Guide Bios

Guide & Proprietor
Vail Borne

Vail grew up fly fishing in Western Washington, where he could often be found packing his old school float tube up to some desolate alpine lake, or bumming rides over the East side of the mountains 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.

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!

Jet Boat Guide
Matt McCrary

Matt McCrary is a full time steelhead guide born and raised in Portland, Oregon. As an accomplished fly tyer, casting instructor, and boat operator, Matt is one of the most sought after steelhead guides in the Northwest. Being a cut above as a fly fishing guide in the Portland Metro is no easy task and has earned him Pro Staff Status with RL Winston Fly Rods, Hatch Reels, Oakley, and Idylwilde. When not guiding Matt can be found at North West Fly Fishing Outfitters, one of Portlands best fly shops, making him an expert in all things fly! Streams Matt guides include but are not limited to the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers for Winter Steelhead, the Clackamas and North Santiam for Spring Steelhead, and of course the mighty Deschutes from July through October for Summer Steelhead. If your goal is to become a better spey caster or steelheader, Matt is one of the best. Matt will be running Sled Trips for RBO all summer long so look him up!

Guide
Brad Hanson

Brad was born and raised in Central Oregon. His parents are both avid fishers, and helped foster the same in Brad. It is pretty obvious that Central Oregon, and Oregon for that matter are Brad's home waters. He is very intimate with many of the fisheries here, including the Lower Deschutes and Crooked River. Brad also has spent some time guiding in Alaska. He is a very talented fellow, who runs his own rod making and repair business as well as being a guide. He spends his winters on the coast guiding salmon and steelhead and his summers in Central Oregon. Brad has won the praise of many of our clients for his class act on the river, patientance and professionalism, and his ability to provide epic days for his clients!

Camp Host
Ryan Pinette

Ryan has lived in Bend, Oregon since he was young. He started fishing with his father on the Deschutes and the high lakes of the Cascades as a child. He quickly grew to love and appreciate the 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!