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    • Mark Rutherford
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    • John Jinishian Owner/General Manager
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Oliver “Olly” Merrill

olly_merri_with_fishOlly is fanatical about both fly fishing and wilderness guiding in remote Alaska. If you’re not amazed by his backcountry know-how, you surely will be by his calm demeanor and sense of humor.


Education

  • Deerfield Academy ’06 –Deerfield, MA
  • Williams College ’11 – Williamstown, MA
    • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
    • Minored in Legal Studies
  • Sweetwater Travel Guide School, 2011– Bighorn River, MT
    • CPR, First Aid Certified
    • Jet boat operation and maintenance
    • Drift Boat / Rowing
    • Fly Casting
  • NOLS Wilderness First Responder 2012 – Hudson, WI

Abstract

Born in 1987, started fly fishing in 1998. First came to Alaska in summer of 2002, guided by Mark on John Merritt trip, and returned in summer of 2009. Grew up in New Canaan, CT while spending 3-4 months annually in Cable, WI and Islesford, ME. Attended Deerfield Academy and Williams College in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, played lacrosse at both. Studied political science, with strong interest in literature and architecture as well. Summer seasonal work for Orvis 2009-2011. Began work for Wild River Guides in 2011. Accepted year around guide position with Wild River Guides in October 2011 and as Marketing Director for Middle West and Atlantic states.

In October 2012, began internship with the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington, DC providing research on energy issues in Canada. Focus of work has been on the Canadian oil sands industry and offshore oil and gas exploration in the Canadian Arctic.

Technical Wilderness Guide Skills

Raft & Drift boat oarsman, Leave No Trace Camp specialist, Firearms proficiency with both Shotgun & Rifle, Fly-fishing specialties: Rainbow Trout, King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Muskie, and Large & Smallmouth Bass. Camp Chef (Sushi). White tail Deer & Turkey archery hunting enthusiast.

Employment (2009-Present)

  • Orvis
  • Fly fishing guide, full time, Wild River Guides ltd.
  • Marketing Director, Middle West and Atlantic states, Wild River Guides ltd.
  • NRDC 2012-13

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2019 Season Reports

The 2019 Season Reports are now available online. Don't miss the slideshows or PDF downloads.

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Contact Us

Toll Free: (203)-247-9070
email: info@wildriverfish.com

Testimonials

It was a stellar week. Our time on the river strengthened my sense of purpose in life and changed the way I view the world. Bob Roark
Just then a large grizzly appeared through the willows at the far bank. It was a great Alaska scene. I will continue to explore Alaska with Mark as long as I hold up. John Merritt
I have a flood of memories from Alaska, but the most remarkable ones were fishing with Mark John Markoff
Mark, Thank you many times over for a perfect trip. All your planning and attention really shows Ken Helfenbein
In our days floating down the river, we encountered the rainbow trout in its rarest form — completely wild, ferocious and faster than a speeding bullet Paul Greenberg
There was a hard strike with jumps and hollers to match my excitement. Such magnificent beings these Silver Bullet Coho are. Amy Robinson
You & Kate ... are outstanding people and role models Richard Voss
I told people I was going on the trip of a lifetime and that is exactly what this has been. John Gormley. Togiak River. August 11-18, 2018
I have fly fished Alaska for many years and this is the best. Not only the number of fish but the quality of the fishing . John Moore
The absolute best fishing in my life; super guides who knew how to fish & tremendous food. Jon Trachta. July 17-25, 2014. Goodnews River.

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Contact Us

Wild River Guide Co.
P.O. Box 608
Dillingham, AK 99576
(203) 247-9070
info@wildriverfish.com

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