Matt Swan’s guiding career began at Lees Ferry, Arizona, one of the most technical tailwaters in the country. Working on the Colorado River taught him precision, managing currents, reading deep seams, and understanding how subtle changes in flow affect trout behavior. It is a river where good guides are made, not imagined, and that early foundation shaped the way Matt approaches every fishery he works today.

From there, Matt joined The Fly Shop in Redding, California, splitting his seasons between guiding trout and steelhead in Northern California during the winter months and guiding in Montana during the summer. This schedule exposed him to a wide range of water types, including big freestones, tailwaters, spring creeks, steelhead rivers, stillwater fisheries, and everything in between. That variety is rare, and it is what gives Matt a depth of experience that shows immediately on the water.

After decades guiding across the West, Matt now lives full time in Southwest Montana and focuses on the waters he knows best, the Yellowstone River, the Paradise Valley spring creeks, and the surrounding freestone systems. He is an FFI Casting Instructor and a graduate of FOAM’s Guiding for the Future program, credentials that reflect both his teaching ability and his long-term commitment to conservation and professionalism.

Matt guides year-round and also runs a winter ice-fishing program on Harrison Reservoir. His instruction style is calm, patient, and clear, making him a strong match for anglers who want to learn, improve, and feel more confident on the water, whether they are brand new or have decades under their belt.

Jan Axtell is a personable, upbeat guide who has spent years as a student of the Paradise Valley spring creeks. He loves wading, reading small seams, and helping anglers see how trout use subtle currents and depth changes. His approach is humble and thoughtful, built on long days watching water in every season. Jan is also a consummate professional in the winter months, working as a commercial fly tyer and instructor and turning out hundreds of dozens of specialized patterns for the spring creeks and for Yellowstone National Park. His flies reflect a deep understanding of these fisheries and the seasonal behavior of the trout that live in them.

Before guiding full-time in Montana, Jan spent years in the outdoor industry running a bird-hunting experience for a well-known lodge in Vermont and working ski patrol at Stowe. Those roles shaped the way he teaches today: calm under pressure, attentive to detail, and focused on keeping guests safe, comfortable, and learning at a steady pace. In what little spare time he has, he loves training bird dogs and staying connected to working dogs and upland hunting.

When he is not on the creeks, Jan spends a lot of time on the Bighorn River and in Yellowstone National Park. He keeps the day relaxed and fun while giving clear instruction that helps anglers leave with new skills they can use on their home waters. Whether he is wading precise spring-creek water or rowing bigger rivers, Jan brings a confident, patient style that fits both new anglers and those who want to refine their technique.

Sam Spector lives full time in Big Timber and spends most of his season rowing the Stillwater and Boulder Rivers. With more than five years of guiding experience on these quick freestones, he has a deep feel for how they fish at different flows and seasons. Sam is known as one of the strongest oarsmen on this water and is able to put anglers in small, high-percentage slots that many visitors float right past.

Before guiding full time, Sam worked in the school system, and that background shows up in the way he teaches on the river. He is exceptionally patient with beginners and kids, breaking things down into simple steps and keeping the day relaxed and fun while still moving skills forward. For families or newer anglers who want a supportive, low-pressure day on classic Montana freestone water, Sam is a perfect fit.

Sam is also a graduate of FOAM’s Guiding for the Future program, finishing at the top of his class. That education deepened his understanding of river ecology, conservation, and professional standards in modern guiding. Whether you are learning to make your first cast or looking to pick apart tricky pockets and seams, Sam brings local knowledge, quiet confidence, and a teaching-first mindset.

Chris Gerono is one of the most technically skilled and well-rounded guides in the region, with more than two decades on the water across Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska. His career has been shaped by guiding a wide range of trout and steelhead fisheries, including fast freestones, technical tailwaters, and diverse river systems that demand precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how water and trout interact.

As the owner of Boise River Guides, Chris has built a respected program centered on high-level instruction, thoughtful river education, and a calm, approachable teaching style. His experience extends far beyond day trips, and he develops schools, clinics, and fly-tying instruction that give anglers a well-rounded foundation rooted in mechanics, presentation, and decision-making.

Chris is also an FFI Casting Instructor, a credential that reflects his commitment to technical accuracy and clear, effective teaching. He has spent years helping anglers refine their casting, drift management, and presentation in a way that makes sense immediately, small adjustments that lead to big improvements.

On the water, Chris guides anglers on the Yellowstone River, the Madison River, and surrounding freestones, choosing the water that best fits a guest’s skill level and goals. His ability to diagnose issues quickly, explain the “why” behind each technique, and build confidence at any speed makes a day with Chris both productive and enjoyable.

As the Lead Instructor for Swan’s Guide School, Chris brings structure, depth, and high-level instruction to the next generation of guides. His background, professionalism, and clarity set the standard for what modern guiding should look like.

Website: boiseriverguides.com

Bill Schoonover grew up fishing from an early age and found his passion for fly fishing on the technical spring creeks of Pennsylvania while attending Pennsylvania State University. Those early years on clear, intimate water shaped his approach as a guide, patient, observant, and focused on helping anglers understand subtle currents and precise presentations.

After college, Bill guided in both Maine and Colorado, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of fisheries, including stillwaters, small streams, cold-water freestones, and mixed hatch-driven rivers. This variety helped him develop a steady, calm instructional style that works well for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

In 2022, Bill moved to Bozeman, Montana to continue his guiding career on the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers, as well as the Gallatin and nearby tributaries. His ability to clearly explain tactics, develop an angler’s rhythm, and break down water in simple, practical terms makes him a strong fit for the dynamic, ever-changing conditions of Southwest Montana.

Bill is also a dedicated outdoorsman with a particular passion for ice fishing—his favorite winter pursuit—and he is an important part of our cold-season program on Harrison Reservoir. When he is not on the water, Bill enjoys bird hunting, elk hunting, and spending time in the mountains.

Matt Kelly brings a calm, adaptable guiding style to the Madison River, the Yellowstone River, and the surrounding freestones of Southwest Montana. He focuses on clear communication and simple, effective instruction, helping anglers settle into a natural rhythm with casting, mending, and on-water decision-making.

Matt is especially strong on the varied structure of the Madison and the big, changing flows of the Yellowstone. From fast pocket water and tight banks to long glides and mid-river shelves, he is skilled at reading water quickly and explaining why a certain line, fly, or angle will work best. His steady presence and clear explanations make him a good fit for both newer anglers and those who want to tighten up their technique.

In the colder months, Matt shifts his focus to our ice-fishing program on Harrison Reservoir, where his passion for winter fishing really shows. He enjoys the puzzle of reading depth and structure under the ice, tracking fish movement through the season, and helping anglers experience a different side of Montana fishing when the rivers are locked in snow and cold. For guests curious about winter fishing, Matt brings both enthusiasm and deep practical knowledge.

Across all seasons, Matt’s guiding style is patient, friendly, and thoughtful. He aims to make every day feel relaxed and enjoyable while still giving anglers real takeaways they can use on future trips.

Matt Swan’s guiding career began at Lees Ferry, Arizona, one of the most technical tailwaters in the country. Working on the Colorado River taught him precision, managing currents, reading deep seams, and understanding how subtle changes in flow affect trout behavior. It is a river where good guides are made, not imagined, and that early foundation shaped the way Matt approaches every fishery he works today.

From there, Matt joined The Fly Shop in Redding, California, splitting his seasons between guiding trout and steelhead in Northern California during the winter months and guiding in Montana during the summer. This schedule exposed him to a wide range of water types, including big freestones, tailwaters, spring creeks, steelhead rivers, stillwater fisheries, and everything in between. That variety is rare, and it is what gives Matt a depth of experience that shows immediately on the water.

After decades guiding across the West, Matt now lives full time in Southwest Montana and focuses on the waters he knows best, the Yellowstone River, the Paradise Valley spring creeks, and the surrounding freestone systems. He is an FFI Casting Instructor and a graduate of FOAM’s Guiding for the Future program, credentials that reflect both his teaching ability and his long-term commitment to conservation and professionalism.

Matt guides year-round and also runs a winter ice-fishing program on Harrison Reservoir. His instruction style is calm, patient, and clear, making him a strong match for anglers who want to learn, improve, and feel more confident on the water, whether they are brand new or have decades under their belt.

Jan Axtell is a personable, upbeat guide who has spent years as a student of the Paradise Valley spring creeks. He loves wading, reading small seams, and helping anglers see how trout use subtle currents and depth changes. His approach is humble and thoughtful, built on long days watching water in every season. Jan is also a consummate professional in the winter months, working as a commercial fly tyer and instructor and turning out hundreds of dozens of specialized patterns for the spring creeks and for Yellowstone National Park. His flies reflect a deep understanding of these fisheries and the seasonal behavior of the trout that live in them.

Before guiding full-time in Montana, Jan spent years in the outdoor industry running a bird-hunting experience for a well-known lodge in Vermont and working ski patrol at Stowe. Those roles shaped the way he teaches today: calm under pressure, attentive to detail, and focused on keeping guests safe, comfortable, and learning at a steady pace. In what little spare time he has, he loves training bird dogs and staying connected to working dogs and upland hunting.

When he is not on the creeks, Jan spends a lot of time on the Bighorn River and in Yellowstone National Park. He keeps the day relaxed and fun while giving clear instruction that helps anglers leave with new skills they can use on their home waters. Whether he is wading precise spring-creek water or rowing bigger rivers, Jan brings a confident, patient style that fits both new anglers and those who want to refine their technique.

Sam Spector lives full time in Big Timber and spends most of his season rowing the Stillwater and Boulder Rivers. With more than five years of guiding experience on these quick freestones, he has a deep feel for how they fish at different flows and seasons. Sam is known as one of the strongest oarsmen on this water and is able to put anglers in small, high-percentage slots that many visitors float right past.

Before guiding full time, Sam worked in the school system, and that background shows up in the way he teaches on the river. He is exceptionally patient with beginners and kids, breaking things down into simple steps and keeping the day relaxed and fun while still moving skills forward. For families or newer anglers who want a supportive, low-pressure day on classic Montana freestone water, Sam is a perfect fit.

Sam is also a graduate of FOAM’s Guiding for the Future program, finishing at the top of his class. That education deepened his understanding of river ecology, conservation, and professional standards in modern guiding. Whether you are learning to make your first cast or looking to pick apart tricky pockets and seams, Sam brings local knowledge, quiet confidence, and a teaching-first mindset.

Chris Gerono is one of the most technically skilled and well-rounded guides in the region, with more than two decades on the water across Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska. His career has been shaped by guiding a wide range of trout and steelhead fisheries, including fast freestones, technical tailwaters, and diverse river systems that demand precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how water and trout interact.

As the owner of Boise River Guides, Chris has built a respected program centered on high-level instruction, thoughtful river education, and a calm, approachable teaching style. His experience extends far beyond day trips, and he develops schools, clinics, and fly-tying instruction that give anglers a well-rounded foundation rooted in mechanics, presentation, and decision-making.

Chris is also an FFI Casting Instructor, a credential that reflects his commitment to technical accuracy and clear, effective teaching. He has spent years helping anglers refine their casting, drift management, and presentation in a way that makes sense immediately, small adjustments that lead to big improvements.

On the water, Chris guides anglers on the Yellowstone River, the Madison River, and surrounding freestones, choosing the water that best fits a guest’s skill level and goals. His ability to diagnose issues quickly, explain the “why” behind each technique, and build confidence at any speed makes a day with Chris both productive and enjoyable.

As the Lead Instructor for Swan’s Guide School, Chris brings structure, depth, and high-level instruction to the next generation of guides. His background, professionalism, and clarity set the standard for what modern guiding should look like.

Website: boiseriverguides.com

Bill Schoonover grew up fishing from an early age and found his passion for fly fishing on the technical spring creeks of Pennsylvania while attending Pennsylvania State University. Those early years on clear, intimate water shaped his approach as a guide, patient, observant, and focused on helping anglers understand subtle currents and precise presentations.

After college, Bill guided in both Maine and Colorado, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of fisheries, including stillwaters, small streams, cold-water freestones, and mixed hatch-driven rivers. This variety helped him develop a steady, calm instructional style that works well for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

In 2022, Bill moved to Bozeman, Montana to continue his guiding career on the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers, as well as the Gallatin and nearby tributaries. His ability to clearly explain tactics, develop an angler’s rhythm, and break down water in simple, practical terms makes him a strong fit for the dynamic, ever-changing conditions of Southwest Montana.

Bill is also a dedicated outdoorsman with a particular passion for ice fishing—his favorite winter pursuit—and he is an important part of our cold-season program on Harrison Reservoir. When he is not on the water, Bill enjoys bird hunting, elk hunting, and spending time in the mountains.

Matt Kelly brings a calm, adaptable guiding style to the Madison River, the Yellowstone River, and the surrounding freestones of Southwest Montana. He focuses on clear communication and simple, effective instruction, helping anglers settle into a natural rhythm with casting, mending, and on-water decision-making.

Matt is especially strong on the varied structure of the Madison and the big, changing flows of the Yellowstone. From fast pocket water and tight banks to long glides and mid-river shelves, he is skilled at reading water quickly and explaining why a certain line, fly, or angle will work best. His steady presence and clear explanations make him a good fit for both newer anglers and those who want to tighten up their technique.

In the colder months, Matt shifts his focus to our ice-fishing program on Harrison Reservoir, where his passion for winter fishing really shows. He enjoys the puzzle of reading depth and structure under the ice, tracking fish movement through the season, and helping anglers experience a different side of Montana fishing when the rivers are locked in snow and cold. For guests curious about winter fishing, Matt brings both enthusiasm and deep practical knowledge.

Across all seasons, Matt’s guiding style is patient, friendly, and thoughtful. He aims to make every day feel relaxed and enjoyable while still giving anglers real takeaways they can use on future trips.

Matt Swan’s guiding career began at Lees Ferry, Arizona, one of the most technical tailwaters in the country. Working on the Colorado River taught him precision, managing currents, reading deep seams, and understanding how subtle changes in flow affect trout behavior. It is a river where good guides are made, not imagined, and that early foundation shaped the way Matt approaches every fishery he works today.

From there, Matt joined The Fly Shop in Redding, California, splitting his seasons between guiding trout and steelhead in Northern California during the winter months and guiding in Montana during the summer. This schedule exposed him to a wide range of water types, including big freestones, tailwaters, spring creeks, steelhead rivers, stillwater fisheries, and everything in between. That variety is rare, and it is what gives Matt a depth of experience that shows immediately on the water.

After decades guiding across the West, Matt now lives full time in Southwest Montana and focuses on the waters he knows best, the Yellowstone River, the Paradise Valley spring creeks, and the surrounding freestone systems. He is an FFI Casting Instructor and a graduate of FOAM’s Guiding for the Future program, credentials that reflect both his teaching ability and his long-term commitment to conservation and professionalism.

Matt guides year-round and also runs a winter ice-fishing program on Harrison Reservoir. His instruction style is calm, patient, and clear, making him a strong match for anglers who want to learn, improve, and feel more confident on the water, whether they are brand new or have decades under their belt.

Jan Axtell is a personable, upbeat guide who has spent years as a student of the Paradise Valley spring creeks. He loves wading, reading small seams, and helping anglers see how trout use subtle currents and depth changes. His approach is humble and thoughtful, built on long days watching water in every season. Jan is also a consummate professional in the winter months, working as a commercial fly tyer and instructor and turning out hundreds of dozens of specialized patterns for the spring creeks and for Yellowstone National Park. His flies reflect a deep understanding of these fisheries and the seasonal behavior of the trout that live in them.

Before guiding full-time in Montana, Jan spent years in the outdoor industry running a bird-hunting experience for a well-known lodge in Vermont and working ski patrol at Stowe. Those roles shaped the way he teaches today: calm under pressure, attentive to detail, and focused on keeping guests safe, comfortable, and learning at a steady pace. In what little spare time he has, he loves training bird dogs and staying connected to working dogs and upland hunting.

When he is not on the creeks, Jan spends a lot of time on the Bighorn River and in Yellowstone National Park. He keeps the day relaxed and fun while giving clear instruction that helps anglers leave with new skills they can use on their home waters. Whether he is wading precise spring-creek water or rowing bigger rivers, Jan brings a confident, patient style that fits both new anglers and those who want to refine their technique.

Sam Spector lives full time in Big Timber and spends most of his season rowing the Stillwater and Boulder Rivers. With more than five years of guiding experience on these quick freestones, he has a deep feel for how they fish at different flows and seasons. Sam is known as one of the strongest oarsmen on this water and is able to put anglers in small, high-percentage slots that many visitors float right past.

Before guiding full time, Sam worked in the school system, and that background shows up in the way he teaches on the river. He is exceptionally patient with beginners and kids, breaking things down into simple steps and keeping the day relaxed and fun while still moving skills forward. For families or newer anglers who want a supportive, low-pressure day on classic Montana freestone water, Sam is a perfect fit.

Sam is also a graduate of FOAM’s Guiding for the Future program, finishing at the top of his class. That education deepened his understanding of river ecology, conservation, and professional standards in modern guiding. Whether you are learning to make your first cast or looking to pick apart tricky pockets and seams, Sam brings local knowledge, quiet confidence, and a teaching-first mindset.

Chris Gerono is one of the most technically skilled and well-rounded guides in the region, with more than two decades on the water across Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska. His career has been shaped by guiding a wide range of trout and steelhead fisheries, including fast freestones, technical tailwaters, and diverse river systems that demand precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how water and trout interact.

As the owner of Boise River Guides, Chris has built a respected program centered on high-level instruction, thoughtful river education, and a calm, approachable teaching style. His experience extends far beyond day trips, and he develops schools, clinics, and fly-tying instruction that give anglers a well-rounded foundation rooted in mechanics, presentation, and decision-making.

Chris is also an FFI Casting Instructor, a credential that reflects his commitment to technical accuracy and clear, effective teaching. He has spent years helping anglers refine their casting, drift management, and presentation in a way that makes sense immediately, small adjustments that lead to big improvements.

On the water, Chris guides anglers on the Yellowstone River, the Madison River, and surrounding freestones, choosing the water that best fits a guest’s skill level and goals. His ability to diagnose issues quickly, explain the “why” behind each technique, and build confidence at any speed makes a day with Chris both productive and enjoyable.

As the Lead Instructor for Swan’s Guide School, Chris brings structure, depth, and high-level instruction to the next generation of guides. His background, professionalism, and clarity set the standard for what modern guiding should look like.

Website: boiseriverguides.com

Bill Schoonover grew up fishing from an early age and found his passion for fly fishing on the technical spring creeks of Pennsylvania while attending Pennsylvania State University. Those early years on clear, intimate water shaped his approach as a guide, patient, observant, and focused on helping anglers understand subtle currents and precise presentations.

After college, Bill guided in both Maine and Colorado, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of fisheries, including stillwaters, small streams, cold-water freestones, and mixed hatch-driven rivers. This variety helped him develop a steady, calm instructional style that works well for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

In 2022, Bill moved to Bozeman, Montana to continue his guiding career on the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers, as well as the Gallatin and nearby tributaries. His ability to clearly explain tactics, develop an angler’s rhythm, and break down water in simple, practical terms makes him a strong fit for the dynamic, ever-changing conditions of Southwest Montana.

Bill is also a dedicated outdoorsman with a particular passion for ice fishing—his favorite winter pursuit—and he is an important part of our cold-season program on Harrison Reservoir. When he is not on the water, Bill enjoys bird hunting, elk hunting, and spending time in the mountains.

Matt Kelly brings a calm, adaptable guiding style to the Madison River, the Yellowstone River, and the surrounding freestones of Southwest Montana. He focuses on clear communication and simple, effective instruction, helping anglers settle into a natural rhythm with casting, mending, and on-water decision-making.

Matt is especially strong on the varied structure of the Madison and the big, changing flows of the Yellowstone. From fast pocket water and tight banks to long glides and mid-river shelves, he is skilled at reading water quickly and explaining why a certain line, fly, or angle will work best. His steady presence and clear explanations make him a good fit for both newer anglers and those who want to tighten up their technique.

In the colder months, Matt shifts his focus to our ice-fishing program on Harrison Reservoir, where his passion for winter fishing really shows. He enjoys the puzzle of reading depth and structure under the ice, tracking fish movement through the season, and helping anglers experience a different side of Montana fishing when the rivers are locked in snow and cold. For guests curious about winter fishing, Matt brings both enthusiasm and deep practical knowledge.

Across all seasons, Matt’s guiding style is patient, friendly, and thoughtful. He aims to make every day feel relaxed and enjoyable while still giving anglers real takeaways they can use on future trips.