Ethan grew up in Kansas City, raised by a large, tight-knit extended family. He’ll never forget his first day fishing as a kid at a local pond with his grandparents. “While Granddad patiently explained how to cast, I became so excited to get to fishing that I loaded up my backcast without looking and cast. I heard a loud ‘yelp!’—I had hooked my grandmother in the bum. I’ve never hooked anyone since or forgotten that yelp!”

Ethan stayed in Kansas throughout his early life, even attending culinary school there before dropping everything and heading west to be on the river. From the first time he experienced Idaho’s wild and scenic rivers, he knew this was where he was meant to be.

Since moving to the Wood River Valley, Ethan has spent as much time on the rivers as possible. In the evenings, when he’s hung up the rod for the day, he loves to cook a homemade meal and hang out around a fire with good friends, chatting about their days and enjoying the summer night.

Guiding Style

Teacher. Ethan understands that fly fishing can be difficult to learn and may not always feel welcoming. His patience, passion, and friendliness help his clients feel comfortable and enjoy their experience on the river. While catching fish is the main goal, Ethan hopes that his guests leave knowing more than they did before and have a deeper connection with fishing and the environment. “Sharing my knowledge is incredibly rewarding, especially when it leads to catching fish or just catching a lifelong love for the sport,” he says.