Crazyrainbow Fly Fishing, Casper Wyoming
Staff
Meet Our Staff
Our Team
Meet Crazy Rainbow Guides & Staff
Tony English is a Wyoming Native who grew up hunting and fishing the banks of the lower North Platte in Torrington, WY. With a fly rod in hand at only five years old, he’s had many years to master his craft. Tony credits his father for the early introduction to fly fishing- just one of Tony’s many outdoor skills. And as only a few do, Tony has found a way to turn his affinity for outdoor recreation into (more than) a means of income. Tony is a Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide
Tony English
Guide
Oliver Ashenhurst is a born and bread, Platte County, Wyoming native. He is a long standing guide of the North Platte River. Outside of being a fishing guide, Oliver is also a rancher. He enjoys traveling, music, food, and exercising on his at home rowing machine.
Oliver Ashenhurst
Guide
Tanner Christensen is originally from Butte, MT.
Tanner Christensen
Guide
Rob Barnosky grew up in western Montana fishing rivers such as the Ruby and Jefferson, before finding his favorite waters in Wyoming. He now guides each day on the Gray Reef, Miracle Mile, Fremont canyon, and the Big Horn. He has a gift forgetting to know people. Working in Wyoming’s beautiful outdoors and sharing his love of fishing attracted him to work as a guide. Rob prides himself on being hard working, patient, and focused on your experience.
Rob Barnosky
Guide
Devin Burton was born and raised Casper native. He’s been fly fishing the North Platte since he was 7 years old. His grandfather used to guide on the Platte back in the 80’s and 90’s. Hunting and fishing are his passion.
Devin Burton
Guide
Phil Schroeder is a Casper native, who loves the natural world. He is a friendly, and patient teacher who enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills with others. Phil has fished and played on the North Platte since he was a kid. He considers himself very lucky to have grown up in Casper. When he isn’t fishing, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and family. Phil is an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide
Phil Schroeder
Guide
Jon was born and raised in Casper, WY. He spends his summers in Casper and winters in Jackson, WY. He grew up living on the North Platte river, and he was able to learn how to fly fish at a very young age. His passion for fly fishing, desire to teach others about fishing, and patience is what makes him want his clients to succeed regardless of their fishing skill level and experience. He loves spending time in the outdoors. When he is not fly fishing, he likes to camp, hunt, and ski.
Jon Robinson
Guide
Tyler is a Wyoming native, born in Casper and made for the water. He has guided the North Platte and Bighorn for the past seven years as he worked his way through school. He received a bachelors from the University of Wyoming and went on to Denver Seminary to pursue a Masters of Divinity in Leadership. He continues to study but is now a full-time guide. On his off days, Tyler chooses to spend his time with his wife Audrey, hiking, mountain biking, or just hanging out. They both love sports and have no qualms laying up on Sundays to cheer on the Broncos or the Rockies, or head out to the golf course and play 18 holes.
Tyler Soulek
Guide
Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Dustin had a rod in his hand soon after he started walking. He spent much of his childhood and adolescence fishing for muskie, pike, and bass on his family’s lake property. Any and all family trips were spent on the water chasing numerous species of fish in both freshwater and saltwater. However, Dustin’s favorite form of angling has and will always be targeting Trout and Steelhead on the fly. Dustin spends his winters guiding for Steelhead on the tributaries of Lake Erie. Dustin is a graduate of Sweetwater Travel Guide School, and he is a proud pro-staff member of a number of the industry’s top manufacturers. He is also the cofounder and director of “Nimi on the Fly,” a nonprofit charity that seeks to promote character building, enrichment, and conservation with youth the sport of fly fishing.
Dustin White
Guide
Kody was born and raised here in Casper, WY. Growing up, he had not only a passion for fly fishing, but baseball as well. He played ball for 13 years before deciding to take his career further and played a year in the small town of Glendive, MT at Dawson Community College. His passion for fishing eventually led him right back to Casper at the age of 19 when he started his guiding career. He grew up fishing in the Absaroka Mountain range outside of Cody, WY fishing small creeks and lakes, and of course enjoying the Platte in his backyard.
Kody Luckow
Guide
Raised in Glenrock Wy, he has spent all of his youth and adult life fishing the North Platte. He is very lucky to have it flow through his home town and back yard. Troy spends all of his free time in the outdoors fishing, hunting, scouting, and raising his son. He is laid back, patient, hard working, and an avid conservationist. Troy wants his clients to end the day happy and knowing that he gave it his all on the river to better their experience. Troy hopes his anglers come out of it with new knowledge of the place that he calls home.
Troy Pinkerton
Head Guide
Caleb Ogg was born and raised in Riverton, Wyoming. A majority of his youth fishing adventures took place on small lakes in the Wind River Mountain Range. After high school he went onto play soccer at Sheridan College. Shortly after he moved to Casper, Wyoming and began fishing the North Platte. He became a Railroad Conductor for BNSF Railway, but always found himself obsessing over being outdoors and fishing. He then decided to become a fly fishing guide and hasn’t regretted his decision since. His goal is to make sure that his clients had a great time in his boat by the end of the day. Caleb is an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide
Caleb Ogg
Guide
Mike Graham is 4th generation Wyomingite. Mike was born in Laramie, Wyoming and grew up learning to love all things outdoors. He a family man, raising a daughter and three sons right here in Casper. Mike's granddad and dad taught him the art of fly fishing when he was young; he knew almost immediately that this would be a sport he would play for the rest of my life. To Mikey, there is nothing better than passing on his passion for fly fishing.
MIke Graham
Guide
Adam Pennington has spent time guiding in Missouri, Idaho, and Alaska, before settling on Wyoming’s local rivers. Adam is also a proficient fly tier who enjoys teaching the art of fly tying and teaching people about the bugs we encounter on the river and how to match them with flies. There’s nothing cooler than catching a fish on a fly you tied. Adam loves being able to build a relationship with his guests on the river.
Adam Pennington
Guide
Jake Sabus is originally from Boise, ID. After moving to Casper in 2005, he began his career with the Ugly Bug Fly Shop and Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing in 2007. When Jake is not on the water, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and kids. Jake's favorite part of guiding is helping anglers master their craft as well as helping trout make bad decisions.
Jake Sabus
GUIDE
Austin grew up right here in Casper Wyoming and has lived here his whole life. Austin holds a passion for the outdoors and always has growing up. He loves hunting and fishing and his passion for the outdoors has grown into a passion for guiding. Austin has guided in Alaska and appreciates what nature has to offer. He is caring and his main priority is putting the guests before anything else.
Austin Haupt
Guide
From the time Fish was a little kid, his grandpa always had time to take him fly fishing. This started his passion for the sport at a very young age. Fish has specifically spent a lot of time learning the art of still water fly fishing, and he enjoys finding new lakes and ponds to give a try. He moved to Casper four years ago and has never turned back. In the words of Fish, "Cast it forward."
Tom "Fish" Chojnacki
Guide
On a flip of a coin, Jim moved to Bozeman, Montana with an Enviromental Science Degree and a true passion to fish. After years of chasing Smallies, Carp, Sheepshead and Catfish back home Jim looked northwest to Yellowstone Country. He has been fishing and guiding in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho ever since. That was thirteen years ago and his passion for guiding grows every day. Come experience a day on the North Platte River with “Red Beard” and the UGLY BUG!
Jim "Red Beard" Lioi
Guide
Kenny was born and raised in Casper, WY. He spent a productive (and awesome) five years at the University of Wyoming, and enjoyed short stints in both Colorado and Washington D.C. before returning to the Equality State. Kenny learned to fly fish as a youngster under the guidance of his father and grandfather and continues to develop his passion for fly fishing on the beautiful waterways of Wyoming and the west.
Kenny Answorth
Guide
Nate was born and raised right here in Casper, WY. Nate grew up fishing the river and was introduced to fly fishing from two of his best friends in his early high school career. It is Joe Scott and Beau Covert he can thank for getting him stuck on fly fishing. When Nate is not on the water, he spends his week days as an Optometrist. Nate is passionate about teaching others how to fly fish as this sport is his escape, and aims to provide experience that leaves people feeling the same peace as he experiences on the water.
Nathan Edwards
Guide
Brandon was born and raised in the city of Casper. At a young age he was introduced to the great sport of fishing and has loved it ever since. Brandon spent most of his youth living away from home playing hockey but decided that there is no better place than chasing trout on the North Platte. Brandon loves to meet new people and hear their stories while connecting over a common interest.
Brandon Kourt
Guide
Tony Martin grew up in Casper Wyoming fishing rivers such as the North Platte and Big Horn rivers. Sharing his love for fishing and the outdoors attracted him to work in the Ugly Bug Fly shop. Tony prides himself on being hard working, patient and focused on your experience. Besides fishing in his free time, you can find him hunting or exploring backroads on his motorcycle.
Tony Martin
Sales Executive
CiCi Oliver was born and raised in Omaha, NE. Growing up, she spent a lot of time fly fishing out west with her family. She decided to attend Utah State University to pursue a degree in Environmental Sciences. While in Utah, she heard about the Ugly Bug Fly Shop. After three summers of working at the Bug through school, she made the final jump to Casper and took a full time position at the shop after graduation.
Cici Oliver
Assistant Manager
Mikayla Patterson was born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana. She is best known for being a die hard dog mom to Covi and Gus. She decided to make the jump to Wyoming in 2022 to work for a smaller fly fishing operation in the area. She made fast friends at the Ugly Bug and had no hesitation when Blake offered her a spot on the crew.
Mikayla Patterson
Sales Associate
Nathan Trujillo is a passionate fly fisherman, whose love for the sport has been deeply ingrained since a young age. With an unwavering connection to nature, he finds joy in the great outdoors, considering it his ultimate happy place. Nathan's unyielding enthusiasm for fly fishing drives him to spend as much time as possible outside, embracing every opportunity to cast his line and immerse himself in nature's wonders.Throughout the years, Nathan has dedicated himself to mastering the art of fly fishing, honing his skills and knowledge with relentless determination. He channels his creativity into creating captivating artwork that captures the inherent beauty of the fish he encounters.
Nathan Trujillo
Sales Associate / Media and Marketing
As true lover of nature, Seth loves to spend time outside, and getting to spend the time fishing makes it all the better. Seth grew up with a father who loved all things fly fishing. That same love for the water, bugs, and fish quickly became a part of Seth’s life. He finds himself simply loving the chase. From catching the exciting big hogs on the river to the small mountain brookies in the creek and everything in between, Seth enjoys the art it is to land a great cast. Here at Ugly Bug Fly Shop, Seth is happy to help you find the fly you’re looking for, or just listen about your newest adventure.
Seth Frederick
Sales Associate
Corbin Kirk was born and raised right here in Casper, WY. Corbin has fished the North Platte, as well as most of Wyoming, since the day he could hold a fly rod. He likes to spend his free time golfing, thrifting, tying flies, and fishing with his wife- Saaj. When Corbin is not in the shop, you can find him in Wayne, NE where he is a left handed pitcher for the Wayne State Wildcats baseball team.
Corbin Kirk
Sales Associate
Allie was born and raised in Casper, WY and and grew up in a family of avid anglers. She is a seasonal worker who enjoys running, traveling, outdoor recreation, and scholarship. Allie plans on acquiring a B.A. in Psychology in order to pursue her hopes of becoming a Forensic Psychologist.
Allie Hart
Sales Associate
Blake Jackson is a co owner and VP of the Ugly Bug Fly Shop and Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing and Wing Shooting, the 2014 Orvis outfitter of the year. Blake was raised in Glenrock Wyoming and was introduced to the sport of fishing by family at a very young age. It didn’t take long for him to realize that fishing was more than a hobby; it was a passion that he wished to share with others. Blake started his guiding career in Bozeman Montana working legendary fisheries such as the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, Missouri and Big Horn Rivers.
Blake Jackson
Co-Owner & VP
Laurie has proudly served our guests with the utmost hospitality for nearly a decade. She is a dedicated team member who strives daily to deliver the highest quality customer service and food to every client walking through our doors. With Southern roots, Laurie has a flare for creative cooking and demonstrates that with every dish put on the table. Her attention to detail, as it relates to the needs of Crazy Rainbow clients, well let’s just say it keeps them coming back for more.
Laurie Stroope
Lodge Manager
Fly Fishing Guides
Our Guides
Tony English
Rob Barnosky
Devin Burton
Phil Schroeder
Jon Robinson
Tyler Soulek
Tony English
Tony is Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide
Tony English is a Wyoming Native who grew up hunting and fishing the banks of the lower North Platte in Torrington, WY. With a fly rod in hand at only five years old, he’s had many years to master his craft. Tony credits his father for the early introduction to fly fishing- just one of Tony’s many outdoor skills. And as only a few have done, Tony has found a way to turn his affinity for outdoor recreation into (more than) a means of income. And all those years hanging out with his dad would someday help him become a successful guide on one of the best trout fisheries in the lower 48.
Upon graduating high school, he began guiding bighorn sheep, shiras moose, and elk hunts for his family’s outfitting operation. In 2016, he began working in the fly fishing industry on the upper North Platte while attending the University of Wyoming. After learning that higher education had nothing to offer him, he dropped out and moved to Casper in 2018 for the year-round tail-water action. Tony still guides his big game hunts every fall but most of the year he can be found guiding or fishing the Miracle Mile and Gray Reef.
Tony prides in his ability to teach others a sport he loves- acknowledging that his success is directly proportionate to that of his clients.
Rob Barnosky
Rob is an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide and Hardy Pro Staff Guide
Rob Barnosky grew up in western Montana fishing rivers such as the Ruby and Jefferson, before finding his favorite waters in Wyoming. He now guides each day on the Gray Reef, Miracle Mile, Fremont canyon, and the Big Horn. He has a gift for getting to know people. Working in Wyoming’s beautiful outdoors, and sharing his love of fishing attracted him to work as a guide. Rob prides himself on being hard working, patient, and focused on your experience.
He strives to ensure that at the end of every day with him you have not only caught Wyoming’s beautiful trout, but also grown as an angler, enjoyed your time with him as a guide, and left with the impression that he worked as hard as possible to provide your ideal day. In addition to guiding, he works as a counselor for children. If he’ s not guiding or counseling, then he is likely chasing his daughter, Jaylee, with his wife, Angie.
Devin Burton
Devin is an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide
Devin Burton was born and raised Casper native. He’s been fly fishing the North Platte since I was 7 years old. My grandfather used to guide on the Platte back in the 80’s and 90’s. Hunting and fishing are my passion, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else!
Phil Schroeder
Phil is an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide
Phil Schroeder is a Casper native, who loves the natural world. He is a friendly, and patient teacher who enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills with others. Phil has fished and played on the North Platte since he was a kid. He considers himself very lucky to have grown up in Casper. When he isn’t fishing, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and family.
Jon Robinson
I was born and raised in Casper WY and now spend my summers in Casper and winters in Jackson WY. I was fortunate enough to grow up living on the north platte river and was able to learn how to fly fish at a very young age. My passion for fly fishing, desire to teach others about fishing, and patience make me want my clients to succeed regardless of their fishing skill level and experience. I love spending time in the outdoors and when I am not fly fishing I like to camp, hike, and ski.
To Request Jon please click on the link below:
http://www.guidepointer.com/access/new_request?guide_id=1432&nid=60
Jon Robinson Orvis Endorsed Guide
Tyler Soulek
Tyler is a Wyoming native, born in Casper and made for the water. He has guided the North Platte and Bighorn for the past seven years as he worked his way through school. He received a bachelors from the University of Wyoming and went on to Denver Seminary to pursue a Masters of Divinity in Leadership. He continues to study but is now a full-time guide.
On his off days, Tyler chooses to spend his time with his wife Audrey, hiking, mountain biking, or just hanging out. They both love sports and have no qualms laying up on Sundays to cheer on the Broncos or the Rockies, or head out to the golf course and play 18 holes.
Tyler is a fantastic teacher with seemingly endless patience for beginners. He will be sure to keep conversation lively and prides himself on providing the best possible experience for you. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran there is little doubt that Tyler will provide a world-class experience. He has an intimate knowledge of all sections of the North Platte and the Bighorn and is prepared to put you on fish whether that be through dry flies, nymphs, or streamers.
Tyler is an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide
Oliver Ashenhurst is a born and bread, Platte County, Wyoming native. He is a long standing guide of the North Platte River. Outside of being a fishing guide, Oliver is also a rancher. He enjoys traveling, music, food, and exercising on his at home rowing machine.
Dustin White
Kody Luckow
Troy Pinkerton
Caleb Ogg
MIke Graham
Adam Pennington
Austin Haupt
Dustin White
Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Dustin had a rod in his hand soon after he started walking. He spent much of his childhood and adolescence fishing for muskie, pike, and bass on his family’s lake property. Any and all family trips were spent on the water chasing numerous species of fish in both freshwater and saltwater. However, Dustin’s favorite form of angling has and will always be targeting Trout and Steelhead on the fly.
Dustin spends his winters guiding for Steelhead on the tributaries of Lake Erie. Dustin is a graduate of Sweetwater Travel Guide School, and he is a proud pro-staff member of a number of the industry’s top manufacturers. He is also the cofounder and director of “Nimi on the Fly,” a nonprofit charity that seeks to promote character building, enrichment, and conservation with youth the sport of fly fishing.
Kody Luckow
Kody was born and raised here in Casper, WY. Growing up I had not only a passion for fly fishing, but baseball as well. I played ball for 13 years before deciding to take my career further and played a year in the small town of Glendive, MT at Dawson Community College. My passion for fishing eventually led me right back to Casper at 19 when I started my guiding career. I grew up fishing in the Absaroka Mountain range outside of Cody, WY fishing small creeks and lakes, and of course enjoying the Platte in my backyard. Troy Pinkerton
Raised in Glenrock Wy, I have spent all of my youth and adult life fishing the North Platte. I am very lucky to have it flow through my home town and back yard. I spend all of my free time in the outdoors fishing, hunting, scouting, and raising my son. I am laid back, patient, hard working, and an avid conservationist. I want the customer to end the day happy and knowing that I gave it my all on the river to better there experience. I hope that they come out of it with new knowledge of the place that I call home. Caleb Ogg
Caleb Ogg was born and raised in Riverton, Wyoming. A majority of his youth fishing adventures took place on small lakes in the Wind River Mountain Range. After high school he went onto play soccer at Sheridan College. Shortly after he moved to Casper, Wyoming and began fishing the North Platte. He became a Railroad Conductor for BNSF Railway, but always found himself obsessing over being outdoors and fishing. He then decided to become a fly fishing guide and hasn’t regretted his decision since. His goal is to make sure that his clients had a great time in his boat by the end of the day. Caleb is an Orvis Endorsed Fishing Guide MIke Graham
My name is Mike Graham and I am a 4th generation Wyomingite. I was born in Laramie, Wyoming and grew up learning to love all things outdoors. I am a family man, raising a daughter and two sons right here in Casper.
My granddad and dad taught me the art of fly fishing when I was young and I knew almost immediately that this would be a sport I would play for the rest of my life. There is nothing better to me than passing on this passion of mine. Adam Pennington
Adam Pennington has spent time guiding in Missouri, Idaho, and Alaska, before settling on Wyoming’s local rivers. Adam is also a proficient fly tier who enjoys teaching the art of fly tying and teaching people about the bugs we encounter on the river and how to match them with flies. There’s nothing cooler than catching a fish on a fly you tied. Adam loves being able to build a relationship with his guests on the river.
Austin Haupt
Austin grew up right here in Casper Wyoming and has lived here his whole life. Austin holds a passion for the outdoors and always has growing up. He loves hunting and fishing and his passion for the outdoors has grown into a passion for guiding. Austin has guided in Alaska and appreciates what nature has to offer. He is caring and his main priority is putting the guests before anything else.
Tom "Fish" Chojnacki
Jim "Red Beard" Lioi
Kenny Answorth
Nathan Edwards
Jake Sabus
Guide Coming Soon
Guide Coming Soon
Tom "Fish" Chojnacki
From when I was a little kid my Grandpa always had time to take me fishing. From my youth I have always loved going fishing. 30 years ago someone handed my a Fly Rod and I have been hooked ever since. I have spent a lot of that time learning the art of Still Water fishing and enjoy finding new lakes and ponds to go give it a try. 3 years ago I moved to the Casper area and have been fishing the North Platte River ever since. Cast it Forward…… Jim "Red Beard" Lioi
On a flip of a coin, Jim moved to Bozeman, Montana with an Enviromental Science Degree and a true passion to fish. After years of chasing Smallies, Carp, Sheepshead and Catfish back home Jim looked northwest to Yellowstone Country. He has been fishing and guiding in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho ever since.
That was thirteen years ago and his passion for guiding grows every day. Come experience a day on the North Platte River with “Red Beard” and the UGLY BUG! Kenny Answorth
Kenny was born and raised in Casper, WY, spent a productive (and awesome) five years at the University of Wyoming, and enjoyed short stints in both Colorado and Washington D.C. before returning to the Equality State.
Kenny learned to fly fish as a youngster under the guidance of his father and grandfather and continues to develop his passion for fly fishing on the beautiful waterways of Wyoming and the west. Nathan Edwards
Nate is born and raised right here in Casper, WY. Nate grew up fishing the river and was introduced to fly fishing from two of his best friends in his early high school career.
It is Joe Scott and Beau Covert he can thank for hopelessly getting him stuck to fly fishing. Guiding full time, it was during this time when Nate fell in love with teaching guests how to fall in love with this sport and show them how rewarding and how fulfilling this escape can be. Jake Sabus
Trevor grew up in Topeka, Kansas. Despite a few offers to play college baseball, Trevor spent his time as an apprentice lineman before moving to Casper in spring of 2022. He grew up fishing and hunting, and has always had a love for the outdoors. Lucky for us, Trevor spotted us on the New Fly Fisherman and decided to move out west to chase some trout with the Crazy Rainbow Crew. Outside of the fly shop and the river, you can find Trevor at your nearest rodeo or race track.
Guide Coming Soon
Adam Pennington
Guide Coming Soon
Adam Pennington has spent time guiding in Missouri, Idaho, and Alaska, before settling on Wyoming’s local rivers. Adam is also a proficient fly tier who enjoys teaching the art of fly tying and teaching people about the bugs we encounter on the river and how to match them with flies. There’s nothing cooler than catching a fish on a fly you tied. Adam loves being able to build a relationship with his guests on the river.
Tony Martin
Brandon Kourt
Cici Oliver
Blake Jackson
Addie Dees
Laurie Stroope
Tony Martin
Tony Martin grew up in Casper Wyoming fishing rivers such as the North Platte and Big Horn rivers. Sharing his love for fishing and the outdoors attracted him to work in the Ugly Bug Fly shop. Tony prides himself on being hard working, patient and focused on your experience. Besides fishing in his free time, you can find him hunting or exploring backroads on his motorcycle. Brandon Kourt
Brandon was born and raised in the city of Casper. At a young age he was introduced to the great sport of fishing and has loved it ever since. Brandon spent most of his youth living away from home playing hockey but decided that there is no better place than chasing trout on the North Platte. Brandon loves to meet new people and hear their stories while connecting over a common interest. Cici Oliver
CiCi Oliver was born and raised outside of Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up, she was lucky enough to spend a lot of time fly fishing out west with her family. CiCi found a love for fly fishing and conservation of the natural world, and decided to attend Utah State University in order to pursue a degree in Environmental Sciences (While also being located next to the Logan River). After hearing about the North Platte through friends at school, I booked a trip with Addie Dees. The rest is pretty much history. Blake Jackson
Blake Jackson is a co owner and VP of the Ugly Bug Fly Shop and Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing and Wing Shooting, the 2014 Orvis outfitter of the year. Blake was raised in Glenrock Wyoming and was introduced to the sport of fishing by family at a very young age. It didn’t take long for him to realize that fishing was more than a hobby; it was a passion that he wished to share with others. Blake started his guiding career in Bozeman Montana working legendary fisheries such as the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, Missouri and Big Horn Rivers. Addie Dees
Ever since I was young, I never really wanted to follow the norms of being a girl. I grew up with two sisters and the choice was quite clear- Barbie dolls or dirt bikes. Obviously, I chose the latter. I didn’t stop there, though. My dad helped me expand my outdoor knowledge and hobbies with fly fishing, backpacking, kayaking, and bird hunting. Fly fishing stuck.
Growing up in Wyoming allowed me to pursue my passions while surrounding myself with like minded people who encouraged and supported me.
Fast forward a few years, I graduated high school and then college only to find myself on a career path I didn’t love.
Somehow, my path crossed with Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing and Ugly Bug Fly Shop. There was no looking back at this point. I knew I was where I needed to be. In training, another female guide took me in and taught me all she knew about rowing a drift boat and teaching clients to fish. This was so exciting, for at the time there were maybe a dozen women who professionally guided while rowing. Throughout my training on the water, Blake Jackson hired me to manage the Ugly Bug. Taking this position taught me what I needed to know about running a quality fly shop and guide service. Through this position, my knowledge only increased as a guide (especially as it related to tying flies and helping others select necessary gear).
As of 2019, there are still less than a handful of women professionally rowing/ guiding the North Platte River- I am proud to be one of them! This season marks my fourth year as a professional fly fishing guide: Spending my days on the river with amazing clients who simply want to fish, be outside, and enjoy all that Wyoming has to offer.
As a woman and a conservationist, my greatest contribution to the industry is helping change the culture of a once male-dominated sport. Encouraging other women to pursue their passions is something to be celebrated- just as those who encouraged and celebrated my endeavors. I am proud to be one of the many faces selected to promote women learning to fly fish with the Orvis 5050 on the Water Campaign. I’ve taken advantage of several opportunities to promote this industry and wonderful company. Proudly, I will continue to do so with every exciting adventure this journey offers. I am truly and gratefully surrounded by the best in this industry. Whether your a life long angler or learning for the first time, be sure to surround yourself with only the best. I hope to see you on the water soon!
Laurie Stroope
Laurie has proudly served our guests with the utmost hospitality for nearly a decade. She is a dedicated team member who strives daily to deliver the highest quality customer service and food to every client walking through our doors. With Southern roots, Laurie has a flare for creative cooking and demonstrates that with every dish put on the table. Her attention to detail, as it relates to the needs of Crazy Rainbow clients, well let’s just say it keeps them coming back for more.