Guides & Shop Staff
Gord Silverthorne
Gord is the owner and operator of Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Co. and the head guide. In 1995 Gord opened Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Company in Fernie, British Columbia. After 20 years, the adventure and excitement of owning and operating a successful thriving fly fishing business continues each day. Gord’s addiction to the sport of fishing started while growing up in Northern Alberta as he was surrounded by excellent lakes and rivers that provided Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch, Whitefish and native Athabasca strain Rainbow Trout.
Josh McSkimming
Josh grew up in Fernie and knows all the “fishable” water in the Elk Valley which makes him an excellent fly fishing guide! Josh started working for Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Company when he was 13 years old and has just completed his 13th season with us and has many loyal clients that return on an annual basis.
Josh is an avid angler and enjoys the art of fly fishing. If you don’t see him guiding our clients, he will most definitely be on the water with Boomer and friends searching for the next big catch.
Spencer Schey
Spencer has been guiding trips on many streams and rivers between Fernie and Alberta. He spent his early years of fly fishing on the Bow River in his hometown of Calgary but felt the need to get a little closer to the mountains and made the move to Fernie where he’s been thriving ever since.
Spencer’s love of the sport is pure and his commitment to his clients deep. He is definitely one of the most competent and effective guides in the Elk Valley and we are fortunate that Spencer is one of our guides.
Alex Soukoroff
Alex’s witty personality and great customer service skills make him the best shop clerk that one could ask for (aka, shop rat). His love for fly fishing has already landed him many big fish. I mean he has already landed the fish of a lifetime in almost all species of trout by the ripe age of 14. Being born and raised in Fernie, Alex’s knowledge of the area is excellent and his enthusiasm and knowledge for fly tying is evident when you see his huge Bull Trout flies.
After working in the shop for a number of years, Alex now guides others, taking them to his secret fishing locations.
David Rebantad
David started working for Kootenay Fly Shop in the summer of 2017. He originally hails from BC’s Sunshine Coast and is very passionate about anything fly fishing. David has a fantastic personality and his enthusiasm for fishing is evident the minute you walk in the shop.
David is also one of our Walk & Wade guides for the Bull River and Michel Creek and does an amazing job on our Learn To Fly Fish program with new anglers.