Guide owned and operated
meet the crew
At Colorado Angling Company, our guides don’t just fish these waters—they live for them. With decades of experience on Colorado’s wild rivers, they bring deep local knowledge, sharp instincts, and a relentless passion for the sport. Whether you're chasing predatory browns on the Eagle or tail-walking rainbows on the Roaring Fork, our team knows where to find them—and how to get you hooked up. From dialing in your cast to swapping stories riverside, we’re here to give you an unforgettable experience on the water.
Anthony Mazza
Pittsburgh, PA
I’ve had the privilege of guiding in the Vail Valley for 19 years. Originally from Pittsburgh, I went to college and culinary school but realized the traditional path wasn’t for me. I came to Beaver Creek for an externship, and what was meant to be six months turned into me staying for good.
As a fly-fishing guide, I aim to provide unique, personalized experiences on the water. I also co-founded Village Bagel, known for its authentic New York-style bagels, and recently acquired the historic Minturn Saloon. These locations are both heavily involved with our Cast-N-Taste trips. My love for the outdoors and building community fuels everything I do, whether on the river or growing my businesses.
Justin Carr
Kalamazoo, MI
I’m a seasoned fly-fishing guide with 15 years of professional guiding experience, and 20 years in the Vail area. My passion for the sport has taken me on expeditions across North America, from Alaska to the Caribbean, where I’ve honed my expertise in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Known for my patient and engaging teaching style, I excel at working with anglers of all skill levels, offering tailored instruction that helps clients improve their techniques and gain confidence on the water. My dedication to providing exceptional service, combined with my energetic approach and deep understanding of the sport, ensures that each trip is a memorable experience.
Joey Macomber
Maine
I’ve dedicated my life to fly fishing and the outdoors. With over 13 years of experience as a guide, video producer, and destination host, my expertise has taken me across the country and around the world. I’ve been involved in various media projects, including the Fly Fishing Film Tour, and I continue to work as a consultant for Colorado Angling Company. Raised in Maine, I grew up fishing for Brook Trout and Landlocked Salmon with my father, experiences that ignited my passion for angling. Now living in Edwards, Colorado, with my wife and two sons, I remain committed to the company I founded and continue to shape its vision and growth.
Norm Raffelson
Illinois
I’m Norm Raffelson, a guide with over 17 years of experience in the industry, including five years with CAC. I moved to the valley in 1997 and quickly found my place, establishing myself as a skilled and passionate guide. Originally from Illinois, where I grew up along the Mississippi River, my love for the outdoors took me to upstate New York for eight steelhead seasons and three summers in Alaska.
My journey westward began after a season of guiding in Yellowstone, and once I left, I knew I wasn’t coming back. When I’m not guiding, I spend my time with my dog, Finley, who’s named after the fin of a fish.
Steele Lewis
Vermont
I’ve been with Colorado Angling Company since day one in 2018, and with 12 years of guiding experience in Vail, this summer will mark my 13th season on the water. Originally from Vermont, I come from a multi-generational fishing family and started fly fishing at age 7. Before guiding full-time, I was a school teacher, but my passion for fishing led me to use up so many sick days that I eventually switched to guiding full-time.
In addition to guiding in Vail, I also own Vermont Fly Company, an outfitter I started in 2020, where I lead a team of five guides. I also head to Alaska to guide for steelhead every September and October. With a lifetime of fishing experience and a deep passion for the sport, I look forward to showing you everything that our valley has to offer.
Benny Piekarz
Chicago, IL
I grew up in Chicago, often feeling like I was born in the wrong place. I got hooked on fishing early when I landed my first steelhead at just 7 years old. I spent my childhood fishing the Midwest—targeting smallmouth, steelhead, and anything that would bite my fly.
My first experience guiding came in the summer of 2007, when I led horseback and fly-fishing trips at a ranch in Montana, running 7-10 day pack trips. I started guiding at Minturn Anglers in 2012 and have been guiding in the Vail Valley since. I've guided steelhead fishing in Alaska during the fall and spent winters in Idaho, but there’s truly no place like Vail, where I've had the privilege of sharing some of my best moments on the water.
Conner Grooms
Tyler, TX
I’m entering my 3rd year with Colorado Angling Company and my 8th season overall. Originally from Tyler, East Texas, I’ve always had a connection to the Vail Valley, where my grandparents have lived my whole life. I’d visit once or twice a year, and it was during those trips that my love for the area and the Eagle River began. I primarily guide float trips, navigating the bouldery stretches of the Eagle. The float season is short, with the best conditions lasting about six weeks, but it’s always an incredible time. During the offseason, I’ve been guiding waterfowl hunts in Texas for 10 seasons now, from mid-August to early February. I also spend time fishing elsewhere, like in Puerto Rico chasing species that we can’t find anywhere near the valley.
Michael Crosby
Colorado
I've been guiding for CAC for a few seasons now, but I've been guiding in the valley for seven years. Born and raised here, I’ve worn a lot of different hats and done many different jobs over the years. But honestly, I got tired of all of the traditional jobs and decided to take my work to the outdoors—doing what I truly love.
Fishing is my passion, and there's no place quite like Eagle River. Eagle is incredibly consistent, but it’s also technical—always presenting new challenges. The stretch of the Eagle that CAC guides is one of the toughest, but it’s also extremely beautiful and so much fun to guide and fish on.
Aaron Silverman
Reno-Tahoe
I'm Aaron, and I've been guiding for CAC for the past five years. Originally from Reno-Tahoe, I've spent my life fishing, exploring California’s waters, the rivers of Northern California and Southern Oregon, and Pyramid Lake. Growing up fishing the Truckee River and the Eastern Sierra, my love for the outdoors and fishing runs deep, and it’s something I’ve always been passionate about.
Before becoming a full-time guide, I worked in construction and retired from it in 2012. After that, I embraced fatherhood full-time, which has been an incredible journey. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people who fish with us, passing on the experiences I've gained over the years.
Danny Manzanares
Boulder, CO
Hi, I'm Danny from Colorado Angling Company (CAC). This is my second season with the company. Before I was guiding, I owned a roofing company, but my true passion has always been fishing and rafting. I’m a native of Boulder, Colorado, and for over 20 years, I’ve been floating and fishing the local rivers here in Colorado.
I’ve spent a lot of time on the Eagle River and the Roaring Fork, but the Eagle is definitely my favorite. The technical nature of the river makes every day an adventure. One of the things I love about the Valley is the variety. We always have a new river to float and another new bite to chase, and I look forward to showing you what our area has to offer!
Ezekiel Hersh
Washington
I’m Zeke, and I’ve been guiding in Vail since 1996, with over 28 years of experience on the water. I joined Colorado Angling Company last year, but my passion for fly fishing has taken me to various places—I spent 4 years guiding on the Gulf Coast of Florida, where I honed my skills in saltwater fly fishing as well.
Originally from Washington State, I moved to Vail at 20 and opened my own fly shop in 1997 while guiding for another operation. I sold the shop in 2014, and now I’m based in California. However, I make sure to return to Vail regularly to enjoy and share the incredible fishing we have here.
Bill Perry
Seaside Park, NJ
I’m a lifelong fishing guide and outdoor enthusiast, and I recently published A Guide to the Eagle River, where I share my deep knowledge of the region. With nearly four decades of guiding experience, I’ve spent my entire career working within the Eagle River watershed, forming a strong bond with the area. I also had the privilege of serving as a former member of the Eagle River Watershed Board. I might have called myself a "ski bum" at times, but my dream job has always been to be a fishing guide. That dream started when I first began guiding at Gore Creek. As I approach my 67th birthday in May, I’m still passionate about sharing my expertise with others and I look forward to seeing you on the water.