2016 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Carolyn Parker of River Run Outfitters, Branson, Missouri.
Photo courtesy Carolyn Parker
For more than thirty years, the Orvis Company has been recognizing excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides program. The winners of this year’s coveted awards will be announced at a ceremony during the 2017 Orvis Guide Rendezvous in Missoula, Montana, on April 28. Here are this year’s nominees, along with photos of last year’s winners:
2016 Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide of the Year, John Herzer–of Blackfoot River Outfitters, in
Missoula, Montana–poses with his wife and partner, Terri Raugland.
Photo by Andrew Pierce
2017 Freshwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year Nominees:
- Doc Thompson, based in Northern New Mexico
- Rob Fightmaster, based in Maryville, Tennessee
- Kip Vieth, based in Monticello, Minnesota
2016 Endorsed Saltwater Fly Fishing Guide of the Year Capt. Ken Chambers of Backcountry Guide Service in Naples, Florida, show off a gorgeous snook.
Photo courtesy Capt. Ken Chambers
2017 Saltwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year Nominees:
- Capt. Jason Sullivan, based in Everglades National Park, Florida
- Capt. Kechu Marin , based in Ambergris Cay, Belize
- Capt. Lucas Bissett , based in Slidell, Louisiana
2016 Wingshooting Guide of the Year Randy Matis, Elgin, Arizona poses with (from left) Reid Bryant, Dave Perkins, and Scott McEnaney of Orvis Adventures.
Photo by Andrew Pierce
2017 Wingshooting Guide of the Year Nominees:
- Brandon Boedecker , based in Geyser, Montana
- Eric Harrison , based in Boerne, Texas
- Randy Matis, based in Elgin, Arizona
2016 Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year: The Lodge at Glendorn in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
Photo courtesyThe Lodge at Glendorn
2017 Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year Nominees:
- Big Hole Lodge, in Wise River, Montana
- Hawk Lake Lodge , in Kenora, Ontario
- Wollaston Lake Lodge , in northern Saskatchewan
2016 Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year: Paul Nelson Farm,in Gettysburg, South Dakota.
Photo courtesy Paul Nelson Farm
2017 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year Nominees:
- Flying B Ranch, in Kamiah, Idaho
- Southwind Plantation, in Attapulgus, Georgia
- Joshua Creek Ranch, in Boerne, Texas
2016 Endorsed Outfitter of the Year: Ellensburg Angler, in Ellensburg, Washington.
Photo by Andrew Pierce
2017 Outfitter of the Year Nominees:
- Lopstick Lodge and Outfitters, of Pittsburg, New Hampshire
- The Tackle Shop Outfitters , of Ennis, Montana
- WorldCast Anglers , of Jackson, Wyoming
2016 International Destination of the Year: Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge, in Coyhaique, Chile.
Photo courtesy Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge
2017 International Destination of the Year Nominees:
- El Pescador, Ambergris Caye, Belize
- Magic Waters Patagonia Lodge, Coyhaique, Chile
- Salvelinus Fishing Adventures, Pyrenees, Spain
2016 Fly Shop of the Year: Breckinridge Outfitters, in Breckinridge, Colorado.
Photo courtesy Breckenridge Outfitters
2017 Fly Shop of the Year Nominees:
- Angler’s Covey, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Beaverkill Angler , Roscoe, New York
- The Backpackers Shop , Sheffield Village, Ohio
I vote for Kip. He is the best guide I have had for bass on the Minnesota rivers. Very knowledgeable about the rivers and how to read the waters. Very worthy of the award and recognition
I love anglers covey! they were all a huge help when I first moved to Colorado and didn’t know where to fish, and they still are awesome whenever I need help or advice. They are an all around great shop!
Another vote for Kip Vieth!
Anglers Covey is great. A very helpful and knowledgeable staff that wants the best success for you on the water.
Have been to El Pescador 2 times now and can’t tell you how impressed I have been with the fishing, the guides, the service, the accommodations and the overall experience as a whole. I went there in 2015 for my first time with doubts of fly fishing having never done it before but with some tips and patience from the lodge staff and my guide, I was catching bonefish my first morning out and left the $300 Shimano spinning reel I took down there in the tackle bag the whole trip. I was fortunate enough to “grand slam” my 2nd trip in 2016. THE PLACE IS FIRST CLASS!!!!
ElPescador is the greatest. Of course my Grand Slam with Capt Cesar taints my vote
Can’t tell you how wonderful our impression is of El Pescador and hosts Ken and Anne Perkinson. Our first saltwater destination adventure and Yellowdog put us in the right place! My two sons and I were all over the flats and lagoons N W and S of San Pedro. Although we were limited in skills our guides positioned us to catch bones, snook, jacks, barracuda, permit and tarpon. Michael scored a Grand Slam on our last day with guide Emir. And can’t forget to mention the eagerness we shared to meet the El Pescador fishing guests at the bar each evening. Many shaded stories and new friends for the future. Enjoyed Meeting Joe Wright and his family! Great memories are made at places like this!
I have been fishing for over 60 years. Rivers,streams,farm ponds and lakes,large and small. I walked in,flew in and drove in. I have camped,slept in the back of pick ups,stayed in cabins and lodges. For the past 15 years my sons and I have made an annual trip to Hawk Lake Lodge in western Ontario. From the quality of accommodations,equipment and food to the unbelievable fishing I wish I had found this place sooner. Already booked for 2017.
Go Lopstick Lodge. It’s in New Hampshire… Reason enough for the win!
I love the Orvis endorsed program.
As I write this endorsement and vote for Doc Thompson, my wife and I have just come off the water with Jaime Rouse’s Orvis guide service having had another great day on the Little Red River in Heber Springs, AR.
Doc is an extremely professional fly fishing guide in northern NM and was pivotal in teaching me the art of fly fishing. I was so impressed with Doc that I brought my wife back to NM with me so she too could learn from one of the best guide/teachers. I’m so excited that Doc is being recognized for his great works. Orvis can be proud of their association with Doc and honor him with this award. Doc is genuinely a very good person who happily shares his great love for his vocation! Good Luck Doc Thompsom!!!
Sorry, but Rob Fightmaster is the best fly-fishing guide, especially in small streams.
Doc Thompson is one of the best all around guides I have ever fished with. His knowledge of the fish species, the entomology present, and the environmental considerations make him one of the most sought after guides anywhere. He is very patient with all level of fishing abilities, and is an endless supply of instruction and encouragement. I look forward to fishing with Doc because he customizes each trip to the anglers desires and abilities. My vote is for Doc Thompson!
You have several of my favorite nominees on here that I am personally acquainted with and heartily endorse.
DOC THOMPSON – our versitle, knowledgeable and fun fly fishing guide for many years now. New Mexico, Colorado, and a hosted trip to Yucatan. Infinite skill & patience.
JOSHUA CREEK RANCH – been involved with them for several years for our special hunts and upscale lodging and with their fantastic fundraising efforts.
BEAVERKILL ANGLER- we Texans could not have had a better first time Catskill fily fishing experience and time in the area without their help!
ERIC HARRISON- wonderful energetic and personable guide. Known him for several years now.
Orvis should be
Anglers Covey!
Thank you to Orvis for our nomination! We are honored to be considered for this prestigious award and congratulate the other nominees. Special thanks goes out to our guests who took the time to fill out a review and our staff for continuing our tradition of offering a trip of a lifetime to our guests. Pike on the fly!
Big Hole Lodge does everything right. I’ve been to a lot of Orvis Endorsed lodges in the past 25 years and if you are serious about fly fishing this is the place to go. Lodging is comfortable and spotlessly clean, food is fantastic and the guides are the best. They do everything they can to get you into fish and know the water like the back of their hands. The variety of fishing water is excellent. I’ve been there a dozen times in the past 6 years and will be there twice this summer. I am thrilled to see them nominated. They deserve it!
Every aspect of a great fly fishing lodge is found at the Big Hole Lodge. Craig and Wade Fellin and their entire staff do everything possible to make ones days with them on the many rivers in their area the best of experiences. They deserve this recognition!!
We would like to thank everyone for our nomination for Outfitter of the Year. Just being mentioned with the others on the list is a great honor. Hope to see you all in Missoula for the Rendezvous.
Go Big John! The best!
I vote for Lopstick Lodge in Pittsburg, NH. Great facilities, great staff and guides, GREAT fishing and great neighbors.
My vote is for The Beaverkill Angler in Roscoe, New York. Great place!
I definitely vote for beaverkill angler in Roscoe, NY. Always friendly and very helpful with lots of timely advice. I visit there all the time to char and buy things from them. They really deserve the best spot.
My vote is for the Beaverkill Angler , great shop with knowledgeable people.