Guide Profile: Matt Heron

Owner of Matt Heron Fly Fishing
Years Guiding: 20

Matt’s a juggler. He’s the guy that always has several balls in the air and somehow manages never to drop one. You know the type. Matt is one of the top guides on the Truckee and Little Truckee Rivers and the surrounding area. They’re his home waters. Proficient in all forms of fly fishing and for all types of species, he can help any angler have their best day on the water. He is also a Cast Hope director, a fly-fishing instructor, a husband, and dad to two young boys. 

CAFF: How and why did you decide to become a guide?

MH: Growing up my passion was teaching, even more so than wanting to guide. When I moved to Truckee in 2006, the plan was for my wife, Lulana, and I to open our fly-fishing school and only teach. Thankfully, the two things go hand in hand, the transition was easy. Nowadays I love doing both. 

CAFF: How do you balance guiding with family/personal life?

MH: It’s tough with our travel business, trade shows, speaking engagements, and Cast Hope events. Thankfully, Lulana is a saint. She keeps me focused and makes sure I take time off to spend with her and the boys. 

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

MH: Two come to mind: warm water and access. We cannot change the weather, but we can educate the public about Hoot Owl closures and why they are so important to protecting Truckee’s wild trout. 

Access is becoming an increasingly important issue around here. To stay informed, have a look at Truckee River Public Waters. They work to ensure public access on the Truckee River, raise awareness of the issues, and advocate for anglers, hikers, bikers, boaters—everyone that enjoys the river. The “California Angler’s Bill of Rights” in this publication’s Winter 2025 issue is also a great resource. 

CAFF: How do you deal with difficult clients/landowners?

MH: My hospitality background taught me the LEAP standard: Listen, empathize, apologize, and provide a solution. Some combination of those four things usually works. 

CAFF: Is mojo a thing—some clients who are not great anglers seem to catch fish while good/great anglers struggle?

MH: Definitely! It’s right up there with beginner’s luck. It happens all the time, and if I knew why, I’d probably be retired. But truthfully, people with mojo put no pressure on themselves, they’re just out to have fun. 

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

MH: It’s amazing how many young people I see on the river now compared to years ago. The future seems to be in good hands. 

CAFF: What is your most memorable catch and why?

MH: It wasn’t mine; it was my dad’s. I was lucky enough to watch him land his first permit a few years back in southern Mexico. He got me into fishing when I could walk. It was the culmination of countless fishing trips over the years. It was special for both of us. 

CAFF: Describe your ideal client.

MH: A buddy of mine once said the order of importance for anglers fishing with a guide should be to have fun, learn something, and then catch fish. When that’s the case, good fishing tends to follow. 

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

MH: Using the ninety-degree rule to mend better. You have to get the line off the water before anything happens. 

CAFF: What’s the #1 thing you wish every client knew or would do?

MH: Set downstream and fight fish harder. Can I pick two?

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

MH: Costa Sunrise Silver lenses. It’s the best sight fishing lens I’ve ever fished with. Period. 

CAFF: Favorite gear under $100?

MH: Simms SolarFlex hoodies. UPF, quick dry, light, and comfortable. There’s a reason they’ve been around forever.