Hello! My name is Ryan Russell. I grew up in Boise, Idaho and started fly fishing when I was 5. Like most people from Idaho, I was very connected to the outdoors, specifically golf and fly fishing. As an adolescent, I would often be found at the golf course down the road, casting in my back yard or tying flies in my room. At age 12, I became a Boy Scout, and quickly achieved the rank of Eagle. It was then that I was given a VHS tape of Gary Borger and I would watch it religiously. I found the video on you tube and posted a link at the bottom of the page. That VHS tape was part of the foundation for my love of fly fishing.

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In High School, I gravitated to the golf course and quickly became one of the best junior golfers in the state of Idaho. I was part of the Idaho State University Golf Team from 1997-99. I later attended the Arizona State PGA Professional Program and passed my PGA Players Ability Test in 2010. Between 2010-2012 I was a PGA Class A level 1 Professional. In 2013 I regained my amateur status due to a lack of playing and a surplus of fly fishing.

 

Over the last 30 years, I have traveled all over the West. I've caught almost every species of trout in North America and all species of carp. I specialize in everything from big rivers to little trickles. In 2019, I joined up with Derek Rivchin to help grow a legitimate guide outfitter in Arizona. Since then we have grown to have over 8 guides on staff.

 

I have been to some of the most famous spots in the world. I have golfed and fished with the some of the best professionals from around the world. In 2020, I got to partner with Chris Galvin to win the Carp Slam in Denver which was a career highlight. I played and competed against golf pros such as Vaughn Taylor, Ben Kern, Tommy Medina, Chez Reavie. I've shot low under par rounds under tournament pressure. I have caught big fish and hooked others up on more carp than any other guide.

 

Over the past 14 years I have been lucky to have guided in Coconino, Tonto and also the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests. I have grown to love these places and really enjoying showing them to you. I would also love to show you all the golf courses I know and help you shave strokes off your game. Arizona has some top notch courses and I would love to guide you through it all.

 

At there roots, golf and fly fishing is something that connects us to the natural world. Golf is the ultimate mental test just like fly fishing for carp and trout in Arizona will test all of your skills. Large, spooky fish that require you to stalk them, and to provide a soft presentation.  The techniques and knowledge shared will also help you find your own "peace" outdoors. Here there are limitless opportunities to work on your fly fishing and golf game. So.... LET"S GET OUT THERE! I promise the you will never come to Phoenix without your fly rod and golf clubs again. 

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