Our Guides

Eric grew up fishing, hunting and skiing in Ashland Wisconsin on the south shore of Lake Superior. He moved to the Gunnison Valley in the fall of 1999 and quickly fell in love with the area and all of the incredible outdoor recreational opportunities. Eric soon found himself spending time floating the river and fishing as much as possible. He began guiding professionally in the summer of 2003. Eric truly believes “it’s always a good day to go fishing.”

For 40+ years, Dave has been fishing Colorado waters—the last decade as a guide at Willowfly Anglers. He’s a retired high school teacher who finds great joy in helping folks experience fly fishing success. Beginners and experts alike benefit from his knowledge, patience, and easy-going instruction. His “keep it simple” fishing approach helps young and old gain confidence, catch wild trout, and make lasting memories. Dave guides wade-walk trips on the many exceptional waters in the Gunnison Valley!

Graduate of the Orvis-Endorsed guide program, Jake started guiding for Willowfly Anglers in 2015. Growing up, Jake often fished from his grandfather’s dock in the Florida Keys, and from a panga boat with his dad in Baja California. He discovered his love of fly fishing while in college at the University of Colorado Boulder, and now spends his summers in the Gunnison Valley fishing every chance he can get! Sharing his passion for fishing with others is one of his greatest joys, including the excitement, challenges, and humility that only a trout can induce.

Chad is an Arizona native with a career in outdoor education and has guided professionally in places like Colorado, Alaska, and Germany. Chad was a long-time boatman in his home state of Arizona on the Grand Cayon’s Colorado River, and an outdoor educator for Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. Since moving to the Almont area, Chad enjoys sharing his love and appreciation of fly fishing with guests and clients. His enthusiasm for fly fishing is infectious, and with his jolly laughter and demeanor you will soon find out why Chad’s past students and clients have requested him again and again.

Audrey began fly fishing at 8 years old and has been hooked ever since. She grew up fishing trophy waters in Northern Arkansas on the Little Red, White, and Norfolk Rivers. After earning a degree in Biomedical Engineering, the call of the rivers and mountains brought her to the Gunnison Valley where she has fallen in love with the world class fishing and incredible wilderness access. Audrey is an encouraging teacher, accomplished angler, and skilled outdoors woman. Audrey’s knowledge and enthusiasm are sure to get you hooked on the amazing, lifelong pursuit of fly fishing!

Evan has been on the water almost every day since he first started fly fishing at the age eight. Evan grew up fishing rivers in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, chasing trout, bass, and carp on the fly. Everyone in Evan’s family, even his grandmother, has the fly fishing fever, and it is only fitting that he began guiding trips. Evan started guiding for Willowfly Anglers in 2017, while completing his Biology degree at Western Colorado University. Evan guides ice fishing trips in the winter along with float and walk/wade summer trips. Evan’s favorite part about guiding is creating valuable memories for his clients, and sharing the excitement that fly fishing offers every day.

Skyler’s love of fishing, floating and outdoor recreation has been shaped by the Gunnison Valley since 1993. After spending time in Washington working at a fly shop and guiding float trips in Alaska, Skyler decided to take the Willowfly Anglers Fly Fishing Guide School. After completing the course in 2018, he has been guiding for Willowfly Anglers ever since. As a Gunnison Valley local, Skyler has an in-depth knowledge of both the rivers and the history of Gunnison. Always eager and enthusiastic to teach, Skyler’s favorite part of guiding is watching an angler put their new skills into practice to create and nurture a lifetime passion.

Matt is a Colorado native who grew up fishing high alpine lakes, backcountry streams, and the Arkansas River from Leadville to Pueblo, CO. Matt has been a fly fishing guide in the Gunnison Valley since 2016, and with Willowfly Anglers since 2018. He loves exploring different types of fly fishing, and finding new waters! Matt guides both float and walk wade trips, and he also has access to guide the private water of the East River Anglers club (ERA). Matt specializes in Euro Nymphing and fishing pocket water on the Taylor River.

Jeff brings over three decades of guiding experience to the Willowfly Anglers staff. His passion for fly fishing, combined with his animated sense of humor, make for a day full of laughs and great times. He truly embraces all aspects of guiding; from teaching beginners the basics, to stalking selective fish with seasoned anglers. Jeff also enjoys whitewater, and has run rivers all throughout the US, as well as in Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina.

Jay Hill retired from corporate life and moved to Gunnison for the fly fishing and skiing. For the past decade Jay has been working in the fly shop, teaching casting classes, and guiding fly fishing trips. A true ambassador of the sport, Jay is known for drawing maps to his favorite spots, sharing the hot flies of the moment, and helping complete strangers on the river. While he fishes twelve months of the year, in the summer he loves to fish smaller water that is off the beaten path. He also guides our backcountry stream trips in the summer!

Will grew up in Oklahoma chasing bass, but quickly became addicted to trout on the fly rod in Fort Collins, CO while at college. He has guiding experience at a remote lodge in Alaska and joined our Willowfly guide staff in 2020. Will guides float trips and walk/wade trips for all experience levels and is always excited to get on the water with anyone. Specializing in euro/tightline and streamer fishing, Will always has a new technique or fly to show you. You can find Will stalking the banks of one of the many lakes and rivers around Almont, or behind the vise tying flies.

David was born, raised, and spent his career in North Texas. David fell in love with the Gunnison Valley during vacations with his family and was finally able to make this his permanent home. David will tell you that he probably gets more excited when a client lands a fish than when he nets one for himself. His biggest thrill is being able to help everything line up for the first-time angler. After spending the day on the water with David, his hope is that you not only were lucky enough to feel the tug of the fly line, but that you come away with an appreciation of this beautiful place and want to come back and experience what this valley has to offer in the future.

Holden grew up in Casper, Wyoming fishing the Grey Reef, Miracle Mile, and Fremont Canyon sections of the North Platte River. In 2012 he moved to Gunnison to attend Western Colorado University and play football. From a young age Holden always knew that he wanted to be a fly fishing guide, but he began his career in 2013 after taking the Willowfly Anglers Fly Fishing Guide School. Holden has been guiding for Willowfly Anglers ever since, with the exception of one year. In 2022, Holden moved back to Casper, and guided the North Platte and Bighorn rivers for Ugly Bug Fly shop. While he loved this time guiding in WY, he says, “the Gunnison Valley, with all it has to offer, and the great people at Willowfly were something that I could not stay away from. I came back to Gunnison after a season hiatus and will not be leaving again.” Having fished many different states and rivers in the west, Holden believes that the Gunnison Valley offers the best overall fishing experience out of anywhere. He loves sharing this special place with people through fly fishing, and enjoys guiding beginners and experts alike–as there are different challenges presented to both. Fishing streamers and dry flies is what Holden enjoys the most, which is great because we have long seasons for both! When Holden is not guiding, you can find him floating the river with his wife and son.

Adrian has been fishing his entire life and fly fishing is his passion. Rarely does a day go by that he is not on the water or tying flies. As a guide, and with a background as an adventure sports instructor, he finds gratification in sharing his knowledge. Adrian specializes in walk wade trips, from technical tailwaters to remote mountain streams. He draws from his experience and range of techniques to provide tips and instruction to create the best opportunities for success for his clients.

Turner may have grown up in the suburbs of Chicago, but that did not stop him from developing a love for fishing and the outdoors. He grew up fishing and hunting with his father, and was heavily involved in Boy Scouts. Turner developed a passion for sharing the outdoors with others, becoming a backpacking guide and later a whitewater rafting guide. When Turner moved to Gunnison in 2018, he rekindled his obsession with fly fishing, ice fishing, and hunting. In 2022, Turner graduated from the Willowfly Anglers Orvis-Endorsed Guide School, and began guiding and working in the fly shop here at Willowfly Anglers in 2023. Turner guides spin trips, float trips, and walk/wades.

Ruth is our top guide and head boatswoman overseeing the rafting operations. She was raised in a small town in Northern Michigan. After attending Northern Michigan University, she moved to Crested Butte in 1985 to become a ski bum. Ruth is the mastermind behind each trip and could likely guide the Taylor in her sleep. When she is not rafting, she is often spending time with her husband Dave and their two dogs Rico and Lucas. Ruth has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to rescues and river skills, and a trip with her is quite the treat!

Vito was born and raised in Aurora, IL and moved to the Gunnison Valley right after college. His brother-in-law got him a job in construction where he quickly met Mark Schumacher, the owner of Three Rivers Outfitting. In 1984 Vito helped Mark start the rafting business and he has been a guide here ever since. He was one of the first guides on the Taylor River. From bucket boats to roaring high water years, Vito has seen and experienced it all. After being a year-round employee at Three Rivers for 30 years, he now splits his time between river guiding and driving the RTA buses that run from Gunnison to Crested Butte. In his free time, Vito and his wife Susan are avid campers, hikers, skiers, and explorers.

Mike grew up in Orange Country, CA. He first came to Colorado in 2011 for college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, but then made his way to Gunnison to attend Western Colorado University. With so much to do in the Gunnison Valley, Mike soon found himself guiding year-round. While rafting is a large passion of his, you can also find him as a big-game hunting guide throughout the fall, and a snowmobile guide throughout the winter. Mike, his wife Giselle, and their black lab Gringo are often found spending time outdoors all year long!

Steve was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating with a degree in Biochemistry, Steve worked a few jobs over the years while living in Boulder with his now wife Lauren. Looking for more adventure, and outdoor immersion, they moved to the Gunnison Valley. After taking the raft class in 2015, Steve has been a steady presence on the river ever since. Steve and his family are often found enjoying the outdoors year-round! Steve loves to chat with people from all walks of life, and you are sure to finish your trip smiling ear to ear after a trip with Steve!

Joelle was born and raised in Marysville, Ohio. After receiving an Art degree from The Ohio State University, she soon found her passion for the river. Joelle first learned how to guide on the New and Gauley Rivers, and has since guided on the sections of the Yampa Canyon, Gates of Lodore, Cataract Canyon, the American River and the Grand Canyon. Joelle and her husband Stuart, are avid rafters in summer and ski patrollers during the winter. Joelle has rafted on many rivers, in many states, and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to river systems.

Giselle, or “Gicho” is a proud native of Pucón, Chile. From a young age, Gicho has always been drawn to the river. For several years she kayaked and was a whitewater rafting guide on the Trancura River in the La Araucanía Region of Chile. Gicho has gained great understanding and experience from Class 5 rivers throughout South America, and her upbeat personality is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. After moving to the US shortly after marrying her husband Mike, she now spends her time raft guiding in the summers and snowmobile guiding in the winters. Gicho and Mike are often found enjoying time outdoors with their black lab Gringo, and a trip with Gicho is likely going to be a blast!

Originally from Arkansas, Jared moved to Colorado in search of great fly fishing. After taking the raft guiding course in 2016, Jared has been a consistent presence here at Three Rivers. While much of his time is spent raft guiding, Jared is also an avid fly fisherman. If you’re interested in learning about the ecology of the river, Jared is a great person to chat with!

Cameron or “Cam” grew up in Clarion, PA, and moved to the Gunnison Valley in 2018 to attend Western Colorado University. While in college, and since graduating with a degree in Business, Cam has been a strong presence on the river each summer. Throughout the summer months Cam enjoys rafting and golfing, and throughout the winter he works as a Lift Operations Supervisor for CBMR while getting many ski laps in as well! If you’re looking for a fun time on the river, and good conversation, Cam is the guide for you!

Originally from Fallbrook, CA, Charlie has been in the Gunnison Valley since 2020. When Charlie is not rafting in the summer, or working at CBMR in the winter, he is often exploring new places both near and far–whether that is in pursuit of a new river to ride his pink Spud down, or traveling to experience new cultures. Charlie always has a great attitude and he loves to share his experiences with his customers. Charlie is sure to give you a good laugh and some easy-going fun!