UNMATCHED

Eric Adams is a seasoned  25+ year Montana fly fishing guide and outfitter based in Livingston, Montana, where he spends the majority of his season guiding anglers on the Yellowstone River, Missouri River, Private Spring Creeks and surrounding fisheries.

Originally from the Midwest, Eric grew up chasing trout across Michigan and Wisconsin. That early obsession with fly fishing sparked a lifelong journey that has taken him across the country and around the world pursuing a wide range of species on the fly. That same passion for the outdoors led him to earn a degree in Environmental Biology and a Master’s degree in Ecology.

This educational background gives Eric a unique edge as a guide. Beyond simply putting clients on fish, he helps anglers understand river systems, insect life, and the surrounding ecosystem—creating a more engaging and educational experience on the water.

Eric is the owner and operator of Montana Fly Fishing Guides LLC and has built a reputation as one of the most respected fly fishing guides in the Livingston and Yellowstone region. His experience includes serving as Director of Fishing Operations at Yellowstone Valley Lodge, along with active involvement in organizations such as Trout Unlimited and the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM).

He is also a Yellow Dog Fly Fishing recommended guide and works closely with respected brands in the industry, reflecting his commitment to quality, conservation, and professionalism.

Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced angler looking to refine your skills, Eric focuses on delivering personalized guided fly fishing trips that help you become a better angler while experiencing the very best of Montana fly fishing.

Rob Belanger is a exceptional Montana fly fishing guide who calls Livingston, Montana home and spends his days guiding on the Yellowstone River & surrounding Southwest Montana waters. Known for his steady approach and strong attention to detail, Rob has built a reputation for consistently helping clients find success on the river.

His path to Montana was shaped by years of fishing across a variety of fisheries, developing a well-rounded skill set and a deep appreciation for different styles of angling. That experience shows in his ability to read water, adjust to changing conditions, and dial in effective techniques throughout the day.

Rob is an expert guide on the Madison River, Yellowstone River, Missouri River and nearby fisheries in Paradise Valley, working with anglers of all experience levels. He takes pride in keeping things relaxed and enjoyable while still focusing on the small adjustments that lead to more trout and better outcomes.

Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or fine-tune your approach, Rob delivers a thoughtful, productive day on the water that reflects the best of Montana fly fishing. Rob is a former Marine and we appreciate his past service to our country.

Will Lassiter is a 25+ year Montana fly fishing guide based in Livingston, Montana, where he spends his early season guiding anglers on the Missouri River and surrounding Southwest Montana fisheries. With a deep passion for fly fishing and years of experience on the water, Will has developed a strong understanding of river conditions, fish behavior, and the techniques needed to consistently find success.

Originally drawn to Montana for its world-class trout waters, Will quickly made Livingston and Paradise Valley his home. He now guides regularly on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, Missouri River and nearby fisheries, helping anglers of all skill levels improve their fly fishing while experiencing some of the most productive rivers in the West.

Known for his calm, patient teaching style and positive attitude, Will excels at working with both beginners and experienced anglers. Whether you’re learning the fundamentals or refining advanced techniques, he focuses on creating a relaxed, enjoyable day on the water while helping you become a more confident angler.

Conor Byorth is a Livingston based fishing guide and a fifth generation Montanan who was born and raised in Bozeman. He was introduced to fly fishing by his trout biologist father, almost before he began to walk. He spent all his youthful free time fishing the Yellowstone and surrounding rivers throughout his early years, which has permanently given him the bug. The only “cure” has been guiding, which he started at eighteen in Wyoming and then rivers across southwest Montana. His favorite river has always been near home on the Yellowstone.

Conor is currently pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana, but makes an annual trek to return home and fish the Stone! When he’s not guiding, Conor is hunting or skiing at Maverick Mountain where he works as a lift operator during the school year.

Matt Nispel is a 20+ year Livingston based fishing guide. Originally from Colorado, Matt was introduced to fly fishing when a friend pressed him to tag along on a late October trek to a high mountain lake impersonating a hockey rink.  Undeterred by that failed first outing, He began teaching himself to fly fish and was soon spending every spare minute away from work in the insurance industry tussling with the savvy trout of Colorado’s South Platte, Arkansas, Frying Pan and Blue rivers.

After a decade of honing his skills and having had his fill of life in a cubical, the allure of working outdoors as a guide couldn’t be ignored any longer and he moved to Livingston in 2011. Like a many of the Montana Fly Fishing Guides before him, he guided and worked as general manager for Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop. This allowed him to gain extensive knowledge of the best fishing throughout Montana.

Fly fishing crossed over from sport to lifestyle a long time ago for Matt, and he’s eager to share it with those who he fishes. Known for his persistent smile, work ethic and easy going approach “Matty” is a guide who can add insight to any seasoned anglers day, get beginners up to speed quickly, and show either a fun time on the water sharing laughs along the way.

Jesse Dancer is a 15+ year Livingston based fly fishing guide. His life long passion for fly fishing started on the banks of the McKenzie river in Oregon where he spent many hours chasing trout and steelhead. While born and raised in Oregon, this passion led him to start guiding anglers in Alaska. Jesse dedicated 6 years to developing his guide skills in Alaska where his hard work and leadership didn’t go unnoticed as he left the lodge as head guide. Alaska was just a stepping stone for Jesse as Montana had always been on his personal and professional radar. After spending several partial years in Montana Jesse made his full time move to Livingston. The past several years have proven Jesse to be an exceptional guide and we are proud to welcome him as our newest core guide.

When Jesse isn’t guiding or fishing the many great rivers in Montana you (can try to) find him on a horse looking for elk, or on the coastal waters of Oregon swinging flies in search of steelhead.

Carlisle Jones is a 15+ year Livingston based fly fishing guide. He was born and raised in Alabama but made the move out to Montana several years ago to pursue a life filled with trout fishing and managed to get a degree from Montana State University along the way. He was first introduced to trout fishing at the age of nine, and grew up fishing for a variety of species throughout the South. However, upon visiting Montana with his father as a teenager he fell in love with the rivers and mountains of southwestern Montana. It just proves you never know what will come from the family vacation.

No matter what your skill level, a day on the  water with Carlisle is sure to be fishy, fun and educational. When he isn’t chasing fish on the fly you’ll likely find Carlisle surfing, playing music with his friends, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.

Drew Daniels is a Bozeman based fly fishing guide. He was born in Wisconsin and grew up with a fishing rod in hand. From an early age, fishing became an obsession, and he immersed himself in every style he could learn. After his first fly fishing experience on a family trip to Colorado at age nine, he set his sights on heading west and turning that passion into a career.

From that point on, nearly every waking moment revolved around fishing—whether casting poppers with a 3-weight for bluegill in a local pond after school, chasing salmon and steelhead in Great Lakes tributaries, or traveling the Midwest to compete in bass tournaments. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life.

With over a decade of fly-tying experience, Drew brings a unique edge to the water, often equipped with custom patterns and a deep understanding of fish behavior.

He’s a patient, engaging teacher who keeps clients laughing throughout the day, and his enthusiasm is contagious—it’s hard to have a bad day on the water with him as your guide. Anglers of all experience levels can expect to learn something new and walk away with a memorable day on the water.

Dustin Gaines is a Livingston based fly fishing guide. He made the permanent move from North Carolina to the Livingston area over 20 years ago. After spending multiple summers working in Yellowstone Park and for the Forest Service in the West Yellowstone area, it was a perfect fit.

It was during his summers in Yellowstone Park that his passion for fly fishing grew to the next level.  He enjoys sharing our local area fishing with clients, whether it be; floating the Yellowstone, Boulder or Madison, or sight fishing on one of the local spring creeks or in Yellowstone Park.  Dustin’s laid-back attitude, cheerful nature and patience ensure an enjoyable and educational day on the water.

Besides spending time with his wife and 2 children, his passions include his dogs, fishing, and hunting. Dustin and his wife, Shannon also operate a hydroponic lettuce farm in the Shields Valley where he can be found in the off season.

Will Bradac is a Bozeman based fishing guide. He grew up in Colorado and developed his obsession with fly fishing early in high school. After spending countless days on the water chasing trout on the South Platte and surrounding tailwaters, he developed a deep appreciation for wild places fishing takes him. In 2022, Will moved to Montana to pursue a business degree at Montana State University while dedicating as much time as possible to the local rivers.

Working in fly shops in both Colorado and Montana gave Will the opportunity to spend lots of time around fly fishing—helping anglers with fly tying materials, gear, and techniques while continuing to sharpen his own understanding of trout behavior and river systems.

Will has spent extensive time on the Madison, Yellowstone, and Missouri Rivers and is always willing to put in the extra effort to find fish. With a “go hard or go home” mindset, he isn’t afraid of long days, changing conditions, or covering water to make things happen.

When he’s not on the water, Will can usually be found scouting new rivers or spending time in the mountains chasing elk in the fall with his brothers.

Jeff Welke is a Paradise Valley based fly fishing guide. Originally from northern Michigan, Jeff started fly-fishing at ten, tying flies at twelve, then guiding and teaching fly-casting instruction at 17. He managed a fly shop and guided in the summers while pursuing his college degree. After discovering the local area during a trip to Yellowstone, he made the move out west to pursue the sporting life he dreamed of since childhood.

After moving to Livingston, he spent several years as the former general manager of Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop. Jeff is one of our full time guides as well as an excellent real estate agent (if you’re looking for some river side property). He spends the summer months guiding fishermen on his favorite streams in the area while sharing his passion for angling and instruction. Jeff resides on a ranch south of Livingston with his three bird dogs and enjoys spending the off season gardening, foraging for wild mushrooms, wandering around in the mountains or hunting for big game animals and birds all across the state.

Russell Elwell is another 25+ year Livingston based fly fishing guie and has spent his life pursuing outdoor experiences ranging from fishing and floating around the world to horse packing and hunting through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. Russell Elwell was chosen as the 2009 Wyoming Guide of the year. He has been guiding folks in the wilderness of Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska for 13 years and has numerous stories and experiences to share with his guests. He is dedicated to providing memorable experiences in an easy going fun atmosphere and concentrates on teaching fishing techniques, casting skills, knowledge of the river and local history. His goal is for every angler to come away with greater fishing skills, appreciation of the rivers and new memories. Russell spends his winters sliding the slopes and seeking out comfortable climates to relax. He lives in Livingston, Montana with his wife, two young boys and his dog.

Zach Pleshar is a 25+ year Paradise Valley based fly fishing guide. He was raised right here in Livingston, Montana. He spent his childhood running around the mountains and rivers of Montana. He’s got a play hard / work hard ethic, which is obvious to all the anglers who request him. Zach thrives in all aspects of guiding from teaching the finer points of fishing techniques to the simplicity of just enjoying a great day on the water.
He’s been guiding for over two decades on his home waters as well as spending four seasons in Western Alaska. It’s no wonder he’s one of our most requested guides.
After the fishing & hunting seasons are over you’ll still find him either fly fishing, guiding elk hunting, or in the shop welding up another project – guess not much has changed since he was a kid…

Tony “V” Valeriano has spent nearly 40 years guiding out of the Livingston area. He has been fishing since he was a small boy and has enjoyed putting’ the hurt on trout in Montana since the mid-80’s. He has been guiding anglers since 1990 and is certainly one of the most knowledgeable guides in the area. Tony Valeriano has an easy going, but knowledgeable style of guiding which is complimented by his infectious humor. Anglers in his boat will always come away from a day of fishing with better skills and great memories.
When he’s not spending time with his wonderful family he can be found fishing, bow hunting, chasing upland birds, or skiing the fabulous powder of the Rocky Mountains.

Scott hails originally from Plains, Montana. He attended Colorado School of Mines and obtained a degree in Cvil Engineering and continued in this profession as a professional engineer for 25 years.  Scott’s father worked for the Federal Highway administration building roads and infrastructure in our National Parks in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.  This allowed Scott to explore the outdoors and chase fish in our National Parks and remote areas during his early years.

Scott enjoys teaching all things flyfishing and regularly volunteers with Project Healing Waters (PHW) a local and national disabled veteran organization.  PHW provides fly fishing outings, casting instruction, fly tying, rod building, and anything fishy for disabled veterans.  Scott is also an ambassador for Guiding for the Future (G4F) of Montana.  The goal for this program is to raise the standards, conduct, and conservation practices of outfitters and guides in the flyfishing industry and continue to protect our watersheds for years to come.

Scott and his wife Nicole have resided in Livingston since 2018 moving back to his roots from the foothills of Arvada, Colorado.  Nicole is a small business owner providing property management services in Livingston, MT and surrounding areas.  Their son currently resides in Arizona and they proud owners of two labradors.

Lance Gray was raised in the Paradise Valley just South of Livingston having grown up in an outdoor family. Lance cut his teeth on the Yellowstone River and surrounding streams at an early age. While in high school and through college Lance guided raft trips on the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison whitewater sections, always taking time to fish. Holding a degree in Communications Lance concentrates his focus on casting technique, fishing skills, and local area history. Lance holds a tremendous amount of knowledge and patience so whether you’re a beginner or expert, you can be rest assured after a day on the water you will walk away a better angler.

When not on the water, Lance spends his time teaching his kids how to fish, come fall he’s busy chasing Elk and Upland birds.

All licensed guides in Montana are independent contractors with their own boat(s), fly rods, reels, tackle, equipment and insurance. They often work for a variety of outfitters and sometimes don’t want to appear on just one outfitter’s website. But rest assured, if your guide isn’t listed here it doesn’t mean they aren’t a great guide. In fact, if you’ve booked a trip through Montana Fly Fishing Guides, LLC. you can be assured you have a great guide. We only work with local guides, that know the rivers, can teach the techniques and most of all are great people to spend a day with on the water.

Born and raised in NW Wyoming, Nicolette always had an affinity to being outdoors. Her passion for fly fishing has further developed since moving to Montana over 20 years ago. Her personal fly angling accomplishments include everything from trophy New Zealand Brown Trout, Massive Wisconsin Muskie, Belize Bonefish to Florida Keys Tarpon. With regard to MFG, Nicolette is in charge behind the scenes writing guide checks, bookkeeping, returning phone calls, guide bookings and general gettin-stuff-done happens with her in charge.

She is also Eric’s best fishing, travel partner and wife. When she’s not in the office working with MFG, Emigrant Cabins or Tiny Town Campground you can find her fishing, paddle boarding, practicing yoga or hiking with our best German Shepherd, Ryder.

Living and working in Paradise Valley is truly a dream come true and makes every day an adventure! When you visit here, you will understand what we mean. Every summer, our entire Paradise Adventures staff works and trains hard so we may show you what Montana and Yellowstone have to offer.

The owners, Patrik & Sarah Ondrus, are a husband and wife team sharing a love of the river, Yellowstone and Montana, and a passion for customer service. Our goal is for every guest to experience the same thrill that we feel every day living here in the mountains. We want to make your adventure special.

Click to learn more about a Yellowstone River Rafting Trip with Paradise Adventure Company.

Chris Hondorf is the owner of Yellowstone Guidelines. Yellowstone Guidelines specializes in guided tours and adventures in Yellowstone National Park. If you’re looking for a private wildlife and scenic tours, backpacking, day hiking, Yellowstone wolf tours, or a  multi-day adventure the we highly recommend Chris and his staff. Originally from New York, Chris migrated to Bozeman, MT shortly after graduating college. Playing and living in southwest Montana for the past 13 years, Chris loves showing visitors the wonders of Yellowstone. He now lives in Livingston, MT with his wife Annie and daughter Nola.

To book a Yellowstone Tour with Chris visit www.yellowstoneguidelines.com.