This will be the thirty-sixth year that the Orvis Company will recognize excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides program. 2020 presented a host of challenges for everyone, and the fact that so many ELOG partners were able to get on the water and in the field with guests is a testament to their dedication to their craft. The winners of this year’s coveted awards will be announced at a ceremony during the 2021 Orvis Guide Rendezvous , which will be held virtually on April 16. Here are this year’s nominees, along with photos of last year’s winners:
2021 Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year Nominees:
- Josh Pfeiffer, based in Maryville, Tennessee
- John Way, based in Ennis, Montana
- Alberto Rey, based in Fredonia, New York
2021 Wingshooting Guide of the Year Nominees:
- Ryan O’Shaughnessy, based in Alpine, Texas
- Andrew Schlarbaum, Highland Hills Ranch, Condon, Oregon
- Mike Goldsmith, Joshua Creek Ranch, Boerne, Texas
2021 Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year Nominees:
- North Fork Ranch, in Shawnee, Colorado
- Alaska’s Boardwalk Lodge, on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
- Madison Valley Ranch, in Ennis, Montana
2021 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year Nominees:
- Flying B Ranch, in Kamiah, Idaho
- Highland Hills Ranch, in Condon, Oregon
- Joshua Creek Ranch, in Boerne, Texas
2021 Fly-Fishing Outfitter of the Year Nominees:
- Willowfly Anglers, in Almont, Colorado
- Lillard’s Fly Fishing Expedition, operating in CO, WY, MT, and ME
- Ugly Bug Fly Shop, in Casper, Wyoming
No women guides nominated???
Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions (nominated outfitter) has several female guides and has all-girls fishing expeditions for teens.
Yeah Orvis, where is the 50/50 support for our Female guides???
I agree, what the heck! There are so many talented women guides out there. What happened Orvis?
Mike Goldsmith has the best bird dogs in Texas. His expertise and passion for the sport are without compare and he also happens to be the nicest person you could hope to meet. Congratulations Mike!
Congratulations to all the nominees! Thanks Orvis for all you do, you’re changing the game in many positive ways!
John Way is a great guide. He’s a wonderful person and has a passion for fly fishing!
Congratulations to all nominees! I’m hoping that Alberto Rey wins this coveted award. I can’t think of a more deserving person…
Alberto Rey is a superb guide and also a great guy. A world-renowned nature artist and very patient and forgiving professional.
Looks like lots of deserving folks. Fingers crossed Alberto Rey wins this year. He is an amazing guide Fly fishing days with him are memorable. Alberto for the win!!!
How did Hank Patterson NOT make the list? In fact, he should won in all divisions!
Mike Goldsmith is the Full Package….Great Instructor, Immense Patience and possessing the ability to adapt to field conditions, his shooters ability or lack and turn every hunt into a memorable event. As noted, he speaks fluent Field Dog…and it shows…
We have hunted with Mike Goldsmith for three years. He and his dogs have never disappointed. He reminds me of a great golf caddy, always anticipating the next shot and having the club ready for you when you need it, the hunt is about you and not him. Mike does this better than anyone I have hunted with. He is with you in the field but you never are distracted and the dogs are always in the perfect place. Mike is great with new hunters as well the experienced individual. Joshua Creek has a gem in Mike Goldsmith!
Mike Goldsmith has added so much to our hunting group’s experience and enjoyment the past three years at Joshua Creek. He is a consummate professional. Not only is he extremely organized and gets us on a lot of birds, he makes the whole experience fun for everyone. I couldn’t recommend anyone higher.
Our annual trip to Joshua Creek is due in large part to Mike Goldsmith and his superbly trained dogs. Each and every hunt is safe, well paced, and full of birds. To top it off he can be an excellent coach when needed!
2021 fly fishing outfitters of the year?!? That’s a no-brainer! The folks at the Ugly Bug run a great outfit, have an awesome retail shop, and a super cool lodge to stay in. Most important, they crush world class fish all day – every day! That’s all they do. Seems like this really isn’t even a fair contest…
Congratulations to Mike Goldsmith on this nomination. I can’t think of someone who deserves it more. I was fortunate to be invited to hunt behind his dogs and was so impressed watching them work. His knowledge made our groups hunt a standout experience.
The Ugly Bug Fly Shop and Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing and lodge is a well established, well stocked fly shop, professionally run, shop and guide service. They take great pride in the all the services they provide. They have top quality guides with great professionalism and hospitality and food (thanks Laurie). They guide on top a quality blue ribbon fishery. Thanks for the great day and all the fish Jon.
Our son has been fishing with Lillard Fly Fishing Expedition for three years. After each adventure, he begs us to book his trip for the following year before it becomes sold out. LFFE is the highlight of his year. In addition to wonderful angling and camaraderie, he has learned life-long skills such as safety, working in teams, and meal preparation. Last year, when I saw that LFFE also had an all-girls trip, I was really impressed and followed their progress along with my son’s group. Great job Will and company!
Absolutely thrilled with Will Lillard and his crew at Lillard Fly Fishing . Son Charlie (age 17) will be returning for a third season. Years ago he attended another fly fishing camp and per his own words “they would rather play kickball then go fishing”. Charlie was taught well by his grandfather and his horizons broadened by Lillard Fly Fishing for which he will be an avid fly fisherman for the rest of his life.
As Orvis looks out the next 10, 20 or even 30 years isn’t this exactly what you are hoping for!
Respectfully,
Don M. Lundy