MEET OUR GUIDES

Alex grew up in Southern Minnesota, a warm water fishing mecca. He spent his summer days on local ponds with his brother, digging up worms and fishing all day till dark. Family camping and fishing trips to Northern Minnesota led to a life of outdoor pursuits and skiing led to an interest in moving to Colorado to attend Western State University in Gunnison, CO in the fall of 2004. The whitewater bug quickly grabbed hold of Alex through raft guiding but oar frames opened up the West and several iconic fly fishing rivers When injury sidelined him from skateboarding and mountain biking he picked up a fly rod and found something that would change his life and push him in a new direction. After 6 years working the Upper Gunnison, he wanted to stretch his horizons and pursue the lower section of the Gunnison River where it disappears into the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge. His eagerness to help new fly fisherman and experienced anglers pursue a trip of a lifetime is what fulfills his passions. He’ll be sure you’re well taken care of, teaching trout tactics and getting lots of chances at catching some of the Gunnison River’s finest trout.

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Chance grew up in the country of Southern Idaho working on a ranch, where he was introduced to hunting and fishing at an early age. At the age of 20 he came to Colorado and fell in love with the mountains and rivers. Chance’s passion for fishing became an obsession, which led him to the guide life, and he sure does love his job! He can’t guarantee a hatch, big fish, sunshine, or perfect flows, but he can guarantee that you will have a good time and get to see why he is so passionate about this place!

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A Colorado native, True started fly fishing the lakes and rivers of the Western Slope at the young age of twelve. He has a passion for sharing experiences that “I am spoiled every day with by guiding; a true dream job for me”. True is always ready to share his knowledge of the region, fishing, and why he loves the river.

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Patterson has led fly fishing, rafting, and eco-tours throughout Central America, Mexico, and the Southwestern U.S. since 1991. Patterson’s degree in Recreation Management from Prescott College set the stage for a career in adventure guiding and a passion for keeping tight lines on his home waters. “It’s not just about the fishing, it’s about the people,” Patterson says. “Our activities are kind of a metaphor for life. They can teach patience, strategy, versatility, and adapting to conditions.”

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A native of Swampscott, Massachusetts, near Boston, Ethan first began his love of fly fishing on small creeks and rivers in New Hampshire with family. The Pemigewasset River, catching brookies on a fly rod, created the mystique and his current obsession with fly fishing to trout. As a young adult, Ethan spent every moment studying each aspect of fly fishing. Soon a fascination about the American west developed. The Rocky Mountains captured his imagination with powerful rivers and their monster trout inhabitants. He was sold! In his early 20’s he moved out west to finish his college degree in outdoor education. After I graduated, leaving Colorado was not an option, instead, he wanted to continue chasing trout with a fly rod in the Rocky Mountains by making it a day-to-day part of his life. From leading raft trips with RIGS, to float fishing, and fly fishing – guiding was obviously next. The best way to describe Ethan’s passion for fly fishing is in his own words. “I jump at the opportunity to spend a day on the water with the prospect of sharing my knowledge of the sport that I have come to love. I welcome all to spend a day on the water with me! Does not matter your age or experience level with fly fishing. Just love the opportunity to share my passion for fly fishing with others!”

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Born and raised in Colorado, Jack has had a fly rod in his hand for as long as he can remember. Raised by fly fishing guides, he began his exploration of fishing on the front range. In 2015, he moved to the Western Slope where his passion for fishing exploded. Jack loves spending time outdoors year-round in all forms – skiing, fishing, mountain biking, and camping. He never takes for granted how lucky he is to make a living teaching his passion in the beautiful landscape of Western Colorado.

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Fly fishing was an interest since childhood. Spencer started learning on his his dad’s eagle claw and quickly became focused on understanding fish. At 13, a casting class turned an interest into an addiction. Spencer, enjoys sharing the experience of all things bugs, fish, learning to cast and the thrill of landing the first fish. As proof of his dedication, during his senior year in high school, Spencer took a week off finals to do guide school, and it all started or ended there – fly fishing was to be his life. Wildlife Biology with a minor in Art extended the addiction, further expanding his knowledge and love of entomology and fly tying. “It is important to have a personal goal in fly fishing – my goal is to get to know and catch as many different species as possible”. Spencer is an excellent resource for all things fly fishing. Stop by the shop to catch up with him.

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Matt McCannel started his guiding career in Colorado, leading three-day expeditions in the depths of Gunnison Gorge and on the tailwater of the Uncompahgre River inside Ridgway State Park “PACO” in 2004. Were he still guides both locations to this day. Matt’s fishing and guiding tactics are outside of the norm but have proven to be very effective for his clients. He is passionate about hunting double-digit trout on his technical home waters of the Uncompahgre River. Matt’s ability to explain the smallest details of the sport to people is a huge driver for the successes of his clients. He takes great pride in capturing the moment for his clients through the lens of his camera. Matt travels the state of Colorado speaking on behalf of RIGS Fly Shop for fly fishing clubs and at fly fishing shows. Matt guides for RIGS Fly Shop in Ridgway, Colorado. Matt is also proud to be a Sage, SIMMS, Fishpond, and Costa Ambassador, as well as, a royalty tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants. You can find Matt part-time in Ridgway, CO where he relaxes by fishing to Grass Carp just outside his back door.

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Jacob grew up fishing a variety of waters in Texas hill country rivers and the coast. He began his fly fishing journey at the age of 15, quickly going from a casual way to spend the weekend with family and friends, to a true pursuit of passion for each new river and each new fish. A move to Colorado in 2016 expanded that pursuit and chasing trout became second nature. The goal to become a guide soon evolved. With a contagious fun-loving personality and a love for teaching others the art of fly fishing, Western Slope Colorado became the perfect backdrop for his new home. “In this beautiful landscape of Sw Colorado, I will always make sure we are having a good time, learn something new about fly fishing with the goal of catching those beautiful Colorado trout”.

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A Colorado native, Spencer started fly fishing at ten years old. Twenty-two years later his passion for the sport has only grown. As a guide, his goal is to help people strive to make the transition from guided trips only to getting out on their own and catching fish. Spencer’s mantra is, “However much I love fly fishing I enjoy teaching people to fly fish even more! If you want to learn, I want to teach you.”

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