Joshua Mattis

Hometown:

Hudson, WI

Guide Experience:

This is my first year as a guide for Vail Valley Anglers!

Fishing Experience:

I grew up fishing for Bass, Panfish, and many other warm water species in Wisconsin. About 4 years ago, I got a fly rod for my birthday, taught myself how to cast, and the rest is history! Since then, I have spent countless hours pursuing spooky wild trout on technical driftless area spring creeks, large warmwater predators like Muskie and Pike on northern Wisconsin lakes, and hard fighting migratory fish like King Salmon and migratory Rainbow Trout on Great Lakes tributaries. As my passion for fly fishing grew, I discovered a new passion that came along with it: guiding and sharing my knowledge with others. For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from helping someone else learn, improve, and ultimately develop a passion for fly fishing!

Exotic Experience

I have been lucky enough to chase Snook, Redfish, and Barracuda from my kayak in the Florida Keys. I have also spent a week in Alaska experiencing the incredible salmon runs and fishing for Arctic Grayling.

Wish List:

Tarpon in Florida, Giant Trevally in the Seychelles, and giant trout in New Zealand!

Hobbies:

Outside of fly fishing, my favorite hobbies include snowboarding, hockey, fly tying, hunting, hiking, camping, and enjoying time with my friends and family.