2025 BOW RIVER GUIDED FLY FISHING - NOW BOOKING - LEARN MORE

Matt Chatani - Bow River Guide

How long have you been fishing?
Since I was 3

How long have you been fly fishing?
Since I was 10

How long have you been guiding?

2025 will be my 8th full time season

Why and how did you get started in guiding? 

I was lucky enough to grow up around the guide scene. My dad is an outfitter/guide on the Bow, that helped me get my start in the industry. I have always enjoyed fishing and being outside so getting into guiding was the natural progression for me. I enjoy the new challenges everyday brings. As I’ve aged and fallen deeper in love with the Bow, the reason why I guide has morphed into more of a responsibility to share the river in the light it deserves while promoting sustainable fishing tactics.

Are you a fly tyer?
Yes

Favorite pattern(s)?

The Bow River Bugger is my go-to guide streamer, it’s so versatile. I’ll fish any dry fly clients can see. In many situations, I don’t really think the fly matters much so I enjoy fishing a client's “lucky fly” or trying anything creative and different, more often than not, they’ll eat it!

What do you row? Why?

My Drift boat is a 16’ Clackacraft LP, it’s light, easy to slow down and very maneuverable. It slides over gravel easily to get into the skinny water, where other boats stick and struggle. The layout distributes weight very nicely, and gives each guest their own storage box for the day, keeping me organized and everyone's gear safely out of
the way. You might also see me out on the water in my jet sled which we custom designed specifically for fishing the Bow. Both my boats are washed every day and have comfy seats!

Favorite fishing technique?

Personally I can sight fish all day. I love having clients who understand the complexities of sight fishing and enjoy the reward just as much as me. I also love the higher tempo and pure violence of streamer fishing. I think that making fish eat streamers when they’re not in a super chase-y mood is one of the hardest things to do as an angler and guide, and I really enjoy the challenge. 

Your strengths as a guide?

Every season I spend over 1500 hours on the Bow River. I’m confident in all water/weather conditions. I understand when to adapt and change the way I’m guiding to meet changing situations as they evolve. I'm versatile, calm, personable, positive, constructive, and very passionate. Finally I’m a student of the river and I’m always learning, hungry to be the best. I take my job seriously and always work hard.

Do you prefer guiding experienced anglers or beginners?

I like fishing with someone who is passionate and eager to learn. I’d say I cater to a more experienced client or a person who enjoys a challenge. I get excited about sharing the river with people who can truly appreciate a quality trophy trout fishery and all of the Bow’s unique nuances.

What do you do to add to the experience on a slow(er) day?

Ultimately, slow days are the days that build good anglers. So I stay focused and try to keep my guests engaged. We work on executing the little details correctly and consistently, with some dedication the fish usually trickle into the boat, and all of a sudden the day doesn't feel that slow. I do my best to make sure they become better anglers regardless of the fishing. If the client has something to take away from the day, I think we all enjoy it a bit more.

Favorite guide-related memory?

I have way too many good memories! I love my Job! 

Embarrassing anecdote (something that happened while guiding)?

I once had a client point out a small hole in my net and joke about losing a fish through it. This particular hole had been there for about a week. It was pretty high up in the net and similar holes in the past were never a big issue, so of course, I told him that won’t happen (I was wrong haha). Luckily, the fish were happy that day!

This is seasonal work…. What do you do in the off-season?

Tie lots of flies and work in the shop

Given the opportunity who would you choose to fish with? Or someone who has inspired you as an angler/tyer/teacher/guide. 

I always love fishing with my dad. He’s been a massive inspiration to me and taught me pretty much everything I know. I also really look forward to my annual tarpon trip down south with my uncle. 

Back to Guiding  |  Terry Johnson  |  Paul Grindlay  |  Blair Yerxa  |  John Roggensack  |  Daniel Zbylut  |  Duncan Reed  |  Steve Mason  

Close (esc)

Free Canadian shipping - most orders over $200*

*Some restrictions apply - details available HERE

Parcels shipping to destinations in the USA are experiencing delays. Please give your items extra time to arrive - Read More

Read the latest Bow river report

Age verification

By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol.

Search

Shopping Cart

Your cart is currently empty.
Shop now

x