Phoenix, Arizona Project

I spent the last 25 years in Northern California and have done a lot of spin rod fishing, but once taking up fly fishing six years ago, I have never picked up a spin road since. Some of my favorite places where I fly fished were the Truckee River, California/Nevada, Heenan Lake, California, and Pyramid Lake, Nevada, known for the notorious ladder fishing. I moved to Arizona 3 years ago and am still learning all the great places to fish, so it has been an adventure. I look forward to being part of the Mayfly Project and doing my part to mentor children and build some positive memories.

My father put a fly rod into my hands when I was about 10 years old. My passion for fly fishing grew when my two daughters reached adulthood and started families of their own. I teach knots, fly tying, and casting to the Boy Scouts. That is where my “love of sharing what I love” grew to include the Mayfly project.

Barnabas is a Seattle native, but has been in Arizona for the last 20 years. He has been outdoors since he was a kid and has yet to stop being outdoors now. He is constantly bringing his family and kids on his outdoor adventures, which conveniently revolves around fly fishing often. You can find him around our local waterways at almost any given time. When not adventuring or fishing he works in the non-profit software industry.
Barnabas has a background in education and working with children with special needs across an array of spectrums. He is excited to be a mentor and teach the next generation how to fly fish and take care of waters.

Growing up in the Sonoran Desert, most of Stan’s fishing took place with his father at Lake Havasu, chasing bluegill and bass whenever possible. He moved to Phoenix in 2017 to attend Arizona State University and became obsessed with fly fishing in the local canal systems that supply water to the valley. Now working in commercial risk management and guiding with a local outfit on the weekends, Stan has a passion for getting local youth and business owners involved in fly fishing and showing them the awesome fishery that is most accessible to them. He is a member of the Emerging Leaders Committee for the Special Olympics of Arizona and is looking forward to continuing his mission of making fly fishing more accessible to everyone.

I enjoy fishing and outdoors activities. I’m a father of 3 adult children that enjoyed fishing growing up, so to continue teaching kids about fishing and enjoying the outdoors is something I look forward too.

I’m an Arizona native and have been fly fishing for about 5 years. I’m super involved wildlife conservation, public land conservation, and responsible recreation education!

Raised under the big skies of Montana, I fell in love early with cold rivers, wild trout, and long days outside. Fly fishing is how I slow down, pay attention, and stay connected to the places I care about most. Whether I am wading a small creek or sharing a few simple casting tips, being on the water reminds me that the outdoors is a gift worth protecting and passing on.