Matt Lucas
Owner & Guide
Matt caught his first golden-brown trout on the Green River when he was about 10 years old. Since then, he has made thousands of trips down that river, as well as many others throughout the West. He started his guiding career as a fly-fishing and backpacking guide in Estes Park, Colorado. There, he ventured through Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding rivers, including the Roaring Fork, the Yampa, and the Dean, Elk, and Smith, to name a few.
Eventually, he made his way back to the Green River, where he now guides fly fishermen from around the world. His understanding of how the river fishes—regardless of the flow—is astounding. Whether it’s the season, the insects (especially terrestrials), or fish habits, he’s got it figured out. Along with all that great river experience, he’s the kind of guide who will work incredibly hard to help you refine the finer techniques of casting and presentation. He’ll also get you to those little-known spots where you have the best chance of landing some truly great fish.
Matt has been a guide on the Green River for 16 seasons and has co-owned WRF Guides with his wife, Amanda, and his father, Jack Lucas, for the last 10 years.
Jack Lucas
co-Owner
From the time I knew there might be fish in water, I began a lifelong search for this amazing creature and the outdoor environment that was associated with it. After looking in remote places such as Patagonia, Australia, Canada, etc., I’ve never found anywhere that can match the unparalleled resource of the 3 sections of the Green River we guide, for fish and scenic beauty. As owners of Western Rivers Fly Fisher Guides, my son Matt and I along with a fantastic staff, are very pleased to have the wonderful pleasure of introducing others to the spectacular fly fishing and unsurpassed natural beauty of the Green River at Flaming Gorge. Background includes wilderness field guide, B.S. degree U.of U. College of Health-Outdoor Programs.
Amanda Lucas
Operations
Eric Carlson
General Manager / Guide
Darren Bowcutt
Lead Guide
I began flyfishing with my father at the ripe old age of nine. I fished mostly on local streams around Logan, Utah, along with annual summer trips to the Madison and other Montana rivers. My father was a school teacher and we spent many a summer evening together fly casting and even catching a few fish.
I started fishing the Green river in 1991 and began guiding in 1998. Early on, I was taught by Green River legends Emmett Heath and Denny Breer. I will forever be grateful for knowing and fishing with them!
I have been Lead Guide at WRFG since 2007 and have have served as Groga Vice President and president since 2007.
Tyler Root
Guide
I have always been fascinated by flowing water. Growing up in Utah, some of my earliest memories are fishing with my dad and exploring the streams and rivers of the west. My passion for fly fishing eventually became an obsession. I began my guide career in Rural Alaska, where I cut my teeth and gained an appreciation for the ins and outs of life on the river. After several years and countless river miles, I decided to trade in my motor for some oars and return home. The Green River is arguably the best river to drift a bug to rising trout; where I find great joy in slowing down, teaching the intricacies, and keeping track of the changing conditions of the fishery. In the winter I snowboard, steelhead, tie flies and dream of warm evenings and slow risers.
Set the hook.
Garrett Morse
Guide
I was raised in Grand Junction, Colorado. I’ve been fly fishing for as long as I can remember. I go fly fishing to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. My approach to guiding is to teach the basics so anyone can leave feeling they are a capable fly fisher. I love fishing for brook trout, traveling, and spending time with my dog, Douglas.
James McGuirk
Guide
James was born and raised on the west coast and grew up learning the ins and outs of fishing from his dad. Tired of their fast-paced city life, James and his wife moved to Utah in search of a more adventurous and outdoor lifestyle. As a fishing guide, James is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping clients become better anglers. He loves the thrill of being on the water and watching his clients catch their first fish on the fly. In his free time, James can be found exploring the wilds of Utah with his wife and three crazy pups.
Jack O’Neal
guide
I was born in Hattiesburg, MS, but grew up predominantly in Salt Lake City, UT. Growing up in SLC, I was fortunate enough to spend my time exploring the prolific fisheries scattered around the Rocky Mountain region of northeast Utah. I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Environmental Studies, and hope to carry much of what I have learned into understanding the conservation and management factors of the fisheries we all love. Though I’ve had the fortune of spending time on the water with many inspirational people, I attribute my love of the water and flyfishing to Mike Petragallo, or “Gramps” as his friends like to call him, who instilled in me a love of community and care for the water. True to Gramps’ and his friend’s outlook, I hope to create guide experiences that inspire a love for the places we get to play in and the people that surround us.
Grey Willis
Guide
Grey Willis, born and raised in Dallas, Texas, grew up fishing for rainbow and big brown trout in the streams of Northwestern Arkansas and Oklahoma, along with redfish on the Texas Coast. When Grey enrolled in the University of Arkansas in 2018, he spent the following five years fly fishing in White River, Arkansas as well as the smallmouth creeks and rivers surrounding the Fayetteville-Bentonville area.
During the summers, Grey guides in Dutch John, Utah for Western Rivers Flyfisher Guides on the Green River. This gives him the opportunity to sharpen up his dry fly skills and work as a guide as well as an overnight camp host.
Ryan Clarkson
Guide
I was raised in Northern New Jersey, a long way from Dutch John! At a young age my grandfather taught me to fish, taking me to his local ponds to catch sunfish. As I grew older being on the water quickly became a passion, which promoted my grandfather to share fly fishing with me. Although he was unable to teach me himself, he connected me with one of his long time fishing buddy’s who taught me to tie and fly fish. Since that point I had began to fish my local rivers religiously and to work toward my dream of moving west. After moving to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah, my passion for fly fishing only increased. During my first year of school I was fishing almost everyday and had the opportunity to visit Dutch John as a client. From that moment on I knew I wanted to be part of the Western family and pursue my dream of guiding. Today I strive to share my passion for fly fishing, knowledge and amazing days on the water with others!
Brody Jefferies
Camp Guide / manager
Born and raised in Layton, Utah, I grew up surrounded by mountains, snow, and wild places. My childhood was spent snowboarding, skateboarding, and backpacking into high alpine lakes in the Uintas national forest, where I fell in love with fishing and the outdoors.
A few years back, I visited Dutch John to see a friend who was working for Western Rivers. At the time, I was stuck in a trades job, unsure of where I was headed. After a day of shuttle driving and hanging with the crew, I knew this was where I needed to be. I quit my job, packed my bags, and was back in Dutch John two weeks later as a part of the Western Rivers family.
Now, with a few seasons under my belt, I’ve stepped into the role of Head Swamper. I host most of our multi-day camp trips and have found a real passion for cooking up great meals, setting up epic camps, and making sure everyone’s stoked and ready for another great day on the river.
Can’t wait to see y’all in camp!
JC Slaugh
shuttle manager
Born and raised in the beautiful state of Utah, I have always had a special connection to Dutch John, the beautiful Flaming Gorge and the peaceful Green, the place I proudly call home. My journey has taken me through various experiences, but my heart has always drawn me back to this remarkable area. I like to think of myself as an enthusiastic Shuttle Manager who thrives in the great outdoors! My passion for nature fuels my energetic approach to life and work. When Im not ensuring smooth transportation, you can find me fishing, hiking, making art or enjoying quality time with my family and pup.
Shuttle Drivers
“dirty foot crew”
If you have the pleasure of meeting any of our shuttle drivers on the road or around the shop, you’ll find the nicest dirty-footed, river-loving, tree-huggers this side of the continental divide. After shuttles are safely completed each day, you’ll find them jumping from cliffs into the gorge, pulling a trout from the river on a late A float, or enjoying a crisp bevie up in the pines. In the “off season” they are snow-birding to Powell, shredding pow, and obtaining bank-breaking higher educations.