Guides

Idaho Fly Fishing Guides are an eclectic mix of fishing enthusiasts. The world of fly fishing can be very small, and those who choose it as a profession have a common thread that connects them all. They clearly have a deep love and passion for the art of fly fishing. It is similar to someone selecting to be an educator in our school systems. However a fishing guide has a freedom that we don’t allow to our teachers. This freedom allows guides to find the way to teach that best suits there greatest strengths.

MEET YOUR GUIDES

Andrew Catt

Owner/Guide

"Fly Fishing is a pastime for some people, a break from regular life. For me, it is my regular life. As your tour guide, I’ll help you disconnect from your everyday world, so you can immerse yourself in nature and reconnect with yourself."

Born and raised in the Treasure Valley, Andrew spent his childhood hiking, camping and fishing in the deep woods and high mountain lakes where his father taught he and his brothers to fly fish. Spending the daylight hours exploring the rivers and trails, often returning to worried parents, Andrew knew there was something special about the breathtaking vistas, incredible wildlife and the plethora of fish.

Fly fishing became his sport of choice, as he put aside his interests in snowboarding, golf and skiing in pursuit of time on the rivers. It was common to find Andrew on the Owyhee, South Fork, and the Wood River Valley rivers 2 or 3 times a week, where he continually perfected his skills. It was during these times when he met fly shop manager, Dave Tucker, who hired Andrew and encouraged him to follow and hone his ever growing talents. Andrew was intrigued with Dave’s natural ability to interact with the outdoors and nature.

Andrew is passionate and eager to share his experiences and knowledge with beginning, experienced and advanced fly fishers on some of the most desirable rivers in the West. Andrews favorite quote from Sir John Buchan; “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of that which is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.”

Derek Peterson

Guide

Born and raised in Boise, Derek has more than 20 years’ experience fishing in Southwest Idaho and Oregon on rivers like the South Fork, Bigwood and Silvercreek as well as the Owyhee. He enjoys backcountry fishing in the high mountain lakes and streams as well as steelhead and sturgeon fishing.

An exceptional streamer and nymph fisherman, Derek is passionate about fishing and enjoys teaching others and helping them to catch more fish.

Always looking to improve his skills, Derek enjoys meeting other fisherman, sharing river knowledge, techniques and tips. For Derek, “It is just as exciting to hook a fish myself as it is to hand a fellow fisherman a new fly and watch him hook a big one.”

Derek spent most of his career as a chef in various restaurants in Downtown Boise. He has a vast knowledge of the food scene as well as many hidden Idaho attractions. When not on the river, you will find him mountain biking, snowboarding or playing outside with his family.

Joe Pirro

Guide

Joe is a dedicated and passionate fly fishing guide with over 30 years of fly fishing experience, offering an in-depth understanding of the sport. For Joe, fly fishing is not just a hobby—it’s a passion, a lifelong pursuit that he shares with every angler he guides. His deep love for Fly fishing is what drives him to continually refine his craft and pass on that knowledge to others.

With a patient, approachable demeanor, Joe tailors each guided experience to meet the individual needs of each angler, whether they are novices looking to learn the basics or seasoned anglers looking to hone advanced skills. His guiding philosophy goes beyond just catching fish; Joe emphasizes the importance of the whole experience. He believes that every cast is an opportunity to learn something new and every fish is a chance to deepen one’s appreciation for the art of fly fishing.

Every fishing trip with Joe is more than just a guided tour; it’s an opportunity to enjoy God's creation and expand your fly fishing skills, and immerse yourself in a sport that has captivated him for a lifetime.

Kooper Tharp

Guide

Kooper is a passionate and experienced fly-fishing guide with 6 years of expertise guiding on the water. An Idaho native, Kooper has expert knowledge of the local and nearby waters.

Based in Boise, Idaho, Kooper specializes in helping anglers of all skill levels connect with nature while pursuing trout, steelhead and other local species.

Known for his patience, in-depth knowledge of local rivers and streams, and personalized teaching style, Kooper ensures every trip is both educational and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, Koop is dedicated to helping you refine your technique and create lasting memories on the water.

BECOMING AN IDAHO FLY FISHING GUIDE

There are guide schools out there and they will tell you the only absolutely necessary precursor to becoming an Idaho fly fishing guide is an in-depth knowledge and love of the sport of fly fishing. This is completely false. You need an extremely high level of people skills. Anyone who has ever taken someone fly fishing for money will suffer from Post Traumatic Guide-Related Stress Flashbacks. You need an ability to let it go. Luckily for guides its easy because they spend so much time meditating. If you know any fishing guides, you’ve seen the starry eyed look as they stare at the water. Yep, that’s their meditation time.

The best Idaho fly fishing guides have endured many things in there lives. They have found a way to do what they love even if just for a short time of the year. They are true artists in every sense of the word. Like any artist they have to dedicate there lives to what they love. Just like a great chef who has travelled the word learning techniques and sampling fine cuisines, or a wood carver who dedicates all his time to perfection. Being a successful fishing guide requires the same mindset that an accomplished artist achieves. Many people who have utilized a fishing guide have not realized the correlation between these unique activities. Fly Fishing guides dedicate their lives to the environment, our natural resources, and the preservation of the species that supports their lifestyle.

The greatest lesson I ever learned on the river is also a lesson in life. When you are fly fishing you should never focus on the fish you are after, you should focus on the surroundings they lie in. This is the common thread that all Idaho fly fishing guides have. If everyone could accomplish the same situational awareness in general life as their fly fishing guide has, the world would be a better place to live.

LET'S GO FISHIN'