Mike was born in Flagstaff, AZ and grew up fly fishing in Salt Lake City, UT, but got serious about it in college at the University of Utah (go Utes!). When not skiing in the winters and whitewater rafting in the summers, Mike was putting in time in the local rivers around Park City, mainly the Movo and the Webro (if you know, you know), as well as trips over to the Green, South Fork, and Big Horn rivers throughout the years. In 2008 Mike put away his size 26 bug box and 7x tippet and moved to Moscow discovering freestone rivers and steelhead. The St. Joe has been a passion of his ever since moving and he has seen the fishery improve every year with the catch and release regulations despite the increasing numbers of people recreating along the corridor. He can remember a time period during the spring runoff season where they were the only boat on the water - a time that now seems like another dimension. Mike says that one of the amazing aspects of the St. Joe is that you can fish dry flies and streamers virtually year round. It’s really rewarding to teach beginner or experienced clients these techniques and not just drive bobbers downstream all day. That’s what the St. Joe provides.
Also being a long time whitewater boater and guide, Mike also helps White Pine with rafting trips down the Salmon. In his spare time you’ll find him either skiing, mountain biking, fishing, or rafting with his partner and fellow guide Brittney and their two labs Sagie and Lucy. His passion has evolved into multi-sport adventures combining rafting and fishing and seeking Type 2 fun to go further into remote places. Mike has been making annual multi-day river trips to Alaska and hopes to get back to Belize in the near future (the Belikins are calling). He works in Moscow as an urban planner working with many types of people, which translates well to teaching and guiding clients of all backgrounds and experience levels.
