Guide Staff

Brian Spilman

has been guiding with us for more than 20 years.  A native New Mexican, he was raised working in the outdoors and is a legendary bow hunter. He takes summers off from his construction business in Albuquerque to work for us.  He does what it takes to catch fish—be it long hours or long hikes--and with a confident smile won from pleasing thousands of clients.

Christoph Engle

guides almost a hundred trips a year and fishes nearly a hundred more.  His precise manner leaves little to chance when teaching and guiding. He finds the best fishing for the conditions at hand. He custom fits his clients to the fishing that is right for them. When he sets out in the morning we know that if where there are fish to be caught C.E. will find ‘em.

Ron Sedall

grew up fishing here in New Mexico and was a graduate of one our first guide schools.  He made a name for himself in the Taos area as not only one of the best guides of the tricky waters of the Rio Grande and the Conejos, but also as a great guy to spend a day with!  Ron now lives near the famous San Juan river in Northwest NM where he continues to provide incredible trips for our clients. 

Jason Sides

Jason is our signature fly tyer. He’s been filling the shop’s bins with our local patterns and his own creations for years. He brings that same level of creativity, passion and experience to the water. Whether casting to a tailing carp or laying out a dry with a Tenkara rod his passion for the sport runs deep.

Charles "Tiger" Stafford

Charles joined our guide team in 2019. As our “new old guy,” we’re happy to have him; his enthusiasm for fly fishing is infectious and just plain fun to be around. With decades of fishing, coaching and teaching experience, Charles enjoys nothing more than seeing his clients catch fish. He’s an avid student of the sport and our local waters. In the winter months Charles is a ski instructor in Taos Ski Valley. 

Andy Konash

Andy has been fishing and hunting the wild's of New Mexico since he was a kid.  He is a school teacher in the off-season, so rest assured he will be able to instruct you with a high level of patience- or put you in the corner if you miss a big fish!  Andy's easy going spirit and love of the outdoos makes him a wonderful guide to spend a day on the river with.  

Ian Smuczynski

Ian moved to Taos from Florida, where he quickly traded his Tarpon rod for a 3 wieght and his beach umbrella for a pair of skiis.  Since then he has guided hundreds of happy clients to thier first fish.  Ian has a great talent for making fly fishing fun and helps ease the anxiety some people have about learning to fly fish.

Nick Streit

Nick spends most of his time running his two fly shop's (he is also co-owner of The Reel Life in Santa Fe) but can still occasionaly be found down in the cayon guiding his long-time clients.  In the Spring, Nick instructs several classes including "Instinctive Fly Fishing School" and the Taos Fly Shop "Guide School".  Nick has a passion for conservation and is currently the Conservation Chair of Enchanted Circle chapter of Trout Unlimited. Nick is also on the board for EndeavOR New Mexico, a non -profit organization advocating outdoor recreation in New Mexico.

Ryan Stodgell

After serving his country in the United States Army, Ryan decided to choose a diffrent path, and is a valuble member of the guide staff.  Ryan has a profund desire to make sure his clients have a memorable expirience.  His light hearted attitude on the river, mixed with his stead-fast work ethic makes for a day that will not be forgotten!

Christopher

Like Big Foot, Christopher can't be captured on modern cameras.  Nor can he be summed up in words.  Instead, here is a picture of a fish trying to get away from him.  But it won't.

Chaz Kerger

Chaz Kerger was born and raised in the Southern Rockies and has been in love with them all his life. Fishing and outdoor pursuits have always been his passion. Heeding the call of nature in his late teens, he discovered fly fishing and has never looked back. Chaz can usually be found standing in a river or working the fly shop. 

Wes Dyer

After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Wes Dyer faded back into the timberlines and riverine landscapes of the Southern Rockies where he grew up and committed his life to the peaceful pursuit of fish. "Livin' the dream"...Wes is in love with what he does and considers it a privelege to share the places he loves most in the world with his clients. He is also the founder of a local non-profit organization AWOL Angler, which provides free guided fishing trips to veterans. 

Severino Gonzales

Severino “Sev” Gonzales was born in Taos and is a descendant of Don Severino Martinez, founder of the Martinez Hacienda circa 1802.
An avid skier since and a passionate bow hunter, Sev truly loves the outdoors and enjoys sharing his knowledge with those who want to get out and enjoy all that the rivers and mountains of northern New Mexico have to offer.

Blake Helman

is a Texas native who waved goodbye to the lone-star state and corporate consulting to pursue his passion for fly fishing in northern New Mexico. Blake finds joy in curating adventures that leave a lasting mark. Specializing in both wade and float fishing, he prides himself on being patient and adaptable in all fishing conditions, and curating the right day for newbies to seasoned fishing veterans.