Western Rivers Fly Fishing Guide School Instructors

Fly Fishing Guide AJ Sanders
AJ Sanders

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.

 

To Request a fishing trip with AJ Sanders, please click the link below:
AJ Sanders Trip Request

Bill Happersett Fly Fishing Guide
Bill Happersett

A thirty-year resident of Jackson Hole, Bill Happersett has been guiding for 25+ years and was one of the original WCA fly fishing guides. He guided 5 years on Little Cayman Island in B.W.I. for bonefish, baby tarpon, and permit. Bill has been with Bressler Outfitters/WorldCast Anglers since day one in the early 80’s. The thrill is not gone!

 

To Request a fishing trip with Bill Happersett, please click the link below:
Bill Happersett Trip Request

Brian Johnson

Head Guide

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. Brian lives in Victor with his wife Maddy and dog Ruby. He has been with WorldCast Anglers since 2011 and is also an instructor of the Western Rivers Guide School. He loves being on the water, experiencing the continual learning process which defines fly fishing. He is passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge to help anglers further their process and simply enjoy time on the water.

 

To Request a fishing trip with Brian Johnson, please click the link below:
Brian Johnson Trip Request

Joe Harris

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.  Beginning in 2009 he began working in the Jackson area in the summers and the waters surrounding this beautiful area captured his attention.  After graduating from The University of The South: Sewanee in 2012 he decided to stay continue his guiding career. Spending time guiding in Alaska and fishing for himself around the country from Montana to Islamorada, Florida; Joe lives to take people fishing. A patient angler and knowledgeable about the area, he is a fun guide to spend a day on the water with whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fly angler.  

 

To Request a fishing trip with Joe Harris, please click the link below:
Joe Harris Trip Request

 

Fly Fishing Guide Kasey Collins
Kasey Collins
Kasey’s life-long adventure of fishing began on Badger Creek here in Teton Valley, Idaho. As a boy, he fished for cutthroat trout with live grasshoppers. Now the proud father to son Jacob and daughter Carly, Kasey has enjoyed a long career guiding the incredible fly fishing water around Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Teton Valley, Idaho area. Creator of the renowned “Creature” dry fly, Kasey loves tying flies, sneaking up on picky fish, and can occasionally be found hunting bonefish in the Bahamas. Kasey is actively involved with Teton Valley Trout Unlimited chapter and works to restore and protect the majestic Teton River and its tributaries. Fishing with Kasey is an exciting experience where “fun is the first priority… and catching fish sure is fun!”

 

Western Rivers Guide School played a large roll in Kasey’s development as a guide in the late 90’s. Teaching anglers to become competent oarsmen and great guides is now something Kasey looks forward to each year. His respect and love for the rivers he guides and the power and magic they posses combine to provide Kasey with a unique perspective on the world of trout guiding.

 

To Request a fishing trip with Kasey Collins, please click the link below:
Kasey Collins Trip Request

 

Fly Fishing Guide Mike Janssen
Mike Janssen

Head Guide

Mike was born in Lausanne, Switzerland. Upon graduating from St. Lawrence University he attended the Western Rivers Guide School in 1994. Under the direction of Joe Bressler, Mike quickly learned the key components to successful guiding. As a winner of the One Fly Top Guide award, Mike understands the key mechanisms to guiding all ability levels. He enjoys the challenges and looks forward to guiding vicariously through the anglers that hop in his boat. Mike married a local gal, Paige, and has three awesome kids, Nicholas, Owen and Stella. During the winter, Mike works at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as a ski instructor, back country guide, trainer and examiner. After 18+ years of guiding, every day is a new one with unknown big trout waiting to be had.

 

To Request a fishing trip with Mike Janssen, please click the link below:
Mike Janssen Trip Request