Easton Hansen
Easton’s love for the outdoors started at a very young age while trying to keep up with his brothers and Dad in the mountains. His introduction to fly fishing came in his late teens and he has been trying to make up for lost time ever since. When the rod bends and the fish runs you will quickly see the passion and joy Easton has for chasing trout. It is not uncommon for his hands to tremble for 20 minutes after a big fish has been landed! The pursuit of big fish on remote streams is his obsession. Tying flies, chasing river lines on a map, and reading about the newest gear hold him over between trips. If you’re interested in any of the newest fly fishing gear or rods ask Easton-he probably already has the item in question and will gladly provide you with a solid review. When he’s not hitting the river you will find him getting outside with his wife, daughter, and pup Murphy!
Eric Ellsworth
Eric started fishing with his Pop at the age of 4. He grew up wormin’ and jiggin’ for warm water bass and bluegill in the hills of Tennessee. On a trip to the Uintas at the age of 12, he watched his dad catch trout after trout on a fly rod. Seeing that he said to Pops, “That’s enough of the spinning rod, I want to do that!” It was love at first cast. Since then his fly rod has taken him to some of the greatest rivers in the West. He loves to explore new waters, find out what’s happening underneath and on top and get that fish to eat. I feel lucky to guide at Crystal Ranch because we have it all and we can do it all. The diversity of the fish, the terrain, and the methods are second to none. Dries all day, piggy hunting with streamers, drifting nymphs, to still water fishing…and mice. Catching fish never gets old, it’s a thrill every time. A day on the river is always a good day.”
Morgan Nowels
Morgan’s introduction to fly fishing began while watching his dad fly fish the streams of western Montana. He first picked up a fly rod himself in his early teens and was immediately hooked when he landed his first Montana rainbow on an Adams dry fly. Since that day, Morgan has been pursuing the sport like an obsessed madman. “I love everything about the sport, but most of all, I love the ability to constantly learn new things. There is always a new technique, species, or new river to explore. There’s nothing better than sharing a new experience on the water with friends, family, and clients.” Morgan works full time as a fly fishing guide in Utah and when he isn’t guiding, he’s probably exploring the Rocky Mountain West with his dogs, Ace & Molly, and his wife, Kristin.
Jake Smith
Jake’s passion for fly fishing started at a young age while chasing trout in the high stream’s and lake’s of the Uintas. When a friend took him fishing to Idaho he knew he had found what he wanted to pursue…fly fishing. Since then Jake has made a career out of chasing a variety of species of fish, from trout to warm water. “I love the sport, the areas it takes me to, and the people I get to meet along the way. I work hard to get my clients into fish so they have a great experience.”
Lane Nygren
Lane caught his first fish on a fly rod swinging wets not far from Crystal ranch on the Duchesne river. He has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and spends hours researching everything from entomology to lunar cycles. Hunting for the monster trout most people never see, much less catch, is his favorite pursuit. He is more than willing to sacrifice sleep to chuck streamers during the black of night. Above all else, Lane loves fishing for the serenity it brings. His knack for catching fish combined with his appreciation of nature gives him a unique ability to tailor the day for each client.
Kipp Ivory
Kipp got lost a lot as a kid. Not at a store or a friend’s house were you expect most kids to wander. He was lost on a high mountain river, during deer and elk hunts with his family. The river beckoned him …one more bend, one more hole. The water gracing over rocks, the hope of a great fishing hole, the whisper of the wind…for Kipp, it was heaven and still is. Mr. Ivory brings a diverse wealth of experience to the team. He spent his college days working in a local fly shop where he grew most as an angler and teacher. Since then he’s expanded his passion to commercial fly tying and rod building. Kipp’s clients enjoy his patient and fun-loving demeanor.
Alex Edwards
Alex Edwards has been Fishing for about 38 years. His adventures have taken him all over the globe from fishing the remote Alaskan backcountry to chasing tarpon and bonefish in the Caribbean, to searching for sea-run browns in New Zealand. Alex joined the Crystal Ranch as a guide in 2013. He has a pet fish or two in just about every hole on the ranch and his intimate knowledge of our waters ensures his clients will catch fish even if fishing conditions are tough. In addition to being a great angler, Alex has a big personality and a reputation for making friends with everyone.