About Your Guide

Some of my first memories are of fly fishing in a backpack on my father's shoulders and over the years, fly fishing has become a necessity in my life. It is my escape, my church, and my passion.  I’ve been fortunate enough to turn that passion into a career and have continued the family tradition, taking my daughter on the river since she was just a few months old. She has already logged serious hours fishing (and sleeping) on my back and I can’t wait until she is able to grab the sticks to row me and her Uncle Moose down the river…...

I reside both in Augusta, New Jersey and Gunnison, Colorado. I spend the summers on the Upper Gunnison Drainage and the rest of my year in the “Garden State” of New Jersey where I was born and raised. I have spent over 20 years guiding on the Gunni and its headwaters and first learned to row a boat there.  Twenty years later, I still love being a float guide and boat jockey. When in Gunni, I work out of Dragonfly Anglers in Crested Butte, Colorado. When on the east coast, I have started guiding on the Upper Delaware River as the owner/guide of “Chilly Water Angler”.  The Upper Delaware is a beautiful river system; just a couple hours outside of New York City, where one can escape to the Catskills and net some impressive fish.  The wild trout of the Upper Delaware do not come easily and, for me, the reward is great and heartfelt for each one that I boat. 

Scott Fly Rods have been a part of my tool set since I started guiding trips in 2002.  They have a “SOUL” to them that I trust.  I was gifted a very special rod when I first started guiding; an original Scott G series 8’8” four weight three piece.  It really made me slow down and appreciate casting and playing fish on a tippet saving rod.  Now I have a fleet of Scott Rods, but the G series will always have a piece of my heart.  They are incredible rods made and designed by some even more incredible people on the western slope of Colorado.  

When I’m not on the water or in the field chasing fin, fur and feather, you can find me chasing great live music.  In particular I enjoy “Widespread Panic” and have spent some time traveling the United States attending their shows; fly fishing and great music just seem to go hand in hand. Here’s hoping I’ll see you on the river or perhaps at the next show!

Austin Hofer

Chilly Water Angler