Born and raised on Bar Z Riverside Ranch, Dave Hanson has been fishing the streams and rivers around White Sulphur Springs and Bozeman since he was old enough to tie a fly. His father started guiding fishermen at Riverside Ranch over 20 years ago. Dave began assisting his father during the summers through high school and has been guiding ever since. His friendly and laid back personality has made him a favorite among many of our long-time customers. And his  patience and experience make him the perfect choice for both beginner and advanced anglers. During the off season Dave spends his time ranching and farming on the Cooper Hereford Ranch in Willow Creek, Montana. In the fall of 2008 he ventured to South America where he toured and fished the waters in Argentina and Chile.

Dave played baseball for a short time at the College of Southern Idaho before returning to Montana State University where he graduated.

Jim Ogburn, originally from Charlotte,NC, began fly fishing for trout and small-mouth in the eastern creeks and rivers of the Appalachian Mountains. After graduating from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC his desire to fish and explore the west, led him to Colorado where he guided and on further to Jackson, WY overseeing the retail operations of a well known fly shop. When not guiding at the Bar- Z, Jim calls Bozeman home now. During the off-season you can find Jim snowboarding with his girlfriend at Moonlight Basin or hunting birds in the back-country with his black lab Jep.

John Lowell grew up with a fly rod in his hand, fishing the streams and rivers of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Alaska.  Fishing with his father, the two of them spent countless hours on the water, hiking in to back country lakes and streams to find the most remote places they could.  Now living in the metropolis of Manhattan, Montana (population 1,500), he now fishes the Yellowstone, Madison, Smith & Big Hole, or walks down  to the Gallatin from his house.  When John is not fishing, he can be found roaming the hills hunting elk and deer, or traveling to points unknown to indulge in one of  his other passions – playing acoustic music.

Russell Milam joined the crew back in 2000, and things have never been the same since. Russ’ spirited & fun loving attitude coupled with his love for Montana ensure that every trip on the river is an adventure.  Russ was born and raised in Belgrade, Montana. When he’s not chasing trout he spends his days roping and ranching on his family’s cattle ranch in Cohagen, MT. Although he didn’t “officially” start guiding at Riverside until 2000, he’s been fishing the streams and creeks in the area for over 19 years. He works well with anglers of all skill levels and particularly enjoys sharing his love of fishing with those new to the sport.

Jared joined the guide staff in 2007. A native of the Gallatin Valley, Jared has fished the Madison, Gallatin, and Yellowstone rivers extensively.  His father, a very passionate and knowledgeable fisherman, taught Jared the art of fly fishing and versed him in botany, entomology, and biology.  The two have been fishing together since Jared was old enough to hold a fly rod.  Jared’s love for fishing, professionalism, and affable manor make him a treat for any angler. He has guided in Alaska and Arizona, and currently is living in Bozeman attending Montana State University. When not here he spends his days guiding on the Madison and Yellowstone Rivers for another area outfitter.

Jared is a graduate of Montana Tech where he played Full-back for the Ore Diggers under the tutelage of legendary Coach Green.