I wasn’t a Signature Tier. There are plenty of great options for fly fishing equipment, I think it’s important to look beyond the advertising (and pricing) and see what the companies that you’re supporting stand for.