Meet the Guides

Jacquie Nelson

Guide #13391

Jacquie Nelson grew up in Washington State and was always busy partaking in organized team sports, snowboarding, dirt bike riding, wakeboarding, hiking, hunting or just exploring the woods. That love for adventure and the outdoors led her to Montana State University to peruse a degree in agriculture. However, it wasn’t until she met Tucker Nelson her sophomore year in college that she starting fly fishing. At first, fly fishing was a way for her to spend time with Tucker, but it soon become a passion.

Many weekends and times between studies were spend exploring the Gallatin River or fishing Nelson’s Spring Creek. After graduating college, Jacquie pursued her career in agriculture working as an administrator and coordinator for the local conservation district. Through her work, she learned the importance of conserving working lands and streams while collaborating with local landowners. As a way to supplement income, Jacquie began working under her husband Tucker and guiding fly fishermen on weekends and during vacation time. Jacquie quickly found enjoyment teaching others how to fly fish. Following the birth of their daughter Morgan in 2012, she left her daytime job and began guiding fishermen full time.

As a female fishing guide in a primarily male dominate industry, Jacquie tends to have to prove her fishing knowledge and skills as she competes with other outfitters and guides. She talks fishing lingo just like one of the guys, rows a drift boat down the toughest stretches of water with the best of them, and holds her own in all physically demanding situations, including guiding mobility challenged anglers. However, she has a soft side that beginning anglers, females and youth fishermen gravitate to and benefit from. Jacquie also enjoys teaching all of her technical fishing techniques to the detail oriented advanced anglers.

When Jacquie is not out on the water, you can find her entertaining her two energetic children Morgan and Ander and keeping the family business thriving.