This will be the thirty-fifth year that the Orvis Company will recognize 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 2020 Orvis Guide Rendezvous in Roanoke, Virginia, on March 20. Here are this year’s nominees, along with photos of last year’s winners:
2020 Freshwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year Nominees:
- Josh Pfeiffer, based in Maryville, Tennessee
- Alvin Dedeaux, based in Austin, Texas
- Alberto Rey, based in Fredonia, New York
2020 Saltwater Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year Nominees:
- Capt. Rene Letourneau, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- Capt. Cesar Acosta, based in San Pedro, Belize
- Capt. Aron Cascone, based in Charlestown, Rhode Island
2020 Wingshooting Guide of the Year Nominees:
- Ryan O’Shaughnessy, based in Alpine, Texas
- BJ Walle, based in Kamiah, Idaho
2020 Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year Nominees:
- Healing Waters Lodge, in Twin Bridges, Montana
- The Lodge at Palisades Creek, in Irwin, Idaho
- Madison Valley Ranch, in Ennis, Montana
2020 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year Nominees:
- Castle Valley Outdoors, in Emery, Utah
- Prairie Wildlife, in West Point, Mississippi
- Joshua Creek Ranch, in Boerne, Texas
2020 Fly-Fishing Outfitter of the Year Nominees:
- Linehan Outfitting Company, in Troy, Montana
- River Run Outfitters, in Branson, Missouri
- The Tackle Shop Outfitters, in Ennis, Montana
I REALLY LOVE PRAIRIE WILDLIFE WINGSHOOTING LODGE ,IN WEST POINT MISSISSIPPI…….THE PLACE OFFERS SO MANY DIFFERENT FORMS OF WINGSHOOTING……THIS WONDERFUL , WARM HOSPITALITY SHOOTING ESTATE, TRULY GIVES THE ORVIS COMPANY AND THEIR ENDORSEMENT SOMETHING SOMETHING TO BE VERY PROUD OF……THE DOGS , THE LODGING , THE MEALS, THE ENTIRE STAFF AND THE WONDERFUL SHOOTING IS A REAL WINGSHOOTERS PARADISE………Martin Angers, Wyoming, Michigan.
Josh Pfeiffer has my vote for “Guide of the Year”. I have fished with him several times and he is the consummate professional. On top of that he volunteers his services to our local Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Tournament. Trout or Smallmouth he is the best!
Cesar has my vote for saltwater guide of the year. Best of the best.
Joshua Creek Ranch is a great place to visit.
That is the best comment on Jcr you could find.
Alberto Rey is an excellent guide who understands that this profession requires someone who knows the local waters, which species of fish are running and what they are eating plus that there is a hospitality element as well.
Alberto is patient and willing to share his knowledge to create the best opportunities to catch fish and still make the experience enjoyable.
He is a terrific guide and I highly recommend his service.
I can’t imagine there being a fishing guide as professional, proficient and patient as Alberto Rey of Fredonia NY.
His commitment to making you flying fishing outing a memorable and enjoyable experience is unmatched.
Alberto is true guide, teacher and professional in every sense.
Steve Baldo
As I mentioned in my initial comments on Alberto Rey, he is an extremely fine guide who showed me a great day on the water, followed by a most excellent home cooked lunch. I would also point out that, in reflecting on our day together, I realized that I had learned an incredible amount without ever being made to feel that my own knowledge was in any way deficient (despite my being a fly fishing novice). If Alberto could bottle that very rare ability and sell it, he should find lots of buyers, from life coaches to ski instructors. Finally, the man has damn good taste in rum and cigars!
Fishing with Alberto Rey transforms a day of trout and steelhead hunting into an elevated experience. His enthusiasm, respect and appreciation for the beauty of the fish and their environment is infectious. With patience and an old world manner, he creates an unique fishing experience like no other. Slow down and experience the rewards of the day : a perfect cast, a slow rise, the strong take, and the gentle release. You will come away with vivid memories until next time. And don’t forget a sip of brandy!
Alberto Rey gets my vote. Incredibly knowledgeable and very patient ! He makes the day an experience to remember!
Alberto Rey gets my enthusiastic vote for fly fishing guide of the year. He showed me the best day of steelhead fishing I’ve ever had… followed by a superb meal. Alberto’s an extraordinary artist and its a rare pleasure to fish with someone of his perception and knowledge. He managed to teach my young grandchildren some basics and by getting them into a trout or two, helped me hook them for life. So well done.
I have fished with many different guides around North America. And nobody is as good as Alberto Ray. His style, knowledge, calm manner makes the day end too soon. And oh yea, we always catch a lot of fish.
My vote is clear – Alberto.
Fishing with Alberto Ray a unique experience. I had fished for Steelhead in British Columbia, Michigan and The Great Lakes with a lot of great guides, but the first day I fished with Alberto was different. I hooked a nice heavy fish and began to work it in. Rather than tips on technique, he said “relax, enjoy it, look how beautiful this setting is, enjoy
the experience”. Lunch was not a bag lunch, but a 4 course meal, cooked by his lovely wife Janine. He helped my son catch his first Steelhead, then clapped him on the back, saying “congratulations, now you are a steelheader”. In his spare time he runs a fly fishing program for underprivileged youth and directs stream restoration projects on his home creek.
His exhibit on biological eco-regionalism at the Buffalo Museum of art was an eye opener and promoted environmental awareness. I always look forward to our next trip together.
You gotta go with Renee. He has been treating his clients to great striper, bluefish, albie, and bonito fly fishing for years! None better!!!
My vote is for Renee!!
We cast our vote for The Lodge at Palisades Creek! (More like 130+ votes!) We are On River Time, a nonprofit that empowers children of abuse and neglect through fly fishing, mentorship, and scholarships. The Lodge at Palisades Creek regularly hosts the world’s best anglers, and even celebrities, and yet they roll out the red carpet two weeks out of the summer for our incredible kids. We can’t say enough good things about them. Justin Hays and his staff are the best. Their guides are so knowledgeable. The food is amazing. The cabins are A+. And everyone is so kind. The Lodge at Palisades Creek helps us to create a dramatic pivot in the lives of these resilient kids. Through their hospitality and our programming, our kids understand they have worth and value and they don’t have to be defined by their painful past. Thank you TLAPC for helping us CAST HOPE!
Spencer Johnston, Wildland Firefighter Foundation-Teton Chapter
VOTE FOR The Lodge at Palisades Creek and here is why…
The Lodge at Palisades Creek understands the importance our wildland firefighters represent in the diversity of the public and private lands they manage and protect. These extraordinary people work hard managing our natural resources so our current and future generations can continue benefiting from all the wonders our public lands have to offer, which includes our water resource and fishery habitats. With that said, our vote goes to the Lodge at Palisades Creek and Justin Hays for your continued support to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and the all-around excellent services provided by The Lodge at Palisades Creek!
With your continued support over the past five years, you’ve help contribute to the Teton Chapter generating over $100,000 that has benefited families of fallen firefighters.
On behalf of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation-Teton Chapter, we want to express our gratitude for The Lodge at Palisades Creek. It is people like you that help offer support to those who are no longer able to fully take care of their families after serving in the line of duty.
THE LODGE AT PALISADES CREEK is THE BEST!!! We visited TLAPC 3 times last year (with a different guide each time) and already have plans for multiple trips in 2020. Justin Hays, the guides, and every single member of the staff make a visit there a visit of a lifetime -they treat you like an old friend and as if you were “really the guest that mattered”. Our goal is to fish with every guide at the lodge! The fishing and scenery is second to none, the guides are top-notch, and the service, food, and drink are unbeatable.
But it’s also what they give back that really matters to my husband and me. They support maintaining the natural resources of the surrounding area and keeping the river healthy. Their support of On River Time just warms my heart – what they selflessly provide and show to these children is wonderful! These folks are the best of the best – the REAL DEAL!
Alberto Rey gets my vote. His love of the sport is contagious. A day with him is making a life long memory experiencing all aspects of the sport from wading the water to learning how to cast and the thrill of a good fight and sometimes even a catch!! Vote Rey!!
Hi What about international Destinations/Lodges?
I have fished the salt with guides from North Carolina to Massachusetts for years following the fish. The RI coast has it all with great reefs and structure. Years ago I fished with Rene and was I surprised. Great captain, boat handler, with true understanding of tides and thinks like a fish! I always look forward to my visits to RI for big strippers, blues and fall bonita and albies. Nothing like big fish off Newport and Watch Hill. With years of experience on the water in Rhode Island, he is the best you can spend your day with. You won’t be disappointed . He gets my vote.