Tom is one of the most trusted fly fishermen in the Eastern Sierra. Tom is a full time guide for all Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding streams in the region. His passion turned into a profession, and has a goal to consistently guide his clients to the best fishing days they have ever had. Tom's knowledge of the waterways and ecology in the Mammoth Lakes region is unsurpassed. If you happen to stumble upon Tom on some nicely moving water, you know you are in the right place. Better yet, check out his guide services, we guarantee you won't be disappointed.
SHOP THE KIT
When everything goes sideways in your world, what does “comfort in the chaos” actually look like for you?
Hanging out on the beach or on the boat catching fish then going home and relaxing with the family.
What’s the gnarliest day you’ve ever had in your element, and how did it change the way you operate now?
Man, one day the wind came up out of nowhere and we had four foot wave coming over the bow of the skiff 15 miles from shore. It was sketchy I thought we might sink and die honestly. Since then I try and keep a closer eye on the weather apps and stay ahead of the elements.
What do you chase more: the perfect result or the feeling you get getting there—and why?
The result for sure, in fly fishing everything has to go right to put a trophy fish in the net. We get opportunities all the time but during the process things can go wrong so easily. So the end result is the ultimate rush when that fish hits the net!
What’s one non‑negotiable ritual or mindset you rely on before you step into high‑pressure conditions?
Preparation. As I said there are so many factors that can go wrong so preparing for the chaos and having a game plan sets you up for success.
What’s a small thing that instantly flips your switch—pet peeve, superstition, or ridiculous habit your crew loves to clown you for?
Getting too excited prematurely. Usually when that happens all preparations go out the window and you start making mistakes. I always say “keep your cool until the fish hits the net, then get as excited as you want.”
Paint the picture of a truly brutal day on the river—water, weather, clients—and what kept you from bailing early.
Slow fishing, old dogs with unbreakable bad habits and wind! Wind is fly fishermen’s worst enemy. Persistence pays off, even when it’s tough things could change in an instant to make the day great.
Where does your confidence really come from out there: your read of the river, your flies, or pure time in the elements?
All of the above! Confidence is everything and is earned from putting the time in.
What’s the heaviest moment you’ve had with a client—a blown shot, a dream fish, a sketchy situation—and how did you handle it?
I once had a client have a stroke on me, that was heavy. I didn’t know what was happening to him at the time but I knew it was something bad. We got him to the car and to the hospital as quickly as possible and later found out he had a stroke!
How has freezing, baking, and getting soaked all day changed the way you choose and test your gear?
There is no bad weather, just bad choices in gear. I try and stay prepared for anything and you’ll never be uncomfortable.
What’s the most comical tangle, blown cast, or river blooper you’ve witnessed that still makes you laugh when you think about it?
Probably breaking off a fish to then later hook the leader of the broken off fish, land the fish and get all the gear back!