Guides
Ryan Gates
Ryan is a Colorado native that grew up in northern Colorado fishing the Big Thompson, Poudre, and North Platte rivers, as well as the high alpine lakes and rivers in Rocky Mountain National Park. He believes there is more to fly fishing than catching fish and has a true passion for guiding and teaching people all the sport has to offer. Ryan has spent many years guiding fishing trips and whitewater raft trips between Alaska and northern Colorado. He moved to Gunnison in 2013 and started guiding fly fishing trips full time, while he finished his degree in geology and now lives full time with his wife Cassie and their dog Orvis. Fly fishing is a life style to Ryan, so much of his free time is spent tying flies or exploring the vast fishing opportunities the valley has to offer.
"Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."
-Henry David Thoreau
Nate Rigsby
.
Dylan Rome
Dylan Rome grew up pursuing a variety of saltwater species on the fly, which instilled in him a deep passion for chasing fish across diverse waters and environments. That curiosity eventually led him west, where he began his fly-fishing guiding career in the Gunnison Valley in 2011, primarily as a float fishing guide.
When conditions line up, Dylan enjoys branching out beyond the main rivers to guide on the abundant creeks and lakes scattered throughout the surrounding area. His adventurous spirit has also taken him abroad for several seasons guiding in northern Patagonia in the Los Lagos Region, where he explored remote rivers and lakes by raft, jet boat, and helicopter.
During the winter months, Dylan often travels the world in pursuit of unique fisheries and new species. He’s particularly drawn to the incredible diversity of landscapes and fishing opportunities in New Zealand and Australia—places he never seems to get enough of.
Beyond fishing, Dylan is an avid archery hunter and loves exploring high-alpine ecosystems. On the water, he’s known for his calm, patient demeanor and his ability to break down techniques in a way that helps anglers improve quickly. Whether working with beginners or seasoned anglers, Dylan strives to find the best fishing opportunities while steering clear of the crowds.
Jordan Brandenburg
Jordan calls the Gunnison Valley home, where he’s lived out a lifelong pull toward the mountains that began growing up in the Piney Woods of East Texas. He started fly fishing on family trips to Colorado at a young age, and it remains one of his life passions.
After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Jordan spent over 15 years in oil and gas as a landman before making the move to Crested Butte in 2020.
Jordan has fly-fished across the U.S. and internationally, including Spain, Chile, Oman, and Mexico. Still, it’s the rivers and creeks of the Gunnison Valley he loves best. Whether floating the Gunnison or targeting trout on small streams, he brings a thoughtful, easygoing approach to every trip and excels with beginners.
When he’s not fishing, you’ll find him playing music locally, hunting, skiing, or hanging with his dog, Layla.
Jordan’s goal is simple: help clients enjoy the water, build confidence, and experience this place the way he does.
Trent Braddy
Trent is a Colorado native, born in Canon City. For the last 14 years he has resided in Leadville Colorado. Between white water or fishing Trent has been guiding for 10 years. During the winter months Trent enjoys hosting fly tying nights in Leadville. When not guiding Trent enjoys tying flies, mountain bikes, Skiing and hiking to high mountain lakes. Before and after guide season Trent enjoys fishing for anadromous species around the US, mostly Alaska, Pacific North West, and Great Lakes region. When needing to thaw out Trent goes fishing in Mexico. If you want a knowledgeable fun guide book Trent today.