About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Chad Ashby

Chad Ashby

Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Comfortable
Quality
Expert Oriented
Chad is a passionate fly fishing guide who brings a lifetime of experience and a deep love for the outdoors to every trip he leads. Based in beautiful Washington State, he offers scenic float trips through the North Cascades targeting native Westslope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, as well as action-packed fly fishing adventures for Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbows across the Columbia Basin.

Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of upstate South Carolina, Chad cut his teeth chasing Largemouth Bass in hidden backwater ponds and drifting dry flies to Rainbow and Brook Trout in small mountain streams. His journey since then has taken him coast to coast—from New York to California—fishing for everything from Brown Trout and Smallmouth Bass to Snook and even Leopard Sharks. But it wasn’t until settling in Washington in 2018 that Chad truly found his stride.

While working as a field biologist for the USDA, Chad spent five days a week fishing the Columbia River, from Priest Rapids Dam all the way to Rocky Reach. The goal was conservation—removing predatory species to protect...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Chad Ashby

Chad Ashby

Independent Guide
Chad is a passionate fly fishing guide who brings a lifetime of experience and a deep love for the outdoors to every trip he leads. Based in beautiful Washington State, he offers scenic float trips through the North Cascades targeting native Westslope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, as well as action-packed fly fishing adventures for Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbows across the Columbia Basin.

Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of upstate South Carolina, Chad cut his teeth chasing Largemouth Bass in hidden backwater ponds and drifting dry flies to Rainbow and Brook Trout in small mountain streams. His journey since then has taken him coast to coast—from New York to California—fishing for everything from Brown Trout and Smallmouth Bass to Snook and even Leopard Sharks. But it wasn’t until settling in Washington in 2018 that Chad truly found his stride.

While working as a field biologist for the USDA, Chad spent five days a week fishing the Columbia River, from Priest Rapids Dam all the way to Rocky Reach. The goal was conservation—removing predatory species to protect
vital salmon and steelhead runs—but the byproduct was invaluable: an intimate, boots-on-the-ground understanding of Washington’s most iconic fishery.

Encouraged by his wife to follow his true passion, Chad made the leap to guiding full time—and hasn’t looked back. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or brand new to the sport, Chad’s trips are designed to meet you where you are. With his easygoing nature, wealth of knowledge, and love for teaching, Chad is all about creating relaxed, rewarding days on the water that you'll remember long after the last cast.
Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
22.5” Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
22.5” Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Scroll for more

Ashby Anglers Trips

Choose a trip to get started
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Diablo

Fly Fishing Where No Roads Go

NEW
14 ft 1 - 2 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Moses Lake

Creek Fly Fishing Rainbow Trout

NEW
14 ft 1 - 2 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing in Moses Lake

Fly Fishing Lahontan Cutthroat

NEW
14 ft 1 - 2 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing in Moses Lake

Fly Fishing For Bass

NEW
20 ft 1 - 2 People From $450

Don't see what you're looking for?

Contact us to create a custom trip for you and your group.

Contact Us

Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Technique

Types of Fishing

Recent Fishing Reports

Late September 2026
Yesterday I got to spend the day on the comfy 20’ bass boat with two lifelong best friends. We caught some great bass, laughed a lot, shared old memories, and spent the day reminiscing about growing up and fly fishing for bass together as kids.

There’s something pretty special about getting back on the water years later and realizing that, even though a lot has changed, some things still feel exactly the same.

Great bass, great friends, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Doesn’t get much better than that.
/
Late August 2026
/

Ashby Anglers Photo Gallery

Fly Fishing For Bass
January 24th, 2025
Moses Lake, Washington
Creek Fly Fishing Rainbow Trout
January 24th, 2025
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing Where No Roads Go
January 24th, 2025
Diablo, Washington
Fly Fishing Lahontan Cutthroat
January 24th, 2025
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing Lahontan Cutthroat
January 24th, 2025
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing For Bass
January 24th, 2025
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing Where No Roads Go
February 7th, 2025
Diablo, Washington
Creek Fly Fishing Rainbow Trout
February 7th, 2025
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing Lahontan Cutthroat
September 22nd, 2026
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing For Bass
September 22nd, 2026
Moses Lake, Washington
Creek Fly Fishing Rainbow Trout
January 24th, 2025
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing Where No Roads Go
February 7th, 2025
Diablo, Washington
Fly Fishing Where No Roads Go
January 24th, 2025
Diablo, Washington
Creek Fly Fishing Rainbow Trout
February 7th, 2025
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing For Bass
September 22nd, 2026
Moses Lake, Washington
Fly Fishing Lahontan Cutthroat
September 22nd, 2026
Moses Lake, Washington
Book Now

Enter to Win a

$500 DAMN GOOD GIFT CARD

Gift Card

Sign up to win $500 towards ANY trip. Winners drawn monthly.

By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing communications from Captain Experiences. To opt-out, click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of our emails. Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions