Fly Fishing Guide School Instructors

AJ is a natural fit as Head Instructor of the Western Rivers Guide school for several reasons, not least because of his passion and love for the outdoors. A.J.’s methodology is grounded in experiential knowledge based not only the success of his fishing career, but on the ideas and methods of one of the best guide staffs in the country. This collaborative approach has also helped A.J. develop his talent for matching any given student’s unique learning style with the appropriate teaching style. Of knowledge itself, A.J.’s approach is complemented by years of studying moving water, not only as a skillful water water kayaker, but certified by the American Canoe Association in whitewater paddling instruction and swift water rescue. His ability to successfully relay his understanding of moving water, both in terms of rowing and fishing is excellent. Last, A.J. believes that learning is an art unto itself, regardless of the topic. Even so, he can never get enough of water or snow and so spends his winters as an Instructor and Backcountry guide for the Jackson Hole Mountain resort. A.J. lives in Jackson with his wife Tory and their two boys Atticus and Oliver.

Brian grew up in Denver, Colorado where he was introduced to fly fishing on backcountry streams at a young age. His passion for the outdoors led him to the University of Montana where he spent his free time chasing wild trout and powder turns. He began his guiding career on the rivers surrounding Glacier National Park, which also gave him a solid foundation in running whitewater. He loves being on the water and the humbling learning process that defines fly fishing. His passion for teaching led him to be an instructor in the Western Rivers Guide School where he enjoys mentoring new guides through experiential learning. His goal is to help educate river users to be safe, to respect the resource, and catch a few nice fish along the journey. Brian lives in Victor with his wife Maddy, son Noah and dog Ruby.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Joe Harris grew up in the outdoors. He spent every spare minute hunting and fishing around the house as well as in the mountains and the coast. Coming from a fly fishing family he and his brother started at a young age spending every family vacation chasing trout, tarpon, bass, albacore or whatever was in season at the time. Joe spent his summers working in the Jackson area as well as Alaska but the rivers surrounding Jackson, WY captured his attention. After graduating from The University of The South: Sewanee in 2012, Joe made the greater Yellowstone ecosystem his home and guiding his professional career. After attending the WorldCast Anglers Western Rivers Guide School in 2017, Joe is now a Western Rivers Guide School Instructor and he could not be more proud to work with such a team and group of people. The knowledge held and shared by he and his peers is second to none while calling one of the top fly fishing destinations in the United States home. Joe loves everything about fishing; the places it takes him and his clients, the animals you get to see and interact with, the geology and earth events that rivers cut through all never cease to amaze him. Sharing what he knows, helping and teaching people gives him more joy than he can express. Joe calls Victor, ID home with his wife Hannah, daughter Annie and English Setter’s Mona and Greta! 

Mike was born in Lausanne, Switzerland. Upon graduating from St. Lawrence University he attended the Western Rivers Guide School decades ago. That experience provided him with a platform to shape and mold his passion of becoming a life time guide. Being a member of the Guide School staff since his early years, he brings a great prospective of how guiding has evolved and the industry has grown. His calmness and patience are some of his key attributes that make the days memorable. Mike takes tremendous pride in his guiding tactics and rowing prowess. As a winner of the Jackson Hole One Fly Top Guide award and Jackson Hole One Fly 2025 Carmichael Cohen Morton Award, Mike understands the key mechanisms to guiding all ability levels. During the winter months, he works as an Instructor / Staff Trainer for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. He loves to ski and has been able to combine both of his life passions into his professions. He is a proud father of 3 wonderful kids (Nick, Owen, and Stella) that are now in their post high school education. “Every fishing excursion presents a unique day and experience for all involved, that’s one of the best aspects of this job!”