Blane Chocklett
Guide, fly designer, author, Blane grew up fishing the small mountain streams near his home in Blue Ridge, Virginia. As a youngster, he started a guiding service and, in the late 1990's, opened Blue Ridge Fly Fishers in Roanoke, Virginia. Blane has worked for years to create fly patterns that have all the intricate nuances of flies with the strike-generating action of conventional lures. His fly patterns have revolutionized the fly shop industry! No other way to put it.
Over a decade ago, Blane returned to the river where he now owns and operates his guide service specializing in float trips for Musky, Smallmouth Bass, Stripers, Trout and many other species. Blane also hosts trips at home and abroad. He is the Southeastern Field Editor for Fly Fisherman magazine as well as a brand ambassador for some of the industry's top brands: Patagonia, Temple Fork Outfitters, Scientific Anglers, Costa, Yeti, Sightline Provisions, Renzetti, Adipose Boatworks and Hog Island Boatworks.
Josh Trammell
Your host from Mad River Outfitters and Ohio Fly Fishing Guides.
Josh was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and caught the fishing bug early in life as he watched a neighbor fly fishing their backyard pond. At the age of 10 he started exploring all things fishing that Ohio had to offer.
From there he has gone on to chase steelhead and warmwater species across the southern shores of Lake Erie and beyond, always looking for that next opportunity.
Josh has also spent his last six summers guiding in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska for Naknek River Camp, where he also enjoys pursuing fish on two handed rods in his downtime.
While not on the water, Josh can often be found hovered over a vice somewhere whipping up all sorts of fishy flies. Josh enjoys sharing his passion with others and hopes they can catch the bug as bad as he’s got it!
Josh Laferty
Captain Josh Laferty is a Roanoke native and has been guiding the region since the early 2000s. Josh is A well-traveled outdoorsman who has a passion for this craft and the places/fisheries he guides.
As one of the original musky fly fishing guides in the region, Josh has a unique level of experience and a clear understanding of what it takes to be successful on your hunt for southern musky. The angling opportunities in Virginia are as diverse as our seasons and with over three decades of practical outdoor experience, you’re in good hands.
Summer brings Josh to Alaska, where his guiding turns to Pacific salmon, and one of the world’s finest rainbow trout fisheries. A longtime Bristol Bay guide, he’s known for his large personality and southern hospitality that ensures a great time afield.
Guiding year-round from Virginia to Alaska, he welcomes you to spend the day with an accomplished Captain and guide who can accommodate all skill levels.
Joe Pote
Captain Joe Pote grew up in Richmond, Virginia with a fly rod in hand. He is a passionate outdoorsman who loves helping others explore the unique year-round fisheries in his home state.
Joe began his guiding career while attending Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources, and has made the region his home since. Joe guides year round, targeting musky and bass in the winter and spring months before heading to Alaska in the summer to chase rainbow trout and salmon on the mighty Kenai.
After perfecting his craft on Virginia’s rivers, Joe now lives to share his knowledge and these beautiful places with anglers of all skill levels.
Braden Miller
Braden Miller has been fishing the different waters throughout Virginia since he could walk. He takes great pride in being a well-rounded angler, fishing both fly and conventional gear for many species, not only here in Virginia but in many states across the country as well.
He is not only well versed in fishing the waters of the Southwestern & Western parts of Virginia for smallies but living in Central Virginia allows Braden to target a wide array of species such as largemouth, carp, shad, striper, and more on rivers closer to home. He feels at home rowing his raft and putting anglers on the fish as he does chasing them himself.
Braden looks forward to guiding anglers of all experience levels & sharing tips & techniques that he has learned from several of his mentors throughout the years.