Fishing Guide Bio’s

The High Country Flies guide staff is characterized by its low key approach to providing the best overall experience possible. While catching trout is no doubt the name of the game, becoming a better, more informed angler is equally important. After a day with one of our guides, we think you’ll agree.

    Al Michalski

    Al's Articles & Trip Reports
    Al has been guiding for 30 years in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, New Zealand, the Caymans and the Bahamas. Al's breadth of experience makes any day spent fishing with him highly educational. He likes long walks on the beach and pina coladas and gettin' caught in the rain. Margaritas are ok too.

    Bruce Smithhammer

    Bruce's Articles & Trip Reports
    Bruce has fished from Patagonia to Alaska, and is a frequent contributor to a number of fly fishing magazines. Having spent 12 years as a professional outdoor educator prior to coming to High Country Flies, Bruce has honed his skills as a patient teacher. His humor and passion for angling will make a day of fishing a fun and unforgettable learning experience.
    Hunter Heumann

    Hunter Heumann

    Born and raised in New Orleans Louisiana, Hunter has been fishing since he could hold a rod. After college at the University of Mississippi and some time in the Navy Seabees, Hunter managed Uptown Angler, the local fly shop in New Orleans and chased monster redfish on fly in the Mississippi River Delta. He now resides Jackson where he spends his time fishing various local rivers and skiing.
    John Fitzgerald

    John Fitzgerald

    Fitz has spent all of his post college years in and around the Jackson Hole area. Many of those years have been spent teaching and leading novices around mountain ranges and rivers in Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Indian Himalayas, the Yukon Territory and the exotic wilds of Idaho. When not teaching and helping his students and clients catch fish, John is busy wading or floating the local waters. In the winter months Fitz can be found ski guiding clients on Teton Pass and teaching avalanche safety courses to locals, search & rescue and various military units.
    Ralph Hlebak

    Ralph Hlebak

    From hunting in Alaska, fishing the flats in the Yucatan for Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon to Pheasant hunting in the Dakotas, and guiding professionally in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho for over 30 years, his knowledge, Ralph's enthusiasm and experience make him a popular choice. Ralph loves to share his experience with both those who are new to fly fishing as well as seasoned anglers, and is adept at casting instruction and bringing smiles to his guests, with his sense of humor and commitment to giving them a trophy fishing experience.

    Ryan Hall

    Ryan's Articles & Trip Reports
    Originally from Northern California, Ryan has spent the last 17 years calling Jackson Hole home. Well-versed in the finer things in life - namely trout fishing and powder skiing, Ryan has been guiding with HCF since 2002. His patient, easygoing style combined with excellent knowledge of the river have made him popular with our clients of all skill levels.
    Tom Toolson

    Tom Toolson

    Tom was born in Montana and moved to Jackson as a child. He started guiding on the Snake and Green rivers at the age of 20, and shortly thereafter became on outfitter on these same rivers, which he has been doing for the last 33 years. In addition to working as a fishing guide, Tom now spends his time leading summer horsepacking trips, guiding fall big game hunts and saltwater fishing in Mexico in the off season. A good sense of humor is always appreciated in Tom's boat!