Hello all!
We've just picked up the last of the crew from the airport and the van is packed -- we are officially on our way to the Bob Marshall Wilderness (BoBHQ or The Outpost)! Today was a travel day for everyone, with flights rolling in from all corners of the country. We've got boys here from 10 different states, which always makes for a fun first night as everyone starts to get to know one another and realize just how far fly fishing has brought them together. Real quickly, let us introduce ourselves (from left to right).
Hello! My name is Nico Bonta. I was born in Washington D.C., but moved to Breckenridge at a young age, where I developed a deep passion for wildlife and rivers. Since then, everything I do involves being outside. I got my first fly rod when I was 11, and from then on my passion for fishing and the environment skyrocketed. I've been on multiple LFFE trips over the years, starting with the Colorado Adventure — my first true fly fishing trip. I was immediately hooked on the thrill of exploring alpine lakes and living out of my backpack. I was on the first Bob Marshall Expedition in 2023 and helped guide the Bob Marshall trip in 2025. I'm a rising sophomore at the University of Vermont, studying Fisheries and Wildlife Biology. In my free time, you'll find me outside — whether that's skiing (I competed in freeride for multiple years), mountain biking (one of my favorite summer activities, and a sport I also raced at the varsity level), rock climbing, or of course spending time on the river.
Greetings! My name is Travis Tanberg. I grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and am a two-trip LFFE alumnus and a current student at Colorado State University, where I'm pursuing a degree in Tourism and Business. I developed a passion for fly fishing at the age of 13 and loved spending my summers exploring rivers across Colorado. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy skiing, backpacking, and participating in a variety of sports. 2026 is my second year as a guide and my fourth year with Lillard. I'm also a certified Wilderness First Responder and a very experienced outdoorsman.
Hi there! My name is Watson Bean. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, I developed a passion for fly fishing and the outdoors at a young age. I began fly fishing when I was 11 years old, swinging flies for steelhead on the Deschutes River. Those early experiences on the water sparked a lasting interest in fisheries, conservation, and wild places — none more memorable than the day I finally landed a steelhead in the pouring Oregon rain after days of persistence on the water. Now a senior at Montana State University studying Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management, I've fully embraced Montana's rivers, mountains, and outdoor opportunities. My connection to the state deepened in 2020 when I embarked on my first LFFE trip, a Montana Road Trip that left a lasting impression. When I'm not on the water, you might find me in the backcountry fueling up on my go-to trail meal: beef stroganoff. This summer, I'll be joining the Montana Expedition trips and am excited to share my enthusiasm for fly fishing, wildlife, and the outdoors with participants. I look forward to helping create memorable experiences on and off the water while exploring some of Montana's most spectacular landscapes.
It didn't take long for the ice to break. By the time we had everyone's bags loaded up, kids were already swapping stories and laughing like they'd known each other for years. That's one of our favorite parts of day one, watching a van full of strangers turn into a crew. Your boys showed up ready, and it's been nothing but smiles and good energy since the first handshake.
Tonight we'll settle into basecamp, get everyone squared away, have a good dinner, and play some games before getting some much-needed rest. Tomorrow we'll get after some fishing in the frontcountry before making our way to the trailhead, where we'll camp Monday night and begin our push into the backcountry Tuesday morning. The Bob Marshall is one of the most pristine and remote wilderness areas in the lower 48 — no roads, no motors, just mountains, rivers, and wild fish. We couldn't have picked a better backdrop.
After the backcountry leg, we'll head south to fish the Ruby River, one of Montana's true gems. The fishing throughout the state has been excellent recently and we are very optimistic heading into the next 10 days. Montana has a way of rewarding the eager, and this crew has plenty of that.
More updates to come as we get into the thick of it. Thanks for sending great kids — we can't wait to put them on some fish!
Thanks,
The guides and the guys.
