Eric is the senior outfitter/guide for the Yellowstone Angler.  He started his fly-fishing career in the Pacific Northwest.  Growing up in an outdoor-oriented family, Eric spent his time fishing and hunting in waters and terrain ranging from those of the Pacific Coast to western Montana.

In 1989, Eric moved to Bozeman, Montana to chase a college football dream with Montana State University.  Eric found this dream to be short-lived and found the exploration of the greater Yellowstone area to be his passion.  His guide experience includes the vast majority of rivers and streams that are in the infamous 300-mile circle of southwest Montana.  In addition, Eric has guided steelhead in Idaho and currently guides on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula for wild Winter Steelhead. Eric has spent substantial time fishing various waters around the globe including Christmas Island and in New Zealand.

Eric has had photos appear in a number of outdoor publications and websites varying from the Yellowstone Angler website to Fly Fisherman Magazine.  In addition, Eric has spent time working with National Geographic Television on a developing series and is a fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants.  His flies include the Flutter Bug, Tick, and the Hot Head Ray.

Eric’s passions, outside of fly-fishing, include big game hunting, horseback riding, skiing, western history, Montana real estate, and his family.  Eric lives in the historic mill town of Gallatin Gateway with his wife Carissa and two young children.  Eric is his own Montana Outfitter #6869. He possesses exclusive outfitter permits for the Madison, Beaverhead, and Big Hole rivers.  Eric works under his own Washington guide license and works under the Yellowstone Angler’s Yellowstone Park permit when providing guide service in Yellowstone National Park.

You can read more about Eric’s website: ericpaulsonoutfitter.com

Eric is his own outfitter: 1. Eric Paulson, 2. Eric Paulson, 3. 110 Grey Wolf Trail, Bozeman, MT 59715 4. 406-220-9507, 5. Outfitter License #6869.

Ashby grew up in Southern Pennsylvania, never forgetting his first visit to the Yellowstone area at the age of 10. He has been exploring the waters of Montana since moving here for college in 1999. Ashby received a BS in Biology from MSU, with an emphasis in ecology and is thus extremely knowledgeable when it comes to bugs, fish, and their environment. Ashby is a very fun, easy-going, and patient guide that truly enjoys teaching beginners how to catch fish. He enjoys fishing dry flies when other guides may choose to take the easy route and nymph under a bobber. He definitely has a knack for fooling and landing big browns too, (be sure to click on his photo for more big fish pics), which keeps his regulars coming back year after year. Ashby pulls hard on the oars and can handle some serious white water while always putting his clients in a good and safe position to make fishing easier. While Ashby is one of the better Yellowstone guides we know, he is also very good on the Madison, Jefferson, Gallatin and Spring Creeks – where he spent the majority of his free time in college. In recent years Ashby has also guided a fair amount on the North Platte during the offseason and knows how to land the big ones on the Grey Reef. When Ashby isn’t on the water here in Montana or Wyoming, he enjoys skiing, snowmobiling, and spending time with his family.

Ashby guides under James’ Outfitter License: 1. Yellowstone Angler, 2. James Anderson, 3. 5256 Hwy 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-222-7130 5. Outfitter License #8969.

Growing up in Southern California, the fishing and camping trips his father took him on as a young kid, (mostly out to the Eastern Sierras), got Francis hooked on fishing, hunting and being in the outdoors. By the time he got his driver’s license, he was tracking down big carp in and around Los Angeles County and taking weekend trips into the high Sierras and San Gabriel Mountains in search of trout. Going to college in Northern California, Francis was able to explore and expand on the bodies of water as well as species targeted, including stripers cruising just outside the surf to steelhead making they way up the Russian or Eel river from the Pacific. After getting his degree in International Relations from Sonoma State University Francis moved out to Montana to pursue a life filled with mountains, fish, feathers and fresh air. Shortly after moving to the state he joined the Yellowstone Angler staff and as proven to be an asset both in the shop and on the water.

Francis guides under James’ Outfitter License: 1. Yellowstone Angler, 2. James Anderson, 3. 5256 Hwy 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-222-7130 5. Outfitter License #8969.

Chase Chapman – Chase is from Austin, TX. He studied General Agriculture/Animal Science at Stephen F Austin State University. Growing up in Texas, fishing and hunting provided an escape from the hard work on his family farm. Chase and his brother were fortunate enough to have a father who loved hunting and fishing and instilled proper outdoor ethics and skills at an early age. On a family trip to the Eastern Sierras, Chase was introduced to fly fishing. He had a hard time comprehending the sport upon first glance but knew it was something he was meant to do. Although fly fishing provided a lot of challenges and even took years off his life, he stuck in there and has become a great angler and guide. Chase jokes at the end of his life he will have no fishing mojo left, because he unselfishly gave it all to his clients! Chase is a “hoot” and is one of the most personable guides on our staff and has some fantastic stories featuring fishing destinations involving bear, beavers and even Bigfoot encounters. However, if you want to hear these stories for yourself you’ll have to book Chase for a float down the Yellowstone or a walk and wade trip in Yellowstone National Park!

Chase guides under James’ Outfitter License: 1. Yellowstone Angler, 2. James Anderson, 3. 5256 Hwy 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-222-7130 5. Outfitter License #8969.

Born and raised in Boone, North Carolina, Holden’s passion for fly-fishing grew quickly due to the vast amount of wilderness and the wide variety of water conveniently located close to home. Over the past two years, his main focus has transitioned from chasing wild trout on small creeks in the Appalachians and tailwaters found in Eastern Tennessee, to floating and fishing on the iconic rivers of the West like the Yellowstone. Holden has quickly learned the ins and outs of Montana’s most premier trout waters including the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, and the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. From the east coast to the west, you’ll find him chasing fish of all kinds, but for Holden, nothing beats the tug of a big wild brown! In his free time, if you don’t see him on the water, you’ll most likely find him hiking or just hanging out with his chocolate lab, Simms. But most likely you’ll find him on the water!!!

Holden guides under James’ Outfitter License: 1. Yellowstone Angler, 2. James Anderson, 3. 5256 Hwy 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-222-7130 5. Outfitter License #8969.

Brian has been working in the fly fishing industry since the age of 15. Growing up in Wisconsin, he spent his childhood fishing for trout, bass, steelhead and anything else that would eat a fly. After high school Brian attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and during the summer would spend his time in Montana working in Yellowstone National Park and at the Yellowstone Angler. After graduating in 2002, Brian immediately headed west to Montana and began guiding full-time. Over the years Brian has become an expert on the fisheries of Southwest Montana, including the waters of Yellowstone National Park. Brian is a career guide who can show any angler, from beginner to expert, a great time on the water. Brian’s calm and collected manner, paired with a strong desire to show all of his clients a great angling experience, have earned him a reputation as one of the finest guides in the business.

Brian is his own outfitter: 1.  Yellowstone River Guides, 2. Brian Sienkowski, 3. 618 Meadowlark Lane, Livingston, MT 59047, 5.  Outfitter license #9966.

Born and raised in the Treasure State, Hank grew up fishing the waters around his hometown, Great Falls. After high school, Hank attended Western Montana College in Dillon, where he occasionally focused on his studies, but spent most of his time fishing the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Poindexter Slough. After two years, Hank transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman, where he could focus on the Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Missouri, and Jefferson rivers. Hank worked for us here in the shop during the summer months for a few years, doing a terrific job and then went on to guide for the Yellowstone Angler and eventually get his own Outfitters license. One of the reasons Hank is so dialed into the fishing game is that he spends a lot of time on the water. Don’t even bother looking for Hank in the lift line, he likes fishing during the winter when less people are around. His knowledge of Montana’s waters, along with his positive personality have made him a favorite with our clients. Whether you are looking to land a big brown from the Yellowstone, or looking to raft one of Montana’s secret stash streams, Hank will go the extra mile to make sure you enjoy your time on the water. Hank teaches at Monforton Elementary School during the school year.

Hank is his own outfitter: 1.  Treasure State Outfitters, 2. Henry R. Bechard, 3. 124 Breeden Drive, Bozeman, MT 5.  Outfitter license #10368.

Marcus grew up fishing for small and largemouth bass near St. Louis, Missouri. Once he was old enough to drive, he’d head to southern Missouri to fish for trout on the weekends, which quickly became his favorite sport fish. Looking for good skiing and sea-run fish, Marcus headed for Bellingham, Washington. There he attended the University of the Mt. Baker ski area for 3 seasons and fished for steelhead, sea-run cutthroat, and Dolly Varden. Marcus headed west, attending college at Montana State University, graduating with a BA in photography and business. If you catch a trophy trout with Marcus rest assured that he’ll get some great photos of you and your fish! Marcus enjoys fishing year-round and is one of the best at rowing hard all day to put you into fish. As a superb streamer fisherman, Marcus is very good at teaching others how to catch big off the banks of the lower Yellowstone, Madison, or Gallatin.

Marcus guides under James’ Outfitter License: 1. Yellowstone Angler, 2. James Anderson, 3. 5256 HWY 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-222-7130 5. Outfitter License is #8969.

Josh Edwards, (aka Jed) grew up targeting trout, other freshwater fish, and saltwater species in North Carolina. He was fortunate enough to study under the tutelage of his father, an avid hunter, and a coastal fisherman. After graduating from Appalachian State University with a Master’s degree in small stream fly-fishing and a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising he moved to Livingston, Montana to work at Yellowstone Angler. Josh was the guide bookings manager at the shop for several years so he knows what it takes for clients to have a great experience on the water. Josh’s laid back attitude and willingness to teach has made him a great guide. He enjoys fishing streamers for large trout and predator fish, however, he is also well versed with nymphing and dry fly techniques. Whether you’re interested in chasing big fish on the Yellowstone, Madison, and Missouri or wade fishing the Spring Creeks or Yellowstone Park, Josh is sure to show you a good time.

Josh is his own Outfitter: 1. Drake Outfitters, 2. Joshua Edwards, 3. 912 W Lewis Street, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-224-2200 5. Outfitter License is #44,144

Paul grew up in Green Lake, WI.  Paul’s grandfather was a great angler and instilled a lot of fishing information and confidence to Paul at an early age which has stuck with him over the years. Paul knows the value of hard work and has put a lot of effort into fishing and scouting Montana’s rivers and waterways over the past 18 years. An average year of fishing for Paul will be in excess of 200 days working and playing in his boat.  He has learned a ton from the river and is eager to share that knowledge with our clients.  Whether you are just picking up a rod for the first time, or you are a top-notch angler, Paul will make sure to teach you something new as well as show you a great time on the water.

Paul guides under outfitter James Anderson: 1.  Yellowstone Angler, 2. James Anderson 3. 5256 Hwy 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-222-7130 5.  Outfitter license #8969.

Todd grew up in Colorado, where he grew up spin fishing on his Dad’s lake boat. During his time in college at Western State College in Gunnison he fell in love with spending time on the river and fly fishing for trout. His expertise was taken to the next level upon moving to Montana and working in the shop at Yellowstone Angler for many years before guiding full-time in the summer. Todd loves fishing dry flies and is a very patient, a teaching guide.  He is also great with kids. When he is not guiding, Todd enjoys spending time with his wife and son, swinging for steelhead, and exploring the mountains of Montana. In the winter Todd is a Ski Patroller and licensed EMT for Bridger Bowl. 

Todd guides under outfitter James Anderson: 1.  Yellowstone Angler, 2. James Anderson 3. 5256 Hwy 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-222-7130 5.  Outfitter license #8969.

Scott was born in Plains, MT.  His father worked for the Federal Highway Administration building roads and infrastructure in the National Parks of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. As such, Scott not only became a passionate outdoorsman and angler but also a Civil Engineer. Scott and his wife Nicole moved back to Scott’s Montana roots in 2018 from the western Denver foothills area to enjoy the simpler things in life. It wasn’t a hard choice to trade in the hourly commutes of Colorado traffic, (and the even longer commutes to prime fishing spots), to a five-minute walk to the Yellowstone River! Scott has done a great job providing our clients with an exceptional experience on the Yellowstone and surrounding watersheds. His professionalism and experience will ensure that his guests are learning about fishing and enjoying the Livingston Area. You likely won’t find a more excited guide when his clients land their first fish on a fly rod!  He enjoys sharing his knowledge and regularly volunteers for Project Healing Waters, taking veterans on floats and helping out on fly-tying lessons.

Scott guides under outfitter James Anderson: 1.  Yellowstone Angler, 2. James Anderson 3. PO BOX 629, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-222-7130 5.  Outfitter license #8969.