Guide Profile: David Gregory

Yosemite Outfitters
Years Guiding: 15

Yosemite Outfitters is an informal co-op of independent guides that offers fly-fishing and hiking services within the park. It’s the culmination of a dream David Gregory has held since not long after he moved to Yosemite, fell in love with the place, and started fishing the Sierra at age 16. “I’ve always loved the freedom that nature can give you. It’s apparent that, when you come to Yosemite, you have to reframe reality —the vertical environment, how small you feel.”

CAFF: How did you decide to become a guide?

DG: I grew up on wild and scenic rivers with parents who instilled a love of the outdoors. My father, an astute angler who has always encouraged my presiding passion, put a rod in my hands when I was two. My best friend and mother brought me to Yosemite and encouraged me to live a life full of freedom and with an open heart. Mike Farny introduced me to fly fishing and planted the seed of running a fly-fishing program when I grew up. My parks and recreation management degree, a green drake hatch on the Upper Green, and a trip to Patagonia further solidified my desire to become a guide.

CAFF: Who are your biggest inspirations from Yosemite?

DG: I’m inspired in my pursuits of fishing, adventure, and conservation by the dirtbags who lived in Yosemite in the 1950s and ’60s, like Doug Thompkins and Yvon Chouinard. They lived life on their terms and gave back to the places they loved. Sheridan Anderson, the San Franciscan climber, artist, and author of the Curtis Creek Manifesto, and Yvon were among the only fly fishermen in the climbing movement. They fly fished together in some of my favorite places in the park. It just goes to show that there are countless adventures to be had here.

CAFF: What is your most memorable catch and why?

DG: I have three. One is my largest rainbow ever, caught on the Stanislaus with my client Terry. It was his first day pursuing his passion after years of recovering from surgery. Terry’s outlandish stories, foul language, generosity, and inability to use a cell phone camera made the day special. We were lucky to land the fish and get a terrible photo—not that the photo matters when that day will forever be etched into our memory.

It was also a dream come true to swim with my first striped marlin as the sun set on Baja. I was inspired by Terry Gunn’s favorite catch on the fly and by Jose Wejebe’s spirit of adventure and proper fish handling. After giving up hope, dejected with a Tecate in hand, a perfect moment arose, and it happened.  

And finally, the large New Zealand brown I had a second chance to catch on my honeymoon. A small thread of line often separates hack from hero. I’ll never forget my beautiful wife cheering me on to victory.

CAFF: Describe your ideal client.

DG: The longer I guide in a place like Yosemite, the more I realize that fishing is the excuse. My ideal client doesn’t want to “just fish” but wants a more complete, well-rounded experience. Maybe go for a hike, stop at a scenic viewpoint, and observe the natural world. They bring a positive attitude and a desire to learn. They are malleable enough to let experiences shape future interactions with the natural world.

CAFF: What changes, for better or worse, have you noticed since you started guiding?

DG: It starts with the little critters in the river. I’ve noticed a major decline in aquatic life. My 2025 season saw a dismal hatch of my favorite bug, the pale morning dun. Destruction from invasive bark beetles and wildfires is rampant. I see increasingly high, uninhabitable water temperatures. Over the past few summers, the water temperature has been in the 80s near my house. I’ve seen a decrease in the average size of fish and more frequent fish kills across entire sections of the river. This is not business as usual. We are living in the Anthropocene. Humans are responsible. Entire ecosystems and species are at stake.

CAFF: What is your favorite trick or tip you like to teach people?

DG: Be an intentional angler. Maintain best fish-handling practices and bring a thermometer. Let conditions dictate your approach to fishing the Sierra. You don’t always need one more cast or fish; you just need more time on the water.

CAFF: Are there specific conservation concerns in your area that you wish to draw attention to?

DG: We need to spend time and share the river with the next generation of anglers and conservationists. We all have a role to play. No act is too small. In this spirit, I started two youth programs. Reel Recycling takes donated fly-fishing gear and recycles it for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This started on trips to Patagonia and has been brought back to my home waters. I encourage anyone reading this to take a family member, friend, or community member fishing. If you have spare gear to share or gift, I encourage you to do so. Fishy Kids is a hands-on educational experience where we observe aquatic insects, learn about fish anatomy, and make an introduction to the world of fly fishing. I’m also compelled to draw attention to restoring one of the great valleys of the world, Hetch Hetchy. The cost is small and the reward is great.

CAFF: Impart your wisdom.

DG: Pay it forward. You never know the far-reaching impact of spreading kindness and mountain joy.

CAFF: Is mojo a thing?

DG: Bringing a positive attitude and intention in life goes a long way. We are a part of our environment, and energy abounds.

CAFF: One piece of gear/equipment you can’t live without?

DG: A fly rod.

CAFF: Favorite gear under $100?

DG: Something free, something second-hand, or something borrowed. Fly fishing doesn’t have to be expensive.

To book a trip with David, visit Yosemite Outfitters or call 559-760-5130.