Steve Schmidt

In 1986 Steve signed his first lease that launched Western Rivers Fly Fisher.  At the time, survival was all consuming, and he never pondered that those initial years would lead him on the rewarding journey that it has been.  Since opening the shop, he’s traveled the world with his fly rod. Since the infancy of Western River he’s fought to protect the experiences we all share on our waters, and has played and integral role to gaining public access to Utah’s streams and rivers.  And, between all the amazing people he’s worked with, met, and fished with through Western Rivers, he’s never been more passionate about fishing a fly wherever his fly rod may take him.

Favorite Place to Fish: Any place a fish may rise to a dry fly  
Favorite Rod: Billy Barou
Favorite Fly: Minesweeper  

Nick 

A dedicated fly-fisher, teacher and student of all things fly-fishing, Nick comes from a self-educated background. He taught himself how to cast and fish from a young age, and he loves to share his knowledge with anyone interested in learning how to become a better angler and fly-caster. His interest in teaching motivated him to become a Certified Fly-Casting Instructor via Fly-Fishers International, and the "head-master" of Western Rivers fly-fishing classes and fly-casting clinics for the past 18 years. Any water with fish willing to eat a fly is good water for him, but he holds a very special spot in his heart for Montana's Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and the various fish species found in Utah and across the West.

Favorite Place to Fish: The West
Favorite Rod: Tom Morgan 905-4
Favorite Fly: Whatever I'm Fishing

 Kyle 

Kyle Toyama, is chief consultant for Western Rivers. Kyle learned to tie flies and cast a fly rod at a relatively young age and honed his skills on ponds, lakes, and some classic waters on the East Coast, before moving west where he was introduced to the sight fishing and challenging dry fly opportunities afforded by spring creeks like the Henry’s Fork and Silver Creek, and this now takes up much of his attention in the summer months. Kyle has also had the great fortune to travel and fish in a number of destinations like Iceland, Bahamas, and Japan. Kyle enjoys learning about the history of fly fishing from storied locations to vintage rods and reels. When not on the water, Kyle enjoys camping, cooking, and Chicago Cubs baseball.

Favorite Place to Fish: Spring creeks with glassy water like Silver Creek and The Ranch
Favorite Rod: Livingston Fiberglass 8’9” 4 wt
Favorite Fly: Nacho Baetis

  Blaine 

Blaine is a Salt Lake local who grew up fishing the waters of the west with family and friends. After receiving a degree from Weber State University in Health Promotion, Blaine started looking for opportunities to work in the fishing industry. After guiding in Park City for a couple years he began working in the shop. Blaine splits his time between working in the shop and guiding local waters. When he isn’t working you can find Blaine exploring small creeks, taking naps on the river bank, or enjoying an adult beverage around town.  

Favorite Place to Fish: Small streams in the Uinta Mountains
Favorite Rod: Winston BII T 8’ 4wt
Favorite Fly: Triple Double