The expert guides at Trout Creek Outfitters provide personalized fly-fishing adventures across the premier waters of the Truckee and Yuba River basins. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or a seasoned angler hunting for trophy brown trout, these local pros offer a range of experiences from walk-and-wade trips to full-day drift boat floats. With their deep knowledge of regional hatches and river conditions, the team ensures every guest walks away with a better understanding of the Sierra’s unique aquatic ecosystem.
Nate Cutler
Nate Cutler is a born-and-raised Truckee-Tahoe local with a lifelong passion for fishing. His love for the sport started at a young age, when he would ask to go on fishing charters every year for his birthday.
He learned to fly fish on the high-elevation streams and alpine lakes of Desolation Wilderness, developing a deep appreciation for wild water and technical angling.
Over the past decade, Nate has spent countless hours refining his understanding of the Truckee River, dialing in its seasonal patterns and subtle nuances.
Whether working with seasoned anglers or first-time clients, Nate takes pride in creating a patient, engaging, and highly personalized experience on the water.
Brett Bush
Brett has been fishing for as long as he can remember. What started as a hobby quickly turned into an obsession the first time he picked up a fly rod.
Before long, it became his life—chasing trout every chance he got, spending time in fly shops, and talking fishing with anyone who would listen. That passion has taken him as far as Iceland in pursuit of incredible fish.
He knew it was something special and wanted to share it, so he turned it into a career. While he loves catching fish himself, he gets just as much enjoyment—if not more—out of putting his clients on fish. If you've fished with him, you know he's your biggest fan. He truly loves sharing his passion for fishing and the incredible waters we're lucky to have nearby.
Mike Doubek
Michael Doubek picked up his love for trout fishing from his dad and grandpa, tossing lures around Bear Valley before he was ten, happy to catch anything with gills.
That obsession turned into fly fishing, and eventually into a deep connection with the Truckee River. He's been fishing the Truckee River watershed for 11 years and guiding with Trout Creek for the last 5.
Whether you're chasing a trophy or just getting started, Michael's your guy—especially if it's your first time on the water. He's fired up to get you out there.
Brock Wilson
Brock Wilson is a 31-year-old fly fishing guide with two years of professional experience. He's passionate about being on the water and sharing great experiences with clients.
What started as a hobby guiding friends and family has evolved into a genuine love for introducing others to the sport. Around the shop, Brock has earned several nicknames, including "Big Talk Brock"—a name Miles gave him because of his endless enthusiasm for all things fishing. He's excited about the seasons ahead with the Trout Creek Outfitters team.
Finn Loper
My name is Finn Loper, and fly fishing has shaped nearly every chapter of my life.
I was born in California's Central Valley, where it all began—chasing bass in local ponds and lakes. That's where the obsession first took hold. Later, my family moved to Truckee when I was in seventh grade, and everything changed. My uncle handed me a fly rod and got me on the water as soon as he could. From that point on, I spent countless days walking miles of creeks and rivers in search of trout, hunting for them like a bald eagle.
During my freshman year of high school, I worked in the fishing department at Ace Hardware. That job introduced me to Miles Zimmerman and several others who opened the door to the incredible fly-fishing community that exists in Truckee and the surrounding Sierra.
After high school, I thought my path was football and engineering. I pursued both, but found myself daydreaming through practices and classes about hiking into the backcountry for golden trout or stalking the Truckee River in search of a trophy brown. Eventually, I realized where I truly belonged.
In 2022, I moved back home to Truckee—a decision that became one of the best of my life. Miles gave me an opportunity to work in the shop, where I watched it grow into an amazing hub for fly fishermen from around the world. I threw myself fully into the culture, the craft, and the community of passionate anglers that had inspired me for years. I learned quickly, grew faster than I ever expected, and turned my passion into purpose.
Guiding has been the best job I could have asked for while earning my college degree. It has allowed me to stay connected to the rivers and mountains I love while helping others experience the same passion that shaped my life. I am also proud to be graduating in May 2026.
Now, I'm heading into my fourth year of guiding, and I'm grateful every day to share the waters I love with others.
John Roberts
John Roberts has been a fly fishing guide for over 30 years and a FFF certified casting instructor for over 25 years. Former California inland game fish record holder.
Still young enough to wade the rivers like a youngster, yet old and wise enough to critique and coach even the most experienced anglers.
He is extremely patient and non-intimidating in his coaching methods, whether with a first-time angler, an experienced expert, or anyone in between.
Adam Eisenman
Adam grew up in northeast Pennsylvania on the shores of the Susquehanna River fishing for bass and hunting brook trout in the Poconos.
He's been fishing for longer than he can remember and taught his first fly-tying class when he was in 4th grade. In 2001, he moved west to chase the dream of becoming a professional snowboarder and eventually a fly fishing guide.
When he's not tying flies, he enjoys volunteering for Trout Unlimited and other nonprofit groups helping with kids' camps, habitat restoration, and trash cleanups.
In the winter, he is the Terrain Park Grooming Supervisor at Palisades, building the best parks in Tahoe and chasing steelhead with a two-handed rod as much as possible.
Tyler Penn
My name is Tyler Penn, and I'm a fly fishing addict.
I grew up on the Puget Sound, in a small town across the water from Seattle. Balancing a life of sports, school, and fishing, the one thing that really stuck with me more than anything was the fishing. I have great memories of trolling and casting lures for sea-run cutthroat, fishing in Alaska when I'd visit my grandparents, or driving out to a boat launch at 3 a.m. to chase salmon and steelhead with my dad. Regardless of how the trip went or how many fish we caught, I just wanted to keep going. Day after day.
When I first saw someone fly fishing, I was instantly intrigued and there were things about it I had to know. It put a fire in my belly. I knew it was a calling. From that day forward I was an addict. Fully entranced and seduced by this new style of fishing. I took it upon myself to learn the ropes, some of them at least. After high school I made a choice to go to a college that just so happened to have arguably the best trout river in the state, the Yakima, passing right by the campus and town. In little time I had my first job at a fly shop while trying to balance school and extracurricular activities. Skiing was my other passion at the time, so I split my time between fishing and skiing.
After college I decided to move south to California. South Lake Tahoe would be my new home for a few years where I could chase the dream of skiing and fishing all the time on a budget, and little else. I did that and more. Truckee is now where I have laid down my roots and call home along with my wife and two kids.
Fly fishing for me has become everything. Next to being with my family and friends, it is absolutely my favorite way to spend my short time on this planet, and for me that will never change. To this day I still have the same passion and drive that I did when I was a teenager and little kid. The fire in my belly has only grown. I am still and will forever be an addict to fins and feathers.
Cole Davis
Cole Davis is from Idaho, where I got my start in the headwaters of the Salmon River.
My passion for fishing began there. I started fly fishing at twelve years old.
I love fishing all over the West, but especially here at home in California. My home waters are the Truckee, Yuba, and the Middle Fork of the American.
Dave Harvey
Dave has a long history of fishing and guiding in the Eastern Sierra. His family moved to Mammoth Lakes when he was eight years old. Spending summers chasing trout and winters skiing has shaped Dave into a true outdoorsman.
As a natural teacher with a full PSIA Level 3 certification in ski instruction, he has the skills, progressions, and teaching concepts to create a safe and fun learning environment whether on the river or in the mountains. He's great with clients of all ages and backgrounds, including those with special needs. Dave focuses on student-centered teaching techniques and stepping-stone progression-building exercises to help anglers of any ability level. With over a decade of experience teaching people from diverse backgrounds, Dave has the patience and skills to get you casting a fly in no time.
Starting his fishing career at The Troutfitter in Mammoth Lakes in 2010, he quickly took up guiding and has built a long list of repeat clients who continue to book year after year. He can guide and staff trips spanning from the Truckee River near Lake Tahoe to the Lower Owens River near Bishop, California, and almost everything in between. Dave lives in Reno, Nevada with his wife, two daughters, and two sons. He spends the summer months guiding on the Truckee River and winters working as the Manager at The Palisades Tahoe Adult Mountain Sports School.
Bill Kitchen
Hi, I'm Bill Kitchen and I'm a fly fishing addict. I am the first fly fisherman on either side of my family.
I began fly fishing fifteen years ago on the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. My accomplishments include catching the first double-digit Pyramid Lake Cutthroat trout on the Truckee, at approximately 15 lbs, back in 2020. As well as catching an 80lb Rooster Fish and Striped Marlin on the fly in Baja.
I realized I enjoyed teaching and putting others on fish more than catching them myself. I was approached by Doug Ouellette and Matt "Gilligan" Koles, two very well-known guides in the area, eight years ago about guiding. I started my first year under them, and the rest is history. I began working with Trout Creek Outfitters last year and now guide full time. Stoked to be a part of the team.
In 2021, I discovered Baja—Rooster fish and Marlin on the fly rod, two-handed strips, yes please! I fell in love with the area and the people, and I go to Baja at least once a year and have made some great friends down there. Throwing sardine patterns at these crazy fish with a 12wt rod is on another level.
I enjoy being on the Truckee River and I consider myself lucky to do what I do.
Austin Coles
Austin grew up in Vermont where he started fly fishing as a teenager. A hobby quickly grew into a passion and eventually into a career. Austin worked on his craft on the crisp mountain creeks in the Green Mountain State.
He and his wife made the move west almost a decade ago, where Austin's guiding career really took off. Austin specializes in float trips on the Middle Fork of the Feather River, the Truckee River in Nevada and California. Guiding isn't just a job—it's a passion he enjoys teaching just as much as catching. He loves Mother Nature and everything she has to offer. If you're looking for a great experience on the water, Austin's your guide with his laid-back mentality.
Remember folks, it's only fishing.