meet Chris
A fixture of the West Yellowstone fly fishing community since 2006, Chris is not only a skilled, knowledgeable, and respected fishing guide, but also an exceptional fly caster, and a world-class nature and angling photographer.
Chris grew up in central Pennsylvania learning the art of fly fishing on the small limestone mountain streams of the Keystone State. After school got out for the day, his mom would take Chris and his brother George out to one of the local creeks. It was there that he fell in love with the relaxed pace as well as the challenges of the sport.
Chris attributes his steep learning curve on the waters around West Yellowstone to the kind tutelage of some of the finest guides that row the Madison, but we can tell you confidently that his inherent fishiness and observant nature also had a lot to do with it. Chris is also a calculated and patient angler and guide, which is a trait that transitions perfectly into his passion for wildlife photography. He is not afraid to devote hours of preparation, travel, and work to get the shot at a big brown trout, whether it’s with a fly rod or his camera.
In the off season, Chris guides winter visitors to Yellowstone Park and the surrounding area via snowmobile, specializing in photography workshops, and travels near and far to fish, take photos, and add to his incredible collection of fun/crazy shirts. In recent years, his favorite destinations have been Argentina and Cuba, but he is always looking for suggestions.
If you’d like to see some of Chris’ amazing photography, be sure to check out his web page, or follow him on Instagram.
https://www.chrisdanielphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/mt406shooter/
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
My first year guiding for Big Sky Anglers was 2020.
I grew up fly fishing with my brother in the mountains of Central PA. Our mom was always so good trying to get us on the water as much as possible and that is what grew the passion for the sport. It just snowballed from there.
I guide snowmobile tours through Yellowstone in the winter, and particularly enjoy hosting photography groups. In my off weeks I try to sneak away to somewhere beautiful or visit family. Whether it be getting sent on a trip to help host or shoot photos for the Flyshop or traveling somewhere with my wife to explore somewhere new and amazing.
There are WAY too many places out there that are on my bucket list but possibly Slovenia in the next few years chasing the Marble Trout. Affordable and some of the most beautiful trout streams out there.
Fly Fishing Evolution, by George Daniel. But I mainly just look at the pictures. Haha!
I really didn’t know what I wanted to be when I was 10 years old. Always made the joke that being a professional fisherman was out of the question and now look at me!
I love photographing beautiful places, wildlife, and people doing what they love outdoors. I have recently revived my love / hate relationship for golf. It’s a great way to spend a day outdoors. When it’s too cold for that I love to sit down and tie flies. It’s always an amazing feeling to catch fish on your own bugs and come up with new patterns.
top quality
guides make the difference
Top quality, but gentle instruction is the trademark of our focused and relaxed style of guiding. Big Sky Anglers employs some of the Rocky Mountains’ most patient and experienced guides to provide you with an unforgettable fishing experience. Whether you’re a novice, expert, or somewhere in between, there is always something to learn from a day of guided fishing.