Guide Bios

Guide & Proprietor
Vail Borne

Vail grew up fly fishing in Washington State. Where he could often be found packing his old school float tube up to some desolate alpine lake, or bumming rides over to the East side to fish the Yakima River. Vail moved to California after college and spent a half dozen years skiing, climbing, and fishing through out the Sierra Mountains. He coached skiing at Squaw Valley, and guided people rock climbing and fly fishing in Tahoe and Yosemite. Vail moved to Bend in 2002 and has since been fishing and guiding the Deschutes River and surrounding areas. Well versed in many different angling tactics, Vail has the experience in instructing and guiding all of the techniques he employs to catch trout & steelhead in the North West.

Some of Vail’s best attributes as a guide are his patience, and his ability to instruct, along with possessing a certain “fishy” sense that puts his clients onto fish. Vail is a conscience and courteous guide, who is attentive to detail, safety oriented and hardworking. You can rest assured that he will do everything in his power to make sure that you have a memorable and successful experience!

Guide & Proprietor
Sam Sickles

Sam was born and raised in the steelhead capitol of the world, Oregon! At twelve years old he was introduced to fly fishing, and was hooked. Growing up in Springfield right next to the MacKenzie and Willamette Rivers was no help for the affliction.

After graduating from Oregon State in 1994 where he majored in fishing the Alsea and Siletz, Sam’s travels took him all over the west in search of salmon, trout and steelhead on a fly rod. Many years later, Sam and his wife Marni relocated to Hood River in an effort to wear out the affliction, needless to say it has been a failure on their part.

Whether by drift boat or jet sled the quest has remained the same, the endless pursuit of trout and steelhead on a fly rod. Sam’s enthusiasm is contagious and his ability to instruct and teach is second to none. Any day spent on the water with Sam is one not easily forgotten!

Guide
Brad Hanson

Brad was born and raised in Central Oregon. His parents were both avid fishers who helped foster Brads love for fishing and the outdoors. Brad was fortunate to have great influences in fishing beyond his parents. A great deal of his local knowledge came from a teacher he befriended in elementary school. Brad learned a lot from his mentor and they still fish together today.

Brad got into rod building in 1992 at the ripe ole age of 12 and in 2003 he took over a rod making business of another mentor of his. Brad continues this passion today and builds roughly 60-80 rods per year. Needless to say, when you go fishing with Brad there will be no shortage of fly rods in the boat!.

Brad has been fishing and guiding the Lower Deschutes for trout and steelhead since 2004. He has also been guiding in Alaska on the Talachulitna River since 2005.

We are very lucky to lure Brad away from the bounties of Alaska. If you end up in Brads boat fear not for your in good hands and most likely you will be requesting him the next time you book with us!

Camp Host
Ryan Pinette

Ryan has lived in Bend, Oregon since he was young. He started fishing with his father and family friends on the Deschutes and the high lakes of the Cascades as a child. He quickly grew to love and appreciate the magnificent outdoor opportunities the Central Oregon has to offer and ultimately decided to make recreation his career. Ryan has been an avid boats-man for 18 years and enjoys all types of river transport, including rafting, drift boating, kayaking, and even scuba diving. He took up fly fishing at age 20 and is now thoroughly “hooked” on the hunt for Deschutes Red Sides and steelhead.

Ryan is our camp host extraordinaire. He is in charge of transporting and setting up the camp and gear. His attention to detail will ensure that your off river experience will be as memorable as your on river experience and your gear will safely make it from put in to take out. His skill as a pro “bagger” means you can rest assured that your time will be spent fishing and relaxing, with no worries.

To Read Some Professional References click here!