Montana Fly Fishing Guides

Michael Leach-  As a ranger naturalist for the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park for the last four summers Mike has shared his passion for the Greater Yellowstone Region with people from all over the world. Growing up in North Idaho, Mike honed his love for the art of fly-fishing on some of the lesser known Idaho rivers and streams in addition to spending countless hours working the waters of the Bitterroot in the spectacular Bitterroot Valley and the Greater Yellowstone region rivers such as the Yellowstone, Madison, and others. As an educator, Mike has a great deal of patience and really enjoys working with guests of all levels and experience. If you are looking for someone who has a great love and respect for Montana waters and trout, and someone with deep roots in the region who will provide an all-around quality over quantity experience, then Mike would definitely enjoy the opportunity to spend a day with you on one of our fine Montana rivers.

Dan Grabowski  Dan comes to us via the great state of wandering fishers -Minnesota.  Growing up outside the Twin Cities, Dan figured out his true calling early on and lept at the opportunity to head to Alaska and guide anglers for salmon and Leopard rainbows of awesome proportions through the fabled Tchickik Narrows Lodge.  Dan guided in AK for 5 seasons before pointing things south a bit and coming to Montana in 2004.  Dan is an exceptionally hard working guide who will go to great lengths to ensure his anglers a great trip (witness the picture!) on all our area rivers, spring creeks, and lakes.  Easy going, patient, and articulate, you will find fishing with Dan a pleasure.  When not on the water chasing trout, you'll likely find Dan chasing upland birds with his English Setter, Bandit, who's as relentless about pointing birds as her owner is about  trout.

Bill Buchbauer - Billy is without a doubt one of the nicest guys you are likely to meet.  With a big "Aw Shucks" grin, Bill does a phenomenal job on the water.  Whether you are a beginner looking to start a new avocation or already a seasonded hand with the long rod, Bill has the ability to share his knowledge, skills, and affinity for the river with you.  You'll be in great hands.  And likely with a new friend for life.  Bill seeks out the high country when fishing wraps up in the fall.  A semi-pro Big Mountain skier, this past winter Bill spent the winter months looking for the perfect turns in the perfect powder fields of British Columbia.  Next winters location?  Undecided, but snowy....

Craig Boyd  - Hailing from Calgary, Alberta,  and growing up in a fanatic fly fishing family, Craig has taken every opportunity to hone his skills on many of the finest waters of the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains. Craig attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he lead his hockey team to three NCAA Final Fours and studied Biology. When not chasing the puck on some frozen pond, Craig could be found pursuing his first love, plying the waters of the Great Lakes tributaries.   This love soon lead to Craig west to find his fishing Mecca in Bozeman. Fishing extensively across Montana from the Beaverhead to the Big Horn and all the waters in between, home water riffles always drawing him back to the Madison and Yellowstone. Beyond perusing his local haunts for the wily trout, Craig can be found skiing Bridger Bowl or chasing live music across the country.

Steve Leibinger -  That's Steve on the left along with a hefty Yellowstone River brown and a happy guest.  Steve has been with us on & off for the better part of the past 10 years.  He's tried leaving a time or two before to guide in Colorado only to come back to Montana each time.  Guess Montana really has a hold on him.  And it's a good thing, too because Steve's enthusiasm, knowledge, and hard work makes him one excellenet guide.  Whether you are a first time flyfishers looking to learn as much as you possibly can or a seasoned veteran, Steve can handle it all.

Garrett Munson Garrett (grinnin' to the left of his happy client) is the classic city-boy-turned-country-boy story in action; born and raised in Chicago, but a Montanan since 1995, the only thing that has carried through the transition has been his passion for fishing. After the last 3 years working with a wilderness adventure therapy program, Garrett has given up the weekly paycheck to become a full-time guide again this year. We couldn't be more excited, and the fish couldn't be more nervous. A day on the river with him is so much more than just a fishing trip; it is a trip of relaxation, a historical excursion, some comic relief, and of course some big trout to boot.

Brad Ehrnman has been living and fly fishing in Southwest Montana for the past ten years.  Originally from Virginia, Brad has had a lifelong interest in the outdoors and fly fishing.  His easy going nature and instructive style enable him to be successful with beginning anglers and the most seasoned veterans.  His extensive knowledge and experience make him a great guide for the angler who wishes to learn something on the river and catch BIG trout.  Brad is also an accomplished artist who specializes in painting what he knows best, fish in oils.




Shop Staff

 Brooke Howell  Brooke, married to Peter (see above), is managing our day to day operations at the fly shop.  She's likely the one you'll talk to on the phone while booking your trip or helping you with any questions you may have about our many services and products.  Brooke is a native of Oklahoma who came to Montana via school as a National Exchange Student from Oklahoma State University where friends of hers from Missoula absolutely insisted that she try out the Univ of Montana for a year.  She, of course, loved it and came back to Montana shortly after graduating.  Brooke studied for her Masters in Education at Montana State Univ. in Bozeman.  She and Peter just welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, to the fishing world that is their life.

 Jesse Logan  - Was a Research Entomologist for the Interior West Bark Beetle Project . He retired in 2006, and moved to Emigrant, Montana in order to continue his research, and pursue life's true quest; backcountry skiing and fly fishing.  Jesse has been a long time shop patron and is now excited to be a part of the Angler's West team behind the counter helping folks with their questions regarding fishing and gear for this area.

Burke Holmes  Finishing his inagural year at University of Montana, Burke returns this season to be with us for the summer making this his third season in a row.  Guess he's really becoming a regular around here.  Burke's help in the shop is invaluable.  We're happy to have him as part of the team.   And the local fish better beware!