Guide Crew & About US

about Rio Epic

A fly fishing guide needs to have the ability to teach, make sure the day is safe, to be fun and. Like all REO guides being "fishy" just happens naturally.. Also being humble but proud and above all a good human. We are proud to say Rio Epic guides check all those boxes. Each and every Rio Epic guide prides themselves on guiding with a strong work ethic. No short full days here. We want our guests ending a day of fishing feeling like they learned something, had a shot at a few fish but mostly made a new friend. It is not a surprise Rio Epic guides have the best returning clients rates tan any other guide service in our region.

guide crew

will blanchard

guide/owner

Will Blanchard had a dream to move West once graduating high school in 1989. So he did just that. He rolled up his sleeves and started guiding in 1992. He has not let up since. When he is not guiding he can be found skiing, playing hockey, chasing his wife & 2 kids as well as steelheading and stalking fish in the salt.

owen olson

head guide

Owen is a young buck with a ton of ambition. He guides with a relaxed no-pressure style. He has a great personality that makes him a guest favorite. From mountain trips to Rio floats Owen has it all dialed. Like most REO guides he spends his down time fishing, as well as hockey & snowboarding

rollie murchison

head guide

Rollie if an absolute ace of a guide and loves sharing the fly fishing experience. He is beyond patient and extremely hard working. From the Rio to the Juan, Rollie enjoys all fisheries in the southwest. Shocker, his down time is spent fishing and skiing. Exploring remote waters BC for steelhead or walking the flats of Mexico.

aaron "skillet" hyder

guide

Aaron Hyder is one of the fishiest guides out there. His laid back no-pressure style has earned him a great reputation from the San Juan to Alaska and all waters in between. He can get rookies into fish in no-time and tune up veteran anglers like no other.

evan claassen

guide

Evan brings an incredible amount of energy to a day on the water. Evan is well versed on mountain streams, the Rio, San Juan and everything in between. From kids to adults he is a very popular guide. Evan is also an accomplished elk hunter.

ben blanchard

kids camp guide

Ben "Bensy" is one fishy kid. From BC Steelhead, Mexico Roosters to Bones in Belize the kid gets it done. His love for fly fishing runs deep. Ben will be guiding our kids camps. When he is not fishing, he can found playing hockey, lax, skiing and MTBing.

derek ems

guide

Derek is know for being easy going and fun out on the water. He is dialed on all waters and brings nothing but fun to a guide trip. When he is not in guide mode he can found fishing for Reds off the coast of Texas and snowboarding.

reed ryan

guide

Reed Ryan is a total pro. He spends most of his guide season in central Colorado guiding for Cutthroat Anglers. Reed guides the Rio Grande with Rio Epic. When he is not on the fishing he enjoys time with his daughter, hockey and skiing.

paul apke

guide

Paul lives a block from the Rio Grande and spends a lot of time in his "backyard". If your looking to cast dries or slap meat for Rio brownies Paul is the guy. He is a streamer junky for sure. Free time is spent chasing his two daughters and wife.

jeremy stott

guide

Jeremy found his calling early on by becoming a fly fishing guide right out of high school. The next 10 years found him in Colorado & Argentina.

Jeremy now splits time between guiding the Rio Grande near Creede and on the Fork and Colorado. When not on the oars he spends tons of time with his wife and two kiddos.

jeff crossman

guide

Jeff is a laid back guide and like all the guides at REO has a deep passion for the sport. When he is not on the water you can find him fishing or working hard on his side job with his painting business. Walking the flats of Mexico is one of his cherished activities.

charlie noone

guide

Charlie has been a guide for a long time and still has the energy and passion of a young guide. So yeah, Charlie is young at heart and guest favorite. He is a blast to fish with for sure. When not guiding he is either with his family or charging big on a pair of skis.

andy albosta

guide

Andy has tremendous passion for the sport of fly fishing and loves to share it. From the Rio to alpine streams Andy loves it all. Andy is also one of the guide leads for REO's fly fishing kids camp, Campwannawannacatchem. A day on the water is a lot of fun with Andy.

kara armano

guide

Kara is one heck of a fishy lady. She spends most of here time exploring mountain streams but enjoys all the waters of the west. Her main guide focus is wade trips. She guides with a relaxed but focused approach. Kara is also the president of our local chapter of Trout Unlimited.

tj campanella

guide / packer

TJ and his wife

robert brooks

guide

Robert Brooks brings an easy going approach to a guide day. Hard working but easy going. He guides the Rio, Juan and all the other waters of the Southwest.

will cameron

guide

Will grew up on the banks of the Rio Grande. He is hard working and knows the Rio like the back of his hand. He is also guiding out of the Durango area as well. Stoked to have him in the mix.

thad ferrell

guide

Thad is a water rat. From guiding on the Juan and Rio Grande or adventure pack rafting Thad seems to always be on the water.

micah donaldson

guide - kids camps

Micah is a passionate fly angler that always has a fly rod in his hands and a smile on his face. Micah is one of REO's kids camp guides and works well with the young anglers. The future of fly fishing is bright with up and coming anglers like Micah.

michael "doc" Docherty

guide

Michael has a healthy obsession for fly fishing. He has many years of experience and can be found on the river year-round. Michael is a very patient instructor and guide. Dry sense of humor, easy going and hard working makes a day on the water a lot of fun.

carter mcquinn

guide

Carter grew up fishing the waters of southwest Colorado and the San Juan since he could walk. He brings a fantastic youthful energy to a day on the water. He is an absolute favorite at our kids fly fishing camps. When not on the water he spends countless hours as a ski coach.