Written by: Tom Evenson, Orvis Endorsement Programs Manager
It’s with a heavy heart that we share the news that the fly-fishing world lost a valued and admired member of its community this past week. Spencer Morton, owner/operator of the Orvis-endorsed Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School, passed away this week due to heart complications. Spencer was an accomplished athlete, talented guide/mentor, successful entrepreneur, passionate conservationist, and devoted husband and father.
Upon graduating from the University of Vermont in 2005, with a degree in Fisheries Management, Spencer set out to pursue a career as a fly-fishing guide. A passion for adventure and curiosity for the unknown took Spencer to some of the most sought-after fishing destinations on the planet–from his childhood waters of New England, to Patagonia, British Columbia, Alaska, Mexico, Central America, Norway, New Zealand, Seychelles and the vast American West. Spencer decided to make his home in Jackson Hole, which he considered one of the world’s premier trout fisheries. He was recognized as one of the premier fly-fishing guides in the Rocky Mountain West and was awarded “Top Wyoming Guide” honors at the prestigious Jackson Hole One Fly Tournament in 2012 and 2013.
However, the desire to share his knowledge and experience with others drove him to form the Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School in 2013 with the mission to make fly fishing fun and accessible. Over the years, Spencer led the charge to help thousands of students along their fly-fishing journey, while creating lifelong friends along the way.
Whether he was skiing the backcountry in the Teton Mountains, hunting elk, or chasing his favorite game-fish species, Spencer had an infectious personality that forged friendships wherever he went. We thank you Spencer for making the world a better place. Our deepest condolences go out to his amazing wife Melissa and his fearless son Fritz.
Click here to visit Spencer’s online memorial,
where you can share memories and condolences.
Spencer was an outstanding individual. I knew him as a partner in business and can’t imagine a better one. He created an absolutely fantastic fly fishing school and I meet people all the time whose lives have been changed for the better having been introduced to the sport by Spencer and his team. What a wonderful wonderful human being! He and I always talked about it but never got to go fishing together! I’ve learned a lesson there and encourage others to take heed I love you Spencer. You lifted my life too.
I am so sorry for your loss.
So sad, one of Vermont’s greatest ski racers. RIP Spencer.
My heart aches for his wonderful family. I only met him a few times with his grandmother Sally, but he rose to be another upstanding citizen of Jackson. Love and prayers to all the Morton family, his wife, son and friends. ❤️
My heart aches for his wonderful family. I only saw Spencer a few times with his grandmother Sally, but he rose to be another upstanding citizen of Jackson. Love and prayers to all the Morton family, his wife, son and friends. ❤️
One of the best fisherman I ever shared the river with and an amazing human being. Made the mistake of thinking we would have a lot more time to get to know each other better. Our hearts go out to his family and
We’ll recall our time with him as some of our best.
I guided with Spencer in AK almost 15 years ago. Always upstanding, with unshakable positivity and contagious enthusiasm. We always promised we’d link up again to chase steelhead in Northern BC. Maybe in another lifetime, Spence.
The final release
One last time, he held his beautiful fish, his gentle hands suspending her at waters edge, between life and death, their hearts mingled for a time, and then he released her, back to her home, and he slipped away into the snowy night, carried away by the river, into eternity.
❤️