Not Just Another Guide Service…

At Appalachian Fishing Guides LLC, our mission is to enhance the guided fly fishing experience for everyone by fostering camaraderie and a fun, laid-back atmosphere to each trip. We attempt to redefine the norms of guided trips by providing a warm, friendly, analytical, and educational approach that resonates with all levels of anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and seasoned fly fishers alike. We strive to put our best foot forward by supporting local organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship.

When Taylor Hess started Appalachian Fishing Guides as a hobby in 2015, he was already guiding in Alaska in the summer months for salmon, grayling, and dolly varden. In the shoulder seasons, he returned home to Pennsylvania, where he set up trips across south central Pennsylvania and guided for smallmouth on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. In 2018, Taylor shifted gears and went west, where he guided in Idaho on the Kootenai and managed a fly shop. He later went on to work as a shop manager in Ennis, Montana, along the Madison River. He later returned to Alaska for a couple of summers before returning to Pennsylvania full-time to grow Appalachian Fishing Guides into a full-time guide service, offering trips across the Keystone State.

With a decade of working experience in the industry, Taylor believes in building a community and family of anglers who cherish what Pennsylvania’s diverse fisheries offer.