Fly Fishing Team

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Fly Fishing Outfitter/Captain and Guide Legend!
MT Outfitter #49437
Years Fishing:29+
Years Guiding: 15
John grew up in Washington State chasing steelhead, salmon, and trout with a fly rod in hand and a twinkle in his eye (or maybe that was just the glare off the water). In 1995, his father introduced him to the legendary Big Horn River in Montana, and shortly thereafter, John discovered the Missouri River. It was love at first cast. He’s fished nearly every river Montana has to offer, but the home waters at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge have captured his heart. Today, John lives near the river with the ultimate catch of a lifetime: his wife, Jennifer, and their two labs, Kota and Tess, who think every fishing trip is actually a birding expedition.With over 15 years of professional guiding experience in Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming, John has built a reputation as a skilled and patient guide. As an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide, he brings a level of expertise and professionalism that ensures every guest at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge has a world-class experience. Whether you're brand new to fly fishing or already know your way around a double haul, John’s knack for working with all skill levels means you’ll feel right at home on the water.

John’s fishing philosophy? It’s all about creating a memorable experience tailored to you. He doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter trips—unless we’re talking cookies at lunch. From DFO (dry fly only) days to streamer marathons, he’s here to customize your adventure. And while he’s fished North and South America chasing 40+ species on the fly, his favorite is still fooling a 20+ inch brown trout with a size 20 dry fly. (Some might call it a tall order, but he just calls it Thursday.)

Spend a day with John, and you’ll quickly realize his real superpower isn’t just finding fish—it’s making sure your time on the water is unforgettable. He’ll even laugh at your jokes (but don’t worry, he’s got better ones).
Buglife Fly Fishing

With 25 years of fly fishing experience and 19 years of guiding in both Montana and Patagonia, Pablo "Quino" Manavella is a legend on the water (though he’s far too humble to admit it). As an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide, Pablo combines world-class expertise with a knack for turning any day on the water into an unforgettable adventure.
Pablo isn’t just a guide; he’s an expert oarsman with the precision of a river ninja, navigating tricky waters like it’s a casual Sunday drive. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned pro, Pablo’s patient mentorship, keen eye for fish, and legendary customer service ensure you’ll leave the river with great stories—and hopefully a few brag-worthy catches. 
When Pablo isn’t orchestrating epic fishing trips, he’s at home with his wife, Gaby, and their two kids, who keep him on his toes more than a feisty trout on a tight line.
Pablo’s passion for sharing the magic of Montana’s waters is infectious. He creates a relaxed, fun atmosphere that will make you laugh, learn, and fall in love with fly fishing all over again. Spend a day on the water with Pablo, and you’ll quickly understand why guests keep coming back—not just for the fishing, but for the experience!

Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Neal Mitchell was practically born with a fishing rod in hand (okay, maybe not literally, but close). Raised on a foundation of stewardship and ethics in the great outdoors, he developed a deep respect for the waters he fished and the creatures within them. By the age of 12, he discovered fly fishing—a life-changing moment that set him on a path of endless casts, untamed rivers, and a borderline obsessive love for trout.
As a kid, Neal spent countless hours wading through creeks, chasing bass and sun perch with an unmatched determination. Eventually, his love for the sport took him beyond his local waters to the legendary tailwaters of Arkansas—the Little Red, White, and Norfork Rivers—where his passion for trout truly took hold. From that moment on, there was no turning back.
Determined to turn his obsession into a full-time career, Neal packed up and headed to Asheville, NC, where he has spent the past 13 years guiding anglers of all skill levels. Whether introducing a beginner to the magic of their first tight line or fine-tuning a seasoned angler’s technique, Neal approaches every day on the water with patience, skill, and a dash of good humor (because let’s face it, fly fishing involves a lot of untangling).
Now, at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Neal has found his true home waters. With an unmatched enthusiasm for dry fly and nymphing techniques, he’s dedicated to helping anglers of all levels improve their craft while soaking in the beauty of Montana’s blue-ribbon fisheries. He believes fly fishing is more than just a sport—it’s an art, a lesson in patience, and, occasionally, a test of one’s ability to keep their cool when a trout rises just out of reach.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to master the basics or a seasoned angler aiming to refine your technique, Neal is ready to guide you to an unforgettable experience on the river. Just be prepared for a few fish tales along the way—some of which might even be true!

Growing up in Helena, Montana, Chase Glowacki picked up his first fly rod—a vintage Orvis Hydros—at age nine, courtesy of his dad. From that moment on, he was hooked (pun intended). The challenge, the culture, and the thrill of the perfect cast had him spending every spare moment on the water. Before long, he found himself teaching friends more than fishing for himself, and the joy of watching them land their first fish was all it took—guiding was his calling. Fresh out of high school, he earned his guiding license, and he’s been sharing Montana’s world-class rivers with eager anglers ever since.
Chase tailors every trip to fit the angler—whether you’re a complete newbie or a seasoned pro. Beginners get a patient, pressure-free introduction to fly fishing, complete with pro tips, proper casting techniques, and maybe a few pep talks when the fish get picky. For the experienced crowd, he’s all about dialing in advanced strategies, experimenting with fly patterns, and putting you on the kind of water that takes skill to master. No matter your level, Chase guarantees an experience that’s equal parts educational and unforgettable (with a high likelihood of fish-related bragging rights).
One of his go-to tricks? The "row-around" move—where he rows the boat back upstream to hit a productive hole again for another drift. It’s a client favorite, not just because it ups their chances of landing fish, but because watching Chase battle the current for round two is entertainment in itself. Every day on the water is a good day, especially when the fish are biting, the stories are flowing, and the boat is full of laughter. Whether it’s your first time holding a fly rod or your hundredth day on the river, Chase is ready to make your Montana fishing trip one for the books!

Prog Mgr - John Chase

Pablo Manavella

Neal Mitchell

Chase Glowacki

Born and raised in Western New York, Alex Hepworth has been on the water since age five. Inspired by seasoned guides on the Delaware River, he always dreamed of leading others on fishing adventures. That dream brought him west, where he now calls Montana Fly Fishing Lodge home. From the Stillwater River to private spring creeks, Alex thrives on sharing Montana’s world-class fisheries with guests.
He’s passionate about making every angler—beginner or experienced—feel confident and comfortable on the water. With clear instruction, patience, and a touch of humor, he helps clients refine their technique while enjoying the experience. His favorite tip? Sit down! It keeps you relaxed, in control, and helps avoid spooking wary fish.
One of Alex’s most unforgettable days on the water involved saving his best friend from the rushing currents of the Niagara River—only to land a 39-inch, 28-pound lake trout moments later.
Whether rowing big water, calling out casts, or celebrating a client’s first trout, Alex brings expertise, enthusiasm, and a love for Montana’s pristine waters to every trip.

Greg Swoboda’s fishing story started near the Texas coast, chasing sea trout and redfish through the coastal flats. But the open water called, and his spirit for adventure took him all the way to Kodiak, Alaska, where he signed up as a deckhand on halibut and crab boats as a college freshman. The Alaskan wilderness got ahold of him—and college never saw him again. After four years of hard-earned lessons at sea, Greg and his brother bought a 32-foot commercial fishing boat, spending years fishing the wild waters around Kodiak. In between crab pots and halibut hauls, he honed his fly-fishing skills, chasing salmon, grayling, and trout in remote rivers and lakes. Eventually, family duty brought him back to Texas, but his heart was always where the fish were.
After decades in the construction industry, Greg’s passion for fly fishing and the mountains finally brought him to Montana, where he found his calling at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge. With access to the Lodge’s pristine home waters, including the legendary Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers, Greg loves sharing the magic of Montana fly fishing with anglers of all experience levels. He has a knack for breaking down the basics for beginners with humor and patience, while helping experienced anglers fine-tune their technique. His best piece of casting advice? “Close your eyes and focus on your timing.” Simple, weird—but shockingly effective.
Greg’s personal favorite is streamer fishing with a spey rod, launching big, meaty flies into fast water and waiting for that heart-stopping tug. But what truly fuels his passion is seeing clients connect with the sport and create lifelong memories—like the time a 12-year-old taught her 6-year-old sister to mend line, while mom captured it all from the back of the raft. For Greg, it’s these shared moments on Montana’s home waters that make guiding more than a job—it’s a way of life. So, whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler looking to level up, hop in Greg’s boat and get ready for a day of fish, fun, and stories you’ll tell for years to come.

Born and raised in South Central Montana, TJ Tjaaland grew up with two world-class rivers practically in his backyard—the Stillwater and the Yellowstone. He’s been fly fishing for as long as he can remember, tying flies before he could even cast them properly (which, admittedly, made for some interesting early attempts). By high school, he had his first raft and spent every free moment floating the river—so long as he could convince his parents to run the shuttle.
When he’s not guiding, TJ is chasing fish across the West, hunting elk in the fall, or spending off-days bird hunting with his dog. But no matter where he roams, his heart is always on the water, sharing his knowledge of fly fishing and the local landscape with clients. While he won’t turn down the thrill of hucking streamers, technical dry fly fishing is his true passion. He believes every day on the water is a learning experience—for both guide and angler—and he’s always up for swapping tips, tricks, and the occasional fish tale.
With TJ as your guide, expect a day full of expert instruction, a few good laughs, and plenty of time spent in the best places Montana has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to refine your dry fly game or a beginner hoping to land your first trout, he’ll make sure your time on the river is one for the books—just don’t ask him to shuttle your boat, he’s retired from that gig.

Growing up just outside of San Antonio, Texas, Sean McLendon first fell in love with fishing while casting lines on the Guadalupe River. His passion for the outdoors eventually led him on a journey westward, guiding in Rocky Mountain National Park, leading backcountry fly fishing trips in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and even guiding pheasant hunts in Idaho. But it was Montana’s unmatched landscapes and legendary waters that ultimately stole his heart. Now, at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Sean is right at home, sharing the magic of the Lodge’s pristine home waters—like the Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers—with anglers from all walks of life.
Sean prides himself on tailoring each trip to fit his clients’ needs. For beginners, he keeps things fun, approachable, and focused on the fundamentals, ensuring everyone feels confident and comfortable. For more experienced anglers, Sean loves diving into advanced techniques, whether it’s refining that drift or reading water like a pro. His favorite challenge? Throwing tiny dry flies to target those elusive, wise old trout in small streams—what he calls the “ultimate chess match” of fly fishing.
What really drives Sean, though, is the shared experience. One of his most memorable trips was a five-day youth expedition in northern Wyoming, where the group caught hundreds of fish but left with even more unforgettable stories. For Sean, it’s not just about the fish—it’s about the laughs, the learning, and those moments that stick with you long after the waders come off. So, whether you’re here to land a trophy trout or just soak in Montana’s breathtaking scenery, Sean’s ready to make it a day you won’t forget. And if he mentions a "secret" dry fly pattern? Don’t ask too many questions—just trust the magic.

Alex Hepworth

Greg Swoboda

TJ Tjaaland

Sean McLendon

Born and raised in Helena, Montana, Keenan Morrison was lucky enough to fall in love with two perfect outdoor passions—fly fishing and skiing. When the rivers were too cold to wade, he’d trade his waders for ski boots, making the most of Montana’s year-round adventure. Thanks to a lifelong mentor who spent over 40 years as a fly fishing guide, Keenan gained early exposure to the craft, learning the techniques, secrets, and patience required to excel. But for him, guiding isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. With an unwavering drive to be one of the greatest guides in the sport, he’s constantly honing his skills and sharing his expertise with anglers of all levels.
Keenan thrives on helping clients refine their skills, whether it’s teaching a beginner the fundamentals of nymphing or helping an experienced angler fine-tune their casting and water-reading abilities. His approach is all about connection—helping clients understand the why behind every cast and strategy so they leave the boat not just with great memories, but with the tools to become better anglers on their own. No matter your experience level, expect an unforgettable day filled with laughter, fish stories, and, of course, plenty of tight lines.
Now guiding on the legendary home waters of Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Keenan couldn’t ask for a better office. With access to the pristine Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers, as well as private spring creeks and ponds, he gets to share some of the best trout fishing in the country with his clients. His personal obsession? Dry fly fishing.  His biggest advice? Fish confidently—there’s no science to it, but somehow, it always seems to work. One of his favorite moments guiding was helping a client land his first-ever dry fly trout—an adrenaline-fueled catch so intense the client was shaking too much to hold the fish for the photo. They ended up holding it together for the picture, a moment the client later admitted he hadn’t stopped thinking about for months. That’s what fuels Keenan’s passion—creating experiences that last a lifetime, one epic day on the water at a time.

Keenen Morrison

​Liz grew up fly fishing with her parents and brothers in Northern New Mexico.  They spent family time fly fishing and camping around small streams and lakes high in the mountains every summer. During college in Washington state she would spend time fly fishing some of small streams, rivers and lakes in the Cascade Range.  After college she moved to Salt Lake City for a job as an ICU RN and fly fished throughout the Wasatch and Uintas Mountains as well as backpacked on fishing trips into the Wind River Range of Wyoming.  She started tying flies for everyone and anyone to improve her knowledge and skills.Since moving to Montana for work she has roamed all over the Beartooth and Bighorn Mountains fly fishing everywhere she can. Opportunities  to "moonlight" at local Fly Shops, and in the fly fishing departments of local Sporting Goods stores allowed her to teach classes in fly fishing, fly casting and fly tying.  For a number of years she has had the privilege of being a Fly Fishing Instructor and a River Helper with Casting For Recovery, a national organization, here in Montana.
She became a "walk and wade" guide 3 years ago.  Taking people out to enjoy and fish some of our local water is always fun.  I enjoy working on fly fishing techniques  and reading water skills that can be applied to other waters.  Fitting in local flora and fauna, plus local history is just a bonus to a day on the water.

Liz Foley

Dan started fly fishing at a young age living in the mountains of Colorado. Since then he has traveled all over fly fishing everything from trout to Trevally. He is proficient both in single hand fly rods as well as Spey rods. If anyone is in need of learning either style of fly fishing it can be accommodated at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge. When teaching how to cast, an illustration is shown for the client to refer to later.
After growing up fly fishing the mountains of Colorado, he joined the Navy serving his nation on Submarines in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He fished for everything from Blue Fin to Pacific Oxeye Tarpon. After the Navy, Dan went into Paleontology having always been a rock hound. He still is and collects rocks while fishing the Yellowstone. We have agates, petrified wood and fossils you can pick up along the banks.
Then Dan went to work for Fisheries in Minnesota for 13 years in the Lake of the Woods / Rainy River area. While there, Dan picked up most of his 26 fishing world records. He’s an avid Fly Tier and Rod builder, he started tying flies early in his life and has been building rods for more than 20 years.
After leaving Minnesota, Dan came to Montana where he’s worked in the fly fishing industry in sales and management for the past 6 years.

Dan McGuire

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