Scott Pros

 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 to 2011 and I now bring over a decade of guiding experience to the table, gained while working for some of the industry’s top outfitters in Colorado, Alaska, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand.  Besides spending the majority of my time on the water guiding and fishing you'll also find me working 2 days a week at the Avid Angler fly Shop, Seattle's newest Scott authorized dealer.

 

I’m incredibly impressed with the fishing options that we have within a short drive from Seattle.  Whether it’s fishing a fiberglass 2 weight for cutthroats in a tiny creek, high stick nymphing for wild rainbows in the Yakima, bombing casts for sea run cutthroats in Puget Sound, or swinging for steelhead, we’ve got virtually year-round fishing options.  

For me, fly fishing has always been about having fun while in the outdoors. Whether you're an expert or a never-ever I consider a day to be successful when we can have a good time on the water. Whether it's catching some fish, learning a thing or two, or just enjoying the escape of being outside, these are all things that can make a guide day a success in my eyes.

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.  

I’m also very proud to be a part of the Scott Fly Rods family.  Having built my career guiding on the Gunnison river, within an hour’s drive from Scott Fly Rod headquarters, 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 I wasn’t a guide ambassador.  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.  

That said, if you find yourself in Washington, at just about any time of the year, I’d love to take you out and fish for a day or two.  We’ve got plenty of options to keep it interesting and fun!