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Yellowstone Angler Staff Guides

Yellowstone Angler acts as a booking agent for Montana’s finest, most in-demand fly fishing outfitters and guides. We’d proudly put these “core” guides head-to-head against the very best in Montana. They are the reason our guide service is so successful, with countless satisfied clients who keep coming back for more expertise. More importantly, our guides understand that you are here not just to fish but to have fun, improve your abilities and sharpen your instincts.

We have exclusive booking rights from July through September with our staff guides, so simply call the shop and we’ll let you know about availability and help schedule your trip. Guides’ schedules get booked quickly, so be sure to contact us early in the year if you want to set up a trip. That being said, if you roll into town unexpectedly, we always welcome walk-in business.

Eric Paulson – Head Guide

Eric is the senior outfitter/guide for the Yellowstone Angler. His fly-fishing career began in the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in an outdoor-oriented family, Eric spent his time fishing and hunting in waters and terrain ranging from 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.

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 Bell – Core Guide

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 is his own outfitter: 1. Ashby Bell Flyfishing, 2. Ashby Bell, 3. 1224 W Cambridge Street, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-539-5771 5. Outfitter License #49436.

Francis Clougherty – Core Guide

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 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 their 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 has proven to be an asset both in the shop and on the water.

Francis guides for the Yellowstone Angler 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.

Holden Russell – Core Guide

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 for the Yellowstone Angler 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.

Todd Barber – Core Guide

Todd grew up in Colorado 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 for the Yellowstone Angler 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.

GREG LOUZAN

Greg grew up in Central Maryland between DC and Baltimore. Though not exactly a trout fisherman’s paradise, he was fortunate enough to spend Summers on his great grandparents homestead ranch in the Ruby Valley. Greg learned to cast a fly rod from his middle school music teacher, ultimately catching his first trout on a dry fly that summer on the Ruby. In the ensuing years he continued to hone his fishing skills throughout Maryland, educating ocean run stripers in the Chesapeake and picky tailwater browns on the Gunpowder. After a stint at a college in southern Maryland and a summer job in Paradise Valley, he made the not-so-difficult decision to finish his degree at MSU and move to Montana permanently. Greg is a huge fan of stillwater fishing, and loves the challenge of finding large lake dwelling trout and making them eat. When not guiding on the water, Greg can likely be found fishing the Yellowstone, enjoying a burger at the Mint or catching a show at Pine creek lodge. 

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

Guy Thomas

Guy grew up learning to fly fish on the banks of the Yellowstone River at age five with a willow branch tied to a streamer as his outfit. Fly fishing has been a constant passion throughout his life and was an expected family activity. He credits both of his parents for instilling in him the lifelong pursuit and opportunities angling adventures can provide. Guy attended Hobart College in New York and was a double major in history and environmental studies. While he spent many an hour in the library, he found a balance chasing large lake-run steelhead. His passion for chasing anything finned led him to work in the shop at Yellowstone Angler before becoming a full-time guide. He has experience guiding many of the rivers in southeast Monatana including the Yellowstone, Upper and Lower Madison, Jefferson, Boulder, Stillwater, and many smaller tributary creeks. When Guy is not on the water he is in the backcountry chasing mule deer and elk. He also enjoys spending time with his family, backpacking, skiing, waterfowl hunting, and upland hunting with Skipper, the English Cocker Spaniel. In the off-season, he is a full-time law student and the University of Montana Law School where he is pursuing a Juris Doctorate with a specialty in natural resource and water law. He hopes to practice law in Montana upon graduation. 

Independent Guides

In addition to our staff guides, we also book trips for several independent outfitters and guides, many who you will recognize below and have likely fished with before. We have listed some of the independent guides that we work with most frequently, however we work more than 40 independent guides in total. They have all done a great job for us over the years and we are confident that they will continue to provide excellent service. (Listed below in alphabetical order). Give us a call if you’d like to book a trip! 1-406-222-7130.

Hank Bechard

Born and raised in the Treasure State, Hank grew up fishing the waters around his hometown, Great Falls, Montana. 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.

Paul Bloch

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 is his own outfitter: 1. Paul David Bloch, 2. Paul David Bloch 3. 715 W Crawford Street, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-579-7095 5. Outfitter license #49156.

Josh Edwards

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

Marcus McGuire

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 is his own outfitter: 1. Livingston Angler LLC, 2. Marcus McGuire, 3. 712 N 3rd Street, Livingston, MT 59047 4. 406-580-7181 5. Outfitter License is #44451.

Chloe Nostrant


Chloe grew up in Bozeman and first picked up a fly rod when she was a junior in high school. What started as s fun pastime quickly grew into a lifestyle. Her background in photography and writing is a perfect match for the fly fishing life and has led her to contribute to different publications both in the outdoor and western industry. Chloe enjoys chasing cutthroat in Yellowstone National Park, sharing the streams with the various wildlife and history that fills the Park. Though she loves fishing for trout in the mountains, she has a soft spot for pursuing muskie in both the US and Canada as well as Tarpon in the Florida Keys. When she isn’t fly fishing or working as a photographer, she can be found upland hunting with her bird dogs, skiing, working on her next piece, or plotting her next Harley ride. You can check out her work at chloenostrant.com

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

Brian Sienkowski

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.

Scott Weisbeck

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 for the Yellowstone Angler 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.