For more than twenty years, the Orvis Company has been recognizing excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides (ELOG) program. The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at a ceremony during the 2014 Orvis Guide Rendezvous in Missoula, Montana, on April 4. Here are this year’s nominees, along with photos of last year’s winners:
2014 Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year:
- Brown Hobson, based in Asheville, North Carolina
- Patrick Fulkrod, based in Bristol, Virginia
- Doc Thompson, based in Ute Park, New Mexico
- Sean McAfee, based in Troy, Montana
- Pat Kane, based in Missoula, Montana
Co-winners for Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year were Firehole Ranch, in West Yellowstone, Montana, and. . .
2014 Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year:
- The Lodge at Glendorn in Bradford, Pennsylvania
- Muskegon River Lodge in Newaygo, Michigan
- The Lodge at Palisades Creek in Irwin, Idaho
- The Blue Damsel Lodge in Clinton, Montana
- Madison Valley Ranch in Ennis, Montana
2014 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year:
- Deer Creek Lodge in Sebree, Kentucky
- Flying B Ranch in Kamiah, Idaho
- Greystone Castle Sporting Club in Mingus, Texas
- Highland Hills Ranch in Condon, Oregon
2014 Guide Service of the Year:
- Hawkins Outfitters, of Glen Arbor, Michigan
- Jamie Rouse Fly Fishing Adventures, based in Heber Springs, Arkansas
- Freestone Outfitters, of Denver, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain Outfitters, of Heber City, Utah
Outfitter of the year was another tie! Lopstick Lodge Outfitters in Pittsbug, New Hampshire, and. . .
2014 Outfitter of the Year:
- River Run Outfitters, of Branson, Missouri
- Ugly Bug Fly Shop, of Casper, Wyoming
- WorldCast Anglers, of Victor, Idaho
- Blackfoot River Outfitters, of Missoula, Montana
- Breckenridge Outfitters, of Breckenridge Colorado
2014 International Destination of the Year:
- Fiordland Lodge, New Zealand
- The Boat Company, Southeast Alaska
- Rio Manso Lodge, Argentina
Congrats to Patrick Fulkrod Guide of the year. Well deserved. My son and I spent a day on the water with Patrick last summer and while we don’t typically count numbers, Patrick put us on ~ 40 of the best trout fishing in a day I had ever experienced. Looking forward to another day with Patrick this August. Way to go Patrick
All of the guides at Rocky Mountain Outfitters are honored to be among these great finalists. We are proud to be apart of the Orvis Family
Congratulations 2014 guide of the year, Patrick Fulkrod!! I don’t know of anyone more deserving of this award. Patrick truly loves what he does and it’s reflected in his performance. This has been not just a love of the sport and adventure of fly fishing, but a passion for it. He has loved all things fly fishing since he was just a little boy. I can tell you this and express my pride in his accomplishments and my great love for him because I am his mother.
Congratulations, Patrick, on Orvis Guide of the Year 2014!!! Well deserved!!!
Looking forward to fishing with you soon!