Our Guides and Flyfishing Tips
We are fortunate to have great guides that work at Upper Canyon Outfitters. Here is some additional information about the people you will have a chance to fish with:
Jim and Val are known for their dedication to helping youth become involved in the fly-fishing world. Both Jim and Val are teachers and they carry this skill into their guiding. You can't find a more patient couple who enjoy teaching our clients where and how to catch more fish. Both have been involved in school programs and for a number of years were instrumental in the Family Tyes Program which is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that connects youth, schools, families, communities and businesses. Family Tyes utilizes a shared interest in fly-fishing as the vehicle to enhance family relationships and youth development. Jim and Val and their daughter Brook are passionate about flyfishing, when they are not working, you will find them on the stream. Jim and Val are constantly assessing the ever changing insect life and water conditions. They will be tying on the right fly for the conditions, help you with casting techniques, proper fly presentation, wading, proper catch and release techniques. After your day with Jim and Val you will have had lots of laughs and you will feel like your day was an investment in future fishing success.
Dusty & Lisa WissmathDusty Wissmath & Lisa Wissmath
After working as a Biologist in Wyoming and East Africa, Dusty started his fly-fishing school and guide service in 1995. He also served as the lead instructor at the L.L. Bean Fly Fishing School in Virginia and still teaches at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing in New York. He is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor and is a member of the Board of Governors of the F.F.F. Guides Association. When he’s not teaching or guiding, Dusty gives casting demonstrations and workshops at sports shows from Montana to Virginia. His articles and photographs can be found in several outdoor magazines.
Dusty is on the Pro Staff of the Scott Fly Rod Co., Ross Reels, & Hyde Drift Boats and is a fly designer for Brookside Flies of Denver, Colorado. Joan Wulff, Lefty Kreh, Macauley Lord and Floyd Franke taught me how to teach and how to analyze the cast. It’s because of these folks that I am able to say I have the best job in the world.
Eric StroupEric has solidified his reputation as one of the premier guides in the east. Years of repeat customers are testimony to his ever evolving techniques and skill. His dedication to the great sport of fly fishing is confirmed each year by the average, 100 guided days in central Pennsylvania and Southwest Montana. Eric"s knowledge and passion extends well beyond guiding. As the official instructor of the Regal Engineering Fly Tying School in Pennsylvania, Eric has the opportunity to share in his knowledge of fly tying and the entomology that enhances any Eastern Fly Fishing experience. An accomplished writer and presenter with feature articles in Fly Fisherman Magazine and Eastern Fly Fishing, Eric Stroup offers the Total Fly Fishing Experience.
Lance Wilt
I have operated a fly fishing lodge in Montana for twenty-five years and when you find someone who loves the sport of fly fishing and has a passion to share it with others you hire that person. That is what we seen when we first meet Lane Wilt. Lance is an exceptional guide is knowledgeable about the habits of fish, entomology, and fishing in general as well as being a outstanding guide on either walk/wade or on a float trip he is a wonder oarsmen. He enjoys teaching our clients and showing them where and how to catch more fish. Lance will teach an angler more about our Montana Rivers than an angler can lean on his or her own during the entire summer on the water. Lance is a patient instructor and an excellent caster, who can explain the techniques and make it a relaxing and rewarding experience no matter what the clients fishing experience, is. Lance takes the time to get to know each client so he can offer them the best possible day to meet their expectations. Lance is very knowledgeable about the sport and he is on the water over 250 days a year – rain, sleet or shine. We had just wonderful testimony from our clients about Lance that I took a few days at the end of the season to fish with him. He not only has a gift for fishing and a love of the water, but his level of knowledge and skill at providing advice and guidance in the field was outstand but most of all he was wonderful company to spend the day with.
Layne Wilcox Layne has really shined as a fly fishing guide, you always think of Layne as a cowboy. But we found one more of his hidden talents as a fly fishing guide. He does a great job with the clients and enjoys being on the water. He looks as comfortable on the water as he does in the saddle. A day spent with Layne will be very interesting. If I was spending the day with Layne I would tap into his wide knowledge of not only fishing, but horses, hunting, tracking, living in the mountains all summer moving cattle in his younger days. Layne is full of great stories. Plus you will learn lots about fishing.
Donna Tate McDonald
I also enjoy guiding fly fisherman and try to get out on the water every chance I can. I do hope you can join myself and our crew here in Montana on some clear blue Montana high mountain water.
The UCO Team
Flyfishing Tips
Charles Meck
Charles Meck is not affiliated with Upper Canyon Outfitters but we love fishing his tandem rig. Here is a great article that he wrote on rigging and fishing this setup.