At Ascent Fly Fishing, our team of expert guides is as passionate about teaching as they are about trout. With deep knowledge of entomology, local waters, and fly fishing technique, they’re here to elevate your experience on the river. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler, our guides are ready to help you read the water, match the hatch, and hook into your best day on the water yet.
Owner of both Ascent Fly Guides and Ascent Fly Fishing, to say that Peter has spent a lifetime obsessed with fly fishing would be an understatement. While Peter is always up to catching a bass on the fly, or taking a trip to the salt flats, his primary passion is pursuing trout and salmon on the fly. With his insider knowledge as a Freshwater Aquatic Biologist, Peter loves to freely share and break down the sciences of entomology, fish habitat, fish vision, and how fish select food into easy to understand lessons in order to help the community become more confident and successful on the fly! For Peter, the river is a place of abundance, belonging, healing, and connection, and he looks forward to sharing time and space with you in the fly shop or on the water!
Jeff Sirbu has been one of the most sought after fishing guides in the Aspen Valley for almost two decades, and few angler can claim to know the Roaring Fork, Colorado, Frying Pan, and Crystal Rivers as well as Jeff. Jeff is the 2024 Locals Choice AJAX awards Guide of the year. His tireless pursuit of all species of fish on the fly, his intimate knowledge of fly fishing earned on the water, and patient education style makes every person who joins him on the water or in the classroom a better angler.
Born and raised in Colorado, Cali Reno grew up in a fishing family and has been casting lines across the Rockies her whole life. With over a decade of fly fishing experience and deep roots on the water, she brings a natural, grounded approach to every trip. Cali has fished everywhere from the Front Range to the wild waters of Wyoming, and when she’s not guiding, you’ll still find her outside—chasing fish, fresh air, and her next adventure.
A proud dad of two boys and a lifelong outdoorsman, Cody Christensen grew up fishing ponds and lakes in Indiana before discovering fly fishing during the pandemic. Since then, the fly rod has become his go-to, and he hasn’t looked back.
Whether he’s guiding anglers on the river or managing projects at GH Phipps Construction, Cody thrives on teamwork, problem-solving, and helping others grow. With a natural teacher’s heart, he’s passionate about passing on the knowledge he’s gained over the years and making the fly fishing experience accessible and rewarding for everyone.
A former college linebacker and devoted fan of the Colts, Braves, Nuggets, and Pacers, Cody brings that same drive and dedication to the water. His volunteer work with Project Healing Waters reflects his belief in the power of fly fishing to heal, connect, and build lasting community.
Retired fireman, hot rod enthusiast, guitar slinger, and singer/songwriter, Craig Spader brings a whole lot of character—and a whole lot of fish—to the Ascent Fly Guides team. When he’s not picking on his guitar or wrenching on vintage engines, Craig’s out on the water helping anglers hook into wild trout across Colorado’s Front Range.
With years of guiding experience and a lifetime of chasing fish under his belt, Craig is equal parts mentor, motivator, and a fish’s worst nightmare. Whether you’re just getting into fly fishing or looking to level up your game, a day on the water with Craig promises tight lines, plenty of laughs, and a few good stories you’ll be telling long after the hatch fades.
By night, Hank has spent the last eight years serving others as a dedicated nurse. By day, you'll often find him on a quiet creek, casting dry flies with his trusty 3-weight rod and soaking in the kind of peace that fly fishing brings. With a lifelong love of fishing and a deep passion for trout water, Hank brings calm, clarity, and quiet confidence to every trip.
A proud father to a 16-year-old daughter and loyal dog dad to Penelope, Hank understands the value of presence—on the water, with family, and in the lives of others. He also volunteers with Project Healing Waters, helping veterans find peace, purpose, and connection through time on the river.
Whether you’re new to fly fishing or looking to slow down and reconnect with nature, Hank is the kind of guide who makes every moment count.
Born and raised in Colorado, Michael Severa is a self-taught, lifelong angler with a deep passion for every aspect of fly fishing. A Euro Nymphing specialist and skilled fly tyer, Michael brings a detail-oriented approach to the water—helping anglers of all levels sharpen their technique and expand their knowledge. Whether he's guiding on the river or sharing tips at the vise, Michael is committed to teaching the full experience of fly fishing, one thoughtful cast at a time.
Born and raised in Colorado, Paul Zamora is a husband, father of three, and a man who feels most at home in wild places. Based out of Littleton, Paul brings grit, heart, and hard-earned skill to the river. He doesn’t just guide—he teaches. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep understanding of technique, Paul helps anglers of all levels find success on the water. Fly fishing changed his life, and now he’s here to help it change yours.
Originally from New Jersey, Will Caracciolo has found his home—and his rhythm—in the wild waters of Colorado. A passionate angler for the past five years, Will has quickly developed a reputation for his curiosity, patience, and love of the craft. When he’s not guiding or teaching others how to connect with the river, you’ll find him deep in the backcountry, chasing trout in high alpine lakes and soaking in Colorado’s rugged beauty. A history buff with a sharp eye for detail, Will brings a thoughtful and grounded approach to every day on the water.
