Guide Staff
Nick Streit
Nick Streit was born into a fly fishing legacy in Northern New Mexico. His father, Taylor Streit, began guiding in the late 1970s and authored the definitive book on fly fishing in New Mexico, while his uncle, Jackson Streit, owns The Mountain Angler in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Nick began guiding at a young age and, by 17, earned a spot on the U.S. Fly Fishing Team, helping secure second place at the World Championships in Wales. After college, he guided internationally in destinations like the Bahamas, Argentina, and Alaska.
In 2004, Nick and his wife, Chrissy, reopened the Taos Fly Shop, growing it into one of the Southwest’s most respected fly fishing outfitters. He now splits his time between running the business, guiding, and hosting international trips.
A dedicated conservationist, Nick serves as Executive Director of Friends of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and supports organizations such as Trout Unlimited. His photography has appeared in Southwest Fly Fishing and New Mexico Magazine.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing with Chrissy and their two children, Taylor and Christian.
Brian Spilman
Brian has been guiding with us for more than 20 years. A native New Mexican, he was raised working in the outdoors and is a legendary bow hunter. He takes summers off from his construction business in Albuquerque to work for us. He does what it takes to catch fish—be it long hours or long hikes--and with a confident smile won from pleasing thousands of clients.
Christoph Engle
Christoph guides almost a hundred trips a year and fishes nearly a hundred more. His precise manner leaves little to chance when teaching and guiding. He finds the best fishing for the conditions at hand. He custom fits his clients to the fishing that is right for them. When he sets out in the morning we know that if where there are fish to be caught C.E. will find ‘em.
Jason Sides
Jason is our signature fly tyer. He’s been filling the shop’s bins with our local patterns and his own creations for years. He brings that same level of creativity, passion and experience to the water. Whether casting to a tailing carp or laying out a dry with a Tenkara rod his passion for the sport runs deep.
Charles "Tiger" Stafford
Charles joined our guide team in 2019. As our “new old guy,” we’re happy to have him; his enthusiasm for fly fishing is infectious and just plain fun to be around. With decades of fishing, coaching and teaching experience, Charles enjoys nothing more than seeing his clients catch fish. He’s an avid student of the sport and our local waters. In the winter months Charles is a ski instructor in Taos Ski Valley.
Ron Sedall
Ron grew up fishing here in New Mexico and was a graduate of one our first guide schools. He made a name for himself in the Taos area as not only one of the best guides of the tricky waters of the Rio Grande and the Conejos, but also as a great guy to spend a day with! Ron now lives near the famous San Juan river in Northwest NM where he continues to provide incredible trips for our clients.
Andy Konash
Andy has been fishing and hunting the wild's of New Mexico since he was a kid. He is a school teacher in the off-season, so rest assured he will be able to instruct you with a high level of patience- or put you in the corner if you miss a big fish! Andy's easy going spirit and love of the outdoos makes him a wonderful guide to spend a day on the river with.
Ian Smuczynski
Ian moved to Taos from Florida, where he quickly traded his Tarpon rod for a 3 wieght and his beach umbrella for a pair of skiis. Since then he has guided hundreds of happy clients to thier first fish. Ian has a great talent for making fly fishing fun and helps ease the anxiety some people have about learning to fly fish.
Christopher
Like Big Foot, Christopher can't be captured on modern cameras. Nor can he be summed up in words. Instead, here is a picture of a fish trying to get away from him. But it won't.
Chaz Kerger
Chaz Kerger was born and raised in the Southern Rockies and has been in love with them all his life. Fishing and outdoor pursuits have always been his passion. Heeding the call of nature in his late teens, he discovered fly fishing and has never looked back. Chaz can usually be found standing in a river or working the fly shop.
Wes Dyer
After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Wes Dyer faded back into the timberlines and riverine landscapes of the Southern Rockies where he grew up and committed his life to the peaceful pursuit of fish. "Livin' the dream"...Wes is in love with what he does and considers it a privelege to share the places he loves most in the world with his clients. He is also the founder of a local non-profit organization AWOL Angler, which provides free guided fishing trips to veterans.
Travis Webb
Travis Webb had the rare fortune of growing up in Taos and loves teaching. Travis spent fifteen years instructing and performing argentine tango, salsa and swing before shifting focus to teaching blacksmithing, kendo and theater arts. His reverence for wild places and passion for introducing people to rare experiences, converged joyfully into guiding fly fishing.
Sophia Smith
Sophia was born in the Sierra Nevadas, swhere he grew up fly fishing for trout in high alpine streams to lahontans in Pyramid Lake. She has a diverse fishing experience from the east coast to Alaska and since moving to New Mexico has found her home waters in the Rio Grande. She is a talented artist and a passionate volunteer for Trout Unlimited. Her fun demeanor and confidence on the water leaves clients with a smile on their face and a trip to remember!
Severino Gonzales
Severino “Sev” Gonzales was born in Taos and is a descendant of Don Severino Martinez, founder of the Martinez Hacienda circa 1802.
An avid skier since and a passionate bow hunter, Sev truly loves the outdoors and enjoys sharing his knowledge with those who want to get out and enjoy all that the rivers and mountains of northern New Mexico have to offer.
Blake Helman
Blake found his way to Northern New Mexico chasing wild rivers, remote canyons, and long days outside. Guiding both float and wade trips across the region, he brings a patient, adventurous, and dialed-in presence to every outing. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or honing your craft on technical waters, Blake meets you where you’re at. He’s just as hyped to be out there netting fish with good people.