USA Today reached out to Joe to chat about life on the water after life on the football field. Check out the article below!
From Sundays to sunrise casts: Michael Pittman Jr., Randy Moss find ‘flow’ on the water
NFL stars like Michael Pittman Jr. and Randy Moss call fishing a ‘flow state’ stress reliever — but also love the simple, brutal scoreboard: catch ’em or don’t.
Growing up in Northern California some of Connor’s earliest memories were chasing salmon and steelhead with his dad. Developing a love for the outdoors and fishing especially, he knew he wanted to work outside at a young age. After graduating from Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi, Connor moved to Colorado to begin his guiding career. He started working in fly shops and guiding in Colorado and soon he had his sights set on Montana. Connor moved to Missoula in 2023 and hasn’t looked back. He prides himself on providing a fun experience on the water while helping his guests learn as much as possible. Connor is a firm believer that guiding is a very rewarding job and the look on his guests face after a great day of fishing is what keeps him striving to be the best he can be.
Connor’s video coming soon!
Ian grew up a little bit everywhere, but he is proud to call Montana home. He was introduced to fly fishing at a young age and carried that passion with him wherever he lived, eventually refining his skills while guiding on the Snake, Green, and Hoback rivers in Wyoming. His path then carried him to Breckenridge, Colorado, and ultimately to Montana, where he now spends most of his days on the water.
Ian is committed to continually growing his knowledge on the water and takes pride in sharing it with others. His patience and determination for success allow him to work effectively with anglers of all experience levels. He works to ensure every guest leaves with greater confidence, new skills, and a memorable experience on the river.
Silas grew up in Western Washington. Early on, he learned to cast a fly from his dad on the banks of Rock Creek. Despite the excitement of his dad’s teaching, Silas chose to stick to conventional tackle, which he believed to catch more fish and larger fish than his dad. This perspective changed at the age of twelve while his dad flipped over rocks to reveal a rich and complex aquatic underworld. Over the years, he developed a fascination of an ecosystem much greater than the pursuit of one fish. Silas believes the value of fly fishing isn’t catching fish, but also consistently learning, adapting and being humbled by the river.
The pursuit of fly fishing became an obsession, leading him to the University of Montana for a degree in Wildlife Biology, Aquatic Ecosystems. There, he honed his understanding of the rivers and the intricate relationships of fish, insects, and environmental conditions both inside and out of the classroom. He spent three years working at a fly shop in Missoula before taking the leap to guiding in 2024.
Beginners and expert anglers alike enjoy fishing with Silas because of his patience, education, and excitement to make the most out of each day on the river. Silas is diligent and determined to catch fish under any conditions, and brings just as, if not more, excitement and passion to the river each day as our guests do. When not guiding, Silas is still fishing, exploring the water around Montana and beyond.
Silas’s video coming soon.
Originally from Northern Utah, Kyler grew up immersed in the natural beauty of the West, developing a deep love for fly fishing from an early age. Now based in Missoula, Montana, he brings years of experience and a passion for the sport to every guided trip.
As a guide, Kyler is known for his patience, hard work, and dedication to creating memorable fishing experiences for clients of all skill levels. Whether introducing a beginner to their first cast or helping a seasoned angler refine their technique, he takes pride in tailoring each trip to meet individual needs.
When he’s not guiding, he enjoys tying flies, backcountry skiing, and exploring new sections of river with his beautiful wife.
Patch Godown grew up the youngest in a family of deer hunters and fisherman, so was schooled at an early age in the outdoors. His fisheries were the Delaware River, its tributaries, and the branches of the Raritan river. Montana fly fishing drew Patch to Montana MT in 1992. Patch spent years constantly fishing Western Montana before he found a home on A Classic Journey’s staff in 2011. Patch has a great combination of experience, enthusiasm, and work ethic. Although he is the newest member of our staff he immediately stood out as a highly requested guide and we look forward to many more seasons with him guiding our clients. To quote Patch – “Showing people a good time in a great place is truly living the dream. Fly fishing has connected me with some great people and started a lot of great friendships.”
Sheree was born and raised on Florida’s Space Coast where she developed a passion for the outdoors and especially fishing. Her joy of fly fishing brought her west to experience all that Montana has to offer. She has spent several summers in the Yellowstone area, and now lives in Missoula year-round. When she’s not in the office you can find her out hunting risers with dry flies. Sheree earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and MBA from the University of Montana. She is excited to help you plan your trip of a lifetime!
Curt is a Missoula native fly fishing guide that has spent a life time Fly fishing the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, Missouri River, Rock Creek and Clark Fork River. His previous career was as a Smokejumper and Fire Management officer for the Forest Service. His water knowledge runs deep as well as his life perspectives. Curt is known for a cool headed intensity, work ethic, and fun educated boat conversations. He is a multi-layered renaissance man that all ages and levels of guests enjoy.
Joe Cummings is the outfitter and owner of Missoula River Lodge. Joe is in his 23th season of guiding in Missoula Montana after starting this operation when he was 26 years old. In the early days it was just Joe and a single boat, but Missoula River Lodge has been able to grow over the last two decades into an established staff of veteran Missoula fly fishing guides.
Joe Cummings is a 4th generation Montana native who has spent his life either working on the Stevensville Montana family ranch, crashing around football fields, or with his feet wet guiding the waters of Missoula Montana. After Joe spent 5 seasons playing professional football, he came back to Missoula and opened up his own outfitting business. Joe is a graduate of the University of Wyoming.
He has spent two decades seeing our area in every fly fishing condition. From stalking the giants of the Bitterroot, to the massive pods of the Missouri and Clark Fork, Joe loves to feed dry flies to rising fish. He is friendly and patient, and relishes the drama that comes from hunting wild trophy fish.
Joe and Tammi are proud to introduce our guide staff to new anglers that want to experience everything that is our home waters of the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, Missouri River, Rock Creek, and Clark Fork River. Please take the time to meet each staff member via their video interviews below. We strongly believe that anglers should have the opportunity to meet their fishing guide before putting together a trip.
Ryan is a veteran guide that has guided across the US and South America. He was the head guide for the Delaware River Club on the Delaware River in New York for seven seasons. During that stint he also ran the successful Al Caucci Fly Fishing schools. Before he made Missoula his permanent home he guided in South America. An exceptional teacher as well as fine angler, Ryan is well rounded and thoroughly versed in the fly fishing game. He is our most meticulous fly tier and an outstanding stream entomologist, so when he ties on a fly, it’s worth a second look.
If you are into pushing dry flies only and having a fun time on the water, then Ryan’s guiding style is just the ticket.
Caleb is a long-time staff member with Missoula River Lodge. He has built a loyal clientele because of his willingness to go the extra mile to ensure guests have an unforgettable fishing experience. Caleb guided winter run steelhead on whitewater rivers of the Pacific Northwest, streamer fishing Arkansas tailwaters for monster brown trout, and Montana rivers all over the state, however the dry fly fishing of Missoula was always home base. He is highly experienced on our local waters, with a knack for finding rising trout. On rare days off during the season he is out testing fly patterns fresh off his vise from the night before.
Jacob was born and raised in Wyoming where he grew up guiding deer and elk hunts for his father in the Black Hills. At the age of 20 he moved to Missoula to explore the endless mountain ranges and rivers of Montana. Starting off as a recreational fisherman, Jacob was able to memorize the local rivers early in life by floating and navigating almost every stretch of water during the daytime while bartending at night. Years of practice and exploration eventually led to turning his passion into a career. Jacob has developed his fishing knowledge and application through the guidance of owner Joe Cummings and attributes his success on the water to hard work and willingness to adapt. Jacob is a multifaceted guide who works well with all levels of angling, from single dry flies to streamers and nymphs he is a grinder who is willing to pull out all the stops to ensure a fantastic day on the water. When Jacob isn’t guiding clients, you can find him fly fishing and hunting with his wife and son and occasionally surfing the waves of the Clark Fork.
Growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I learned to fly fish and tie flies from my father at a young age. I quickly found this hobby to turn into an obsession, spending most of my free time on the water. Originally from Montana, I knew I wanted to make the trek back out west to some of the best fly fishing in the world and moved to Missoula in 2009. I enjoy guiding for many reasons, but the best part is getting to share my passion with others and helping them learn as much as possible during a day on the water. I get just as excited watching people catch fish as I do catching them myself and seeing their reaction and adrenaline is part of what makes guiding so rewarding.
Dylan was born and raised in Missoula, MT and from the time he could ride his bike to the Clark Fork river he has spent almost every day chasing fish. At a young age he caught his first fish on a fly and hasn’t put the rod down since. Dylan started guiding right out of high school; working as a hunting and fishing guide for almost a decade now. His relaxed and hardworking attitude comes with a medical background (EMT) and whitewater rafting experience. Dylan works as a ski patrol in the winter, spending almost every day outside enjoying all Montana has to offer, and he plans to keep it that way! If you want to have a great time out on the water chasing big fish with someone who grew up on Missoula rivers, Dylan is your guy!
Jed grew up in the Northwest corner of Montana, where he gained his love for the outdoors. The Forks of the Flathead river were just a short drive away from home and offered great fishing for Cutthroat Trout. This is where his addiction to fly fishing really began. That same passion for fly fishing followed him as he made his way to the University of Montana in Missoula. Jed played football for four years at UM and earned his degree in Recreation Management. Each second of free time he had between academics and athletics was either spent exploring all the great fishing Missoula has to offer, or enjoying his time in the woods hunting. Guiding was always a dream for him, and wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and uncles.
Growing up in central Montana, Dalton has been fly fishing longer than he can remember. Using his brother’s untouched fly rod, he explored the irrigation canals and drainage ditches around the farms of his hometown in hopes of finding big browns. At age 14, he bought his first drift boat. More focused on learning to row than getting his drivers license, he would have his parents drive him to the Missouri River every weekend and run his shuttle so he could spend the hours it took learning to row. When he turned 18, he moved to Missoula to pursue a career chasing trout. With little money and dropping out of college, he decided to move into his car and fish full time. For the next six years Dalton guided extensively on the Blackfoot in the summers, and spent countless hours of his free time exploring the Clark Fork and Bitterroot chasing after big water fish. In the few months of the off season, Dalton spends his time climbing in the gym and chasing mountain summits.
Alex grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania where he learned to fish at a young age. Not long after, a mayfly hatch on a stream near his grandparent’s house had him hooked on fly fishing. After high school, Alex moved west to Colorado and Utah, spending as much time outdoors as possible. Having fished all over the mountain west, he prefers guiding on the rivers of Northwestern Montana. Alex currently spends his winters ski patrolling at Snowbird in Utah and summers fishing in Montana.
Mitch grew up in Cleveland, Ohio learning to fish for walleye and perch at a young age, and took summer trips up to Canada for pike and other species. Mitch came out to Montana on vacation when he was 10 years old, and experienced fly fishing for the first time, and fell in love with them both. Mitch moved out to Missoula after high school and earned a degree in business management, but was constantly drawn to guiding. He has spent the last 15 years learning our local waters, and looks forward to sharing his knowledge with you. When he’s not fishing you can find him hunting, snowboarding or hiking with his wife Malori and dogs.
Jamie is a familiar face for many of our guests and is entering her fourth year with Missoula River Lodge! Jamie has lived in the Missoula area for the last 25 years with her husband and four daughters. She developed a passion for cooking while raising a busy family. After her girls graduated from high school she took her love for cooking beyond her house and into the world of hospitality.
When Jamie isn’t in a kitchen you can find her in her garden growing fruits, veggies, and flowers. Jamie’s creations focus on fresh, locally sourced fare, with many of her ingredients coming straight from her farm to your table.
Born a wanderer at heart, Meg grew up the youngest of five siblings in Spokane, WA. Early family adventures to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming instilled a deep love for all things wild, particularly mountains,rivers, and National Parks. Camping and hiking in the Tetons were annual rituals as was spending time waterskiing, fishing, and boating at the family’s Lake Coeur d’ Alene cabin. A basketball scholarship allowed Meg to venture south to sunny San Diego for her college years. After obtaining her degree and a deep love of Mexican food, Meg knew she needed to be back in the green and mountainous Pacific Northwest landing in Pendleton, OR. While there, she served in various capacities of County emergency management and ran a catering service capable of serving up to 200 people. In 2006, Meg moved to Montana (FINALLY!) and managed a bed and breakfast for several years before joining the Missoula River Lodge team in 2018. Meg prepares and serves both breakfast and lunch.
When not exploring new food ideas, Meg can be found at a local golf course, campground, river, or plotting her next travel adventure. The latter has inspired many MRL meals. Meg and her partner Paul have lived in the heart of Missoula for years and she’s always willing to share her love of golf courses, dive bars, National Parks,or Montana with anyone who will listen.
Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Chef Lorenzo began his career at just 16 years old mentoring under celebrity chef Stephanie Izzard. Traditionally trained in the Culinary Arts, Chef Lorenzo is celebrated for creating unique elevated rustic cuisine.
At Missoula River Lodge, he focuses on real food offering organic sustainable meats and produce. Chef Lorenzo continues to push the envelope with bold flavors and healthy ingredients while taking inspiration from the wild culinary riches that surround him.
Passionate about cooking food that reflects the spirit and lifestyle of Montana, Chef Lorenzo changes the menu regularly to provide guests with unforgettable dining experiences in our idyllic setting. The Montana experience is about adventures in the outdoors. Our cuisine is nourishing and healthy for active people at the lodge.
Jenna is a Montana native and has lived in Missoula since she was three years old. When she’s not working at Missoula River Lodge in the summer, she teaches 7th grade Math and Health/PE during the school year. Jenna has a five year old son, and together they enjoy going on adventures in the mountains, on the river, or around town; and spending time with family. Jenna is so excited to be working at MRL for her 4th season, and enjoys interacting with all of the guests that she meets.
Half Korean, born and raised in Louisiana and on a small farm in the Missouri Ozarks, Abbi has roots in her families’ kitchens, a passion for local food with global taste and technique from a life full of travel and curiosity.
Abbi worked her way across Texas and Missouri on farms, running venues and private parties, owning food businesses, teaching, and as an independent consultant for high profile restaurants, bars and events, more recently for a Yellowstone guest ranch and outfitter.
Dubbed the “kimchi queen”, Abbi specializes in fermentation and food preservation. She has a deep love for family traditions, rustic “humble” food, seasonal local ingredients, and gathering good company after a full day. When not in the kitchen, Abbi works for a Montana farm cooperative and loves long walks, camping and all things that grow.
Jesse was born in Northern California, but as a pilot’s son, he lived in 10 different cities across 5 states by the time he was in eighth grade. Jesse started working in restaurants at the age of 14 bussing tables and washing dishes at the local country club where his passion for food and hospitality sparked exponentially. He went on to Graduate from Chico State University majoring in Recreation with an emphasis in Hospitality Management. With over 20 years experience in kitchens, Jesse has helped open 5 restaurants in 3 states specializing in American and Italian cuisines. While his passion still lies in the kitchen, Jesse has been working for MTV’s Ridiculousness as a Segment Producer for the past 3 years. When he is not working on a new recipe or cooking technique, you can find him paddle boarding or backpacking the local wildernesses. Jesse thru hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016, a feat that stretched 2,600 miles and took nearly 5 months to complete. He looks forward to sharing his love for food and wine at your next lodge dinner!
