Years Fishing?
20+
Years Guiding?
20+
Who introduced you to fly fishing?
Traded guitar lessons in high school with a friend's dad for fly casting lessons.
Can you tell us a little about your home waters and the fish you pursue there?
Here in the PNW, we're fortunate to have a little bit of everything from tiny creeks containing surface oriented wild trout to the mighty Columbia with both anadromous and warm water species. So whether it be swinging two handers for salmon or steelhead, stalking carp and bass on flats or throwing chickens at muskie, there's a lifetime of exploration to be had here.
What's the height of the season for you? What time of year is your personal favorite?
Since our waters don't ever freeze, there's a peak season for something every month of the year. This gives anglers that are willing to adapt the entire year to fish, and something to always look forward to.
What are your favorite travel destinations? What's on the bucket list?
I keep finding new ones every year, so I can't honestly say I have a favorite anymore. I suppose it would be somewhere I haven't been yet? There's a lot of water to survey on this rock, so I get pretty excited to learn a new one when the opportunity arises. Bucket...hmm...maybe a trip to the Alta with my closest friends and family.
What you like most about Thomas and Thomas rods? Which rods do you fish?
I've always appreciated their attention to detail, the balance of feel and power, and that they have stayed the course established from the very beginning. The fact that T&T also offers so many options and works closely with the field, it's no coincidence they have maintained their industry leading reputation for so long.
What's your current go-to fly?
Anything I have confidence in. Flies that my daughter tied and gifted flies have the highest priority, followed by my own random creations.
Other than fly tackle, what piece of gear do you find indispensable?
The right kind of footwear makes all the difference. Also good sunglasses and my lanyard with a sharp set of nippers.
From the angler’s point of view, what do you see as the main value of going on a guided trip?
No matter how much you read online or in books, there's no substitution for local knowledge and time in the saddle. Not all guides are equal though, so make sure to ask around to see who would be the best fit for a day on the water given your expectations.
What can new fisherman expect to get out of a guided trip? My favorite thing to teach a client is ...
A glimpse into what it takes to confidently pursue their target species. My favorite things to teach my students/clients are that empathy is an angler's greatest asset, and to focus on the learning process and not just the result.
What's your ideal lunch when on the water? What do you actually pack?
Ideal is anything healthy that helps me enjoy my time on the water better. It also happens to be what I actually pack.
What fly fishing blogs/magazines do you read regularly?
Magazines- Steelheader's Journal, Salmon & Steelhead Journal, The Drake, Fly Fish Journal
When I'm not fishing you'll find me:
Spending time with my family and friends