2025 marks the 40th year that the Orvis Company will recognize excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides (ELOG) program. The winners of this year’s coveted “Of the Year” Awards will be announced virtually via blog and social posts on March 26th. Here are this year’s nominees–listed in alphabetical order–along with photos of last year’s winners.
Each year, for forty years, the Orvis Company has recognized excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides Program (ELOG). Awards are based on a number of criteria, the most important of which is customer feedback: the reviews from the customers who have experienced these operations are the ultimate arbiters of success. Also taken into consideration are the operation’s environmental commitment to and stewardship of their resources, willingness to go above and beyond with recruitment and education of new hunters and anglers, and partnership with Orvis in providing the public with the finest sporting experience possible.
These awards are being commemorated virtually this year, with the blog and other social posts making the Award Winner public. It is a great honor to recognize these finalists as representatives of an elite group.
2025 Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year Nominees
- Antoine Bissieux – West Hartford, CT
- Michael “Tic” Smith – Reliance, TN
- Dustin White – Casper, WY
2025 Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year Nominees
- Ricky Eblen – Henderson, KY
- Durrell Smith – Atlanta, GA
- Tyson Tabler – Saskatchewan, CAN
2025 Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year Nominees
- Brush Creek Ranch – Saratoga, WY
- South Holston River Lodge – Bristol, TN
- Wollaston Lake Lodge – Saskatchewan, CAN
2025 Wingshooting Lodge of the Year Nominees
- Flint Oak Ranch – Fall River, KS
- Pheasant Bonanza – Tekamah, NE
- Southwind Plantation – Attapulgus, GA
2025 Fly-Fishing Outfitter of the Year Nominees
- All Water Guides – Austin, TX
- Anglers Covey – Colorado Springs, CO
- Montana Angler Fly Fishing – Bozeman, MT
2025 International Destination of the Year Nominees
- Fish Partner – Iceland
- Green Baker Lodge – Chile
- Nomadic Waters – Brazil
Southwind Plantation in the heart of Decatur County, Georgia is the ultimate place for an amazing hunting, fishing and fellowshipping experience. I am amazed every time I visit Southwind Plantation situated in the small town of Attapulgus at the number of people who come to visit from around the world. My sons and I throughly enjoy such well crafted hunts meanwhile my wife and I enjoy delicious meals where Tim and his Wife, Carla make everyone in attendance feel like family. My two youngest son’s first duck hunt was at Southwind this past year. The smiles on their faces are forever cherished. The experts that made it happen, I will forever be grateful for. Southwind has truly crafted a place to be an experience that you will never forget.
First time fly fishing I need to take classes sign up for fly fishing 101.
Khalil & his friends