I first met Chad Olsen in 1997 at a small fly shop he had opened in Cooke City, Montana. My fishing buddy Roger Stadum and I had stopped to buy a few flies and possibly obtain information about current stream conditions. We immediately found Chad to be both friendly and helpful. The following year, we decided to hire Chad, thinking he could show us a few places to fish in the Yellowstone area. Having never hired a guide in years of backpack and fishing trips, Roger and I were a bit skeptical. However, Chad’s knowledge of the wilderness and skills as a fisherman made our initial guided experience worthwhile. It was so rewarding that we have hired him each of the past five years. Chad possesses many qualities a person would look for in a fishing guide. He has vast knowledge of Yellowstone Park and southwestern Montana. He is unselfish in imparting this knowledge to his customers. He works tirelessly to put his clients “on the fish.” Most of all, Chad is a pleasure to spend time with. Under Chad’s tutelage, Roger and I have absorbed enough information and skill to flyfish the Yellowstone area on our own. However, we still prefer to employ him for our trips to the mountains each year. We look forward to many more days fishing the West, enhanced by Chad and Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers.

For the past decade or so my wife, Mary Ellen and I have been fishing the blue ribbon trout waters of Southwest Montana. Several years ago we were fortunate enough to meet the wonderful and dedicated people from the Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers that have helped us enjoy the best experience nature and the great state of Montana can provide a fly fishing enthusiast. Lead by chief cook and bottle washer Chad Olsen, the shop is staffed with highly competent and energetic guides who enjoy nothing more than to see their clients catch fish! No one at the GYF watches the clock; the day is yours to enjoy as you see fit. Beginner or expert, you will receive the level of attention you need to make the experience as rewarding as possible. And if you need to gear up before your outing, Chad's selection of flies is easily the best in Bozeman. Enough of me get yourself out to Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers for an experience you will never forget.

My family and I were afforded our initial introduction to fly fishing with a glorious day spent on the Yellowstone River with Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers, specifically guides Chad and Eric. Our concerns about being so novice to the sport were swept away by the wonderful teaching skills of our guides...their abundance of patience was appreciated too! It was truly a day of enjoyment and learning, and the scenery was a notch above magnificent. Our second trip is already on the books. Thanks, Chad and Eric, for a great start to a life-long affair with fly fishing.

I just wanted to take a quick moment to let you know how much my boys and I have enjoyed coming out to Bozeman for the last few years; as well as having you provide your excellent and very professional guide services on some of Montana’s best trout streams. We always very much look forward to planning our trips to see you and, you never let us down while we’re there! In fact, your ‘on-the-river’ luncheon banquets are by now becoming both legendary and expected by Justin, Jared and myself whenever you’re guiding for us. Plus, we always know besides GREAT fishing (you definitely know the local waters well), we can all expect tons of laughs and great times/memories each and every day that you’re with us. Additionally, I wanted to comment on your VERY WELL stocked Fly Fishing Shop and the high-quality Rental Gear that you have always had available for our use. Having seen the inside of many fly fishing shops around the World - yours just seems to have the right look, feel and quality of what one would/could need to be successful while plying the local waters. Lastly, we wanted to let you know that one of the reasons “why” we recently purchased land in Bozeman (on the Gallatin River) has been as a direct result of the hospitality/helpfulness that you and the other guys in your shop have always shown towards us. Please continue, to keep providing the top-notch service that you do….and you’ll definitely have the Bradshaw’s as clients for life…….and even future neighbors as well. Lastly, I know that you’ll enjoy the enclosed pictures of our last trip out…… To your continued success!!

I have been using Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers' services for over 4 years. I highly recommend them if you are looking for guided trips on any of the rivers or spring creeks within the region. Chad's knowledge and timing on the rivers and creeks has always provided me an adventure that I fully enjoyed and I have been very successful in landing rainbow, cutthroat, brown and cutbow trout. I have had three Grand Slams. His patience with me and teaching ability has greatly improved my skills on the river. The classes they have instituted this year are excellent to gain knowledge and casting skills based on the first class that I took in May. I can now tie all knots, read the river, and cast with precision. Their shop services and products are outstanding. I never have to worry about going any place else. Their fly selection is the best that I know of in the Bozeman area. If you want a great adventure in flyfishing just go in the front door and tell them you are ready.

I have fished with Chad for the past 6 or 7 years going on many trips with him. His guiding skills have led to successful trips on the spring creeks, float trips on the Yellowstone and the Madison, hiking trips in Yellowstone National Park and a backcountry camping trip also in the Park. If you don't know, Chad is an excellent wilderness cook! Chad has a real passion for fishing and works a very long and hard day to see that you have a great and memorable day of fishing. His patience always amazes me, especially given my sometimes inadequate casting and line control skills. I remember the first time Chad guided my fishing buddy and I on the Yellowstone. We were sitting on the river bank putting on our gear, we had never fished with a guide and in hind-sight did not know much about fly fishing, I was amazed how much I learned in just the first few minutes, I remember telling myself that this is going to be great day! Tight lines.

I have been guided by Chad Olsen for three trips now. Chad is a very pleasant person who is sensitive to the skill level and the needs of every angler. He is an accomplished angler himself and his knowledge of the region is vast. He is patient and he possesses an abiding respect for the environment. He is equally comfortable on a day trip to a spring creek as he is on a five day horse trip into the wilderness. Chad shares his enthusiasm and knowledge freely; he is a pleasure to work with. I have long since lost count of the fish that I have caught under Chad's expertise.

My father and I have enjoyed numerous trips together in search of unique fishing experiences. I wanted to treat him to a backcountry flyfishing trip that we would both reflect on with fond memories. Since he is getting up in age, it was important to find a guiding/outfitter service that could deliver a wilderness experience in a safe and comfortable manner. Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers was just the ticket. They did an exceptional job providing guide services and lined up a fantastic outfitter who took care of all of our needs and then some! My father and I still look on that trip as a wonderful experience together.