Hi parents!
The boys have wrapped up their busy travel days, and we are officially on our way to the next stop on this big adventure—the incredible Bob Marshall Outpost! Spirits are high as we settle in, and after a hearty dinner of juicy hamburgers, we’ll jump right into planning and prepping for the action-packed days ahead.
Before diving into what's ahead, let us introduce ourselves!
Hello everyone! My name is Leo Sperry. I’m from Connecticut and learned to fish on CT's many small streams since I was 10 years old. I started as a spin/conventional fisherman when I was about 5, but moved on to fly fishing after a visit to the Orvis store in Manchester, Vermont. I guided on the famous Farmington River in Connecticut, where I learned the nuances of being a fly fishing guide. I attend the University of Montana in Missoula as a journalism major with a focus on photojournalism. I hope to work with conservation organizations and magazines as a photographer someday. I’ve been a camper with Lillard since 2018 and made the switch to guiding in 2023. I have been a part of the Yellowstone Adventure and Expedition as a guide/Leader in Training, the Colorado expedition as a camper, the Bob Marshall expedition as a guide, and the Mass Bass Expeditions/Adventures as a guide. I have a passion for photography and capturing our amazing adventures. I wish I could include other hobbies and passions of mine, but fly fishing has become a livelihood for me; I live and breathe it. I can’t wait to get some fantastic (big) fish photos this summer and to teach your kids about the incredible lessons fly fishing has to offer!
Hi I’m Joe Shippen from Atlanta, Georgia! I am a rising sophomore at Elon University studying finance while being a Cadet for my ROTC program and will commission as an officer in the US Army following my graduation in 2028. I have always been into fly fishing and the outdoors as my father always took me out growing up. This is my fifth year with Lillard and my second year guiding. I went on 3 Lillard trips as a camper and learned and grew from those trips so much. My experience and knowledge from my time as a camper has carried me far in my professional and personal life. I always love to help campers learn new skills, make new friends, and create awesome memories for life. I’m really into conservation and wildlife, so I hope I can get some campers interested too! I am super stoked on the opportunities we will have at some awesome fish and cool spots during our trip. I have also recently gotten certified as a Wilderness First Responder. I’m looking forward to an epic summer!
Hey there! My name is Gavin McMeekan. I grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where I developed a deep love for the outdoors at an early age. Whether it was fly fishing, hunting, or exploring the backcountry, I was always outside chasing adventure. My passion for fly fishing began by exploring the many lakes and rivers around my hometown. After moving to Missoula to attend the University of Montana, I dove even deeper into the sport, spending most of my spare time on the water chasing Montana giants. These days, you’ll find me either tracking game through the woods or on the river fishing with friends.
Tomorrow, our anglers will kick things off on the scenic North Fork, followed by a full day on the legendary Upper Blackfoot. That evening, the energy will shift as we begin preparing for the highlight of the trip: a true backcountry expedition deep into the headwaters of the Blackfoot, right in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We’ll spend time fitting packs, organizing food bags, and reviewing bear spray safety—giving the boys all the tools they need to feel confident and prepared for this thrilling adventure.
After tackling the backcountry and making memories off the grid, we’ll return to Missoula for some well-deserved showers, clean clothes, and a chance to restock on our favorite snacks before gearing up for the final stretch. Once recharged, we’ll set out for a fun and relaxing two-day float along the Blackfoot River, taking in the stunning Montana scenery from a whole new perspective.
Finally, we’ll wrap things up back in Missoula, celebrating what we know will be an unforgettable Bob Marshall experience. We couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with such an enthusiastic, motivated, and already tight-knit group of young anglers.
Our next trip update will be coming your way on 7/26, the day after we return from the backcountry!
Tight lines,
Joe, Leo, and Gavin
