Guide Talk - Noah Studdard (Wyoming Trout guide / Travel Host)
Welcome to another edition of Guide Talk, where we sit down with some of the most experienced fly fishing guides in the world. This time, we're joined by Noah Studdard, a incredibly fishy guide based in the wild state of Wyoming.
With years of experience on the water and some truly unforgettable moments, Noah shares his insights into the challenges of guiding. From permit hunts in Belize to upcoming adventures in Alaska, and his long summers in Wyoming Noah's journey offers a true glimpse into the life of a passionate fly fishing guide.
Guiding clients can lead to some memorable moments. What’s one of the most surprising or amusing things that has happened during a guided trip?
While in Belize, I had a client hooked up on his first permit - an 18-19lb fish, that darted and weaved through the corals and eventually stuck his line into two massive coral heads. With my client still well into his backing, I went overboard and swam down in two different areas to get his line unwrapped, somehow still managing to bring the fish to hand!
When you’re not out on the water, how do you unwind? Do you have any fishing-related hobbies or activities that help you relax?
When I’m not out on the water, I am in the mountains or the woods. I thoroughly enjoy hunting elk and turkeys, as well as hiking around picking up elk sheds in the spring. I do also still enjoy fishing in my time off! The main fishing that I do in my off time consists of chasing permit in the spring, and sight fishing for trout in the summer.
You’ve probably seen all kinds of fishing gear. What’s the most unusual or humorous piece of equipment you’ve come across during your guiding career?
The most humorous piece of fishing “equipment” I’ve ever seen, was a small fish counter that could attach to a lanyard. I have a client that I always pick fun at for counting all of our fish, and he thought it would be a good idea to gift me one of these said fish counters. I still keep it in my truck to this day and show it to clients, and it never fails to get a chuckle out of most people.
Do you have any personal rituals or superstitions you follow before starting a guiding trip, or do you just rely on your skills and experience?
I wouldn’t say I have any rituals or superstitions that I follow before a trip, I just rely solely on my experience and knowledge of the area. I know the areas that I fish and hunt very well, and I will sometimes catch the same fish multiple times in a season. I would say I rely more on my time on the water, and knowing where the fish are, more than anything.
You host trips that take people to incredible places. What’s one of the most remarkable trips you’ve hosted, and what made it stand out for you and your clients?
The greatest hosted trip I’ve ever put together would definitely be to Belize in the spring of 2023. My group of 6 anglers, all of which had never fished for permit, brought 25 permit to hand in 4 days - with one of my clients also securing his grand slam. My best friend was fortunate enough to join me on this trip, for his first ever salt water fly fishing experience. He ended the week with 8 permit, the most out of my group. That will forever be a special trip to me.
What’s the most exciting upcoming trip or destination you’re looking forward to guiding? Can you give us a sneak peek into where you’ll be heading next?
Early next summer I will be going to Alaska! I will also be hosting trips to Belize in the spring, and I will continue doing so for a long time. However, I am very excited to go see Alaska for the first time, and I am also working on other possible trips internationally.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s considering a guided fishing trip for the first time?
I would 100% recommend hiring guide for going to fish any new area that you are unfamiliar with. Guides are knowledgeable on not only the flies, tactics, and techniques, but also about the area in general. Including how the fish tend to behave, and most importantly - where they live. ALWAYS listen to your guide. It doesn’t matter what you see, think, or feel - if your guide tells you to set the hook, just trust them!!!
Looking back on your guiding career, what’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had, and how did it impact your approach to guiding?
The most rewarding experience I’ve had as a guide would be helping one of my long time clients and friends land his first permit. I mentioned this same fish earlier, and spoke of how I had to swim down to get my client’s line unwrapped from the coral. After a brutal 35-40 minute fight, not knowing how badly the leader was frayed, we got this fish to hand.. As soon as I grasped tight onto the tail, my client Jason hit his knees and started crying. It’s a long story behind how much this fish meant to him and the reasoning as to why, but that day and that specific fish really reminded me why I love what I do. To be able to help such a good man accomplish something that he had worked so hard for, and that meant so much to him, was a core memory for me. That day will forever be one of the greatest moments in my guiding career, and I will forever be chasing the rewarding feeling that I gained from that experience.
What are your future plans for your guiding business? Are there any new techniques, locations, or projects you’re excited to explore in the near future?
I plan to continue building and expanding my guiding business as much as I can! I look forward to working with more international guides and companies in places like Belize, Alaska, Argentina, and Mexico over the next few years, and I plan to continue guiding fishing and building lasting relationships with clients for as long as I am able. Starting in the fall of 2025, I will also begin guiding rifle elk hunts for one of the best ranches in my area, only adding more to my guiding resume! I love what I do, and I meet some pretty remarkable human beings in this line of work. I have no intentions of stopping or slowing down anytime soon!
