John Brown didn’t plan on becoming a fly-fishing guide. What started as a summer job during college quickly turned into something much more—an unexpected career shaped by early mornings, quiet rivers, and the deep satisfaction of helping others discover the sport he loves. Raised in Colorado and introduced to fishing by his dad, Brown found not just a pastime, but a life-changing path. Now, as a full-time guide at Front Range Anglers, he spends his days teaching patience, reading water, and navigating the wild unpredictability of nature. We caught up with Brown to get a firsthand glimpse of what life on the river really looks like.
What first drew you to fly fishing? “My dad. He’s an incredible angler, and growing up in Colorado, fishing was just something we always did together. He never pushed it on me, but it was always there— and that made me appreciate it even more.”
Do you remember your first big catch? “Not exactly, but one I’ll never forget was on a camping trip with my family. I spent the whole day struggling to get everything right, and finally caught a rainbow trout. It wasn’t a monster or anything, but after all that effort, it felt huge.”
How did guiding become your full-time gig? “I studied marketing at CU Boulder, and started guiding at Front Range Anglers as a summer job before graduating. I thought I’d do it for a bit and then find a ‘real job,’ but it just kept growing into something more.”
What does a typical day look like for you? “It starts early—like 4 or 5 a.m.—prepping gear and lunches. I meet my guests, head to the water, and we dive into everything from casting to entomology to conservation. I want people to feel like they get a window into my world—and hopefully walk away loving it as much as I do.”
What’s the hardest part of the job? “Mother Nature. The weather, the fish, the unpredictability. You can’t control it—you just learn to adapt. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding.”
And the best part? “Helping people slow down and reflect. A lot of my guests become good friends. It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about being present in a wild place.”
Any lessons you’ve taken beyond the river? “Patience. My dad always said, ‘when something goes wrong, it’s the perfect time to slow down and practice patience.’ That stuck with me.”
