Our Story
Meet Us
Aaron and Rachel’s love of fly fishing and the beauty of the outdoors was engrained in them as children. Aaron’s outdoor adventures began in childhood and continued as he pursued guiding Colorado rivers at age eighteen. Rachel learned to tie flies on her father’s lap before kindergarten and started managing his fly-fishing business before she graduated college.
Aaron and Rachel spent their honeymoon floating and fishing the Flaming Gorge of the Green River, then they settled into a mountaintop fire lookout cabin for their first “home.” They made Sandpoint, Idaho, home fifteen years ago and have fallen in love with the mountains and rivers of this beautiful region. Aaron has extensive experience guiding on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Main Salmon, as well as the Lochsa and Coeur d’Alene Rivers. Much of his free time is spent floating and fishing rivers closer to home, such as the Clark Fork and the Kootenai.
Aaron and Rachel have more recently focused on leading their own daughters, Addy and Emi, to love the outdoors as well. They take joy in skiing, hiking, fishing, and biking as a family. In 2017 Aaron and Rachel stumbled upon a McKenzie River wooden drift boat in need of major repair. They knew it would be the perfect boat to get their young family fishing together on the river. After restoring this boat and experiencing its beautiful craftsmanship and smoothness on the water, they dreamed of sharing the adventure beyond their family, and that dream blossomed into Long Drift Outfitters. The beauty and elegance of a classic wooden drift boat is the perfect match for fly fishing on the Kootenai River.
Meet Our Guides
Noah McComis
Noah grew up in the mountains of Colorado. He received his very first fly rod at the age of 13 and his passion for fishing has grown ever since. He always knew he wanted to be a guide. Noah’s experience working in local fly shops and fishing the local rivers adds to his experience and passion. Noah loves taking part in the memorable moments of catching fish with guests of all ages and abilities which is why he is on the river almost every day. A day with Noah is sure to bring hoots and hollers with each catch, his excitement is contagious and its worth catching.
Connor Seymour
Connor started fly fishing at the age of five and claims he did not have much of a choice since his father is a guide. All kidding aside Connor counts himself extremely fortunate to be raised on rivers in and around Idaho. He has been guiding since he was 18 and has a wealth of knowledge to share with his guests. Spending a day on the water with Connor feels like spending a day with your best friend. He treats each trip as an opportunity to pass on as much knowledge as he can. Connor loves teaching his guests of all abilities about river dynamics, entomology, the local flora and fauna, and the area’s history.
CR Christians
CR grew up in Utah and developed a love for fishing when he was 9 years old. A fly shop opened in his neighborhood, and he spent enough time there that the owner taught him everything from how to cast to tying flies. In 2002 his family relocated to North Idaho where he emersed himself in fishing, hunting, and skiing. You will be hard pressed to find a young man how knows the land as well as CR. His love for the outdoors has turned into a career as a State Forester. When he is not out in the woods you can find him on the rivers chasing beautiful trout. You won’t find a more patient guide who want you to show the beauty of our rivers than CR. Want a day to remember? Book CR for a day of fishing!
Naty Role
Naty is a third generation Idaho native who grew up rafting and fishing in N. Central Idaho. This will be his 26th season as a licensed guide in Idaho. Naty has guided on roughly 20 different commercial rivers around the world, and over 200 different rivers in 8 countries on a personal basis. He started fly fishing 15 years ago in order to see what all the hype was about and got swept away by yet another way to stay entertained on a river. Naty enjoys being on the water in just about any aspect, putting people on fish, and sharing his vast knowledge of Entomology and Ichthyology. His best memories are those involving new places and novel fish species, such as catching a Mexican needlefish in the Sea of Cortez this past January. Naty is a former high school science teacher and in addition to guiding, currently works for an Idaho fish hatchery.
Heath Gunns
Heath and his Wife moved to Coeur D Alene Idaho in 2017. Since that time, he has been exploring much of the regions rivers fishing and rowing a variety of boats. His favorite being his wooden drift boat. Heath also serves as the Executive Director of a small first responder/veteran-centric nonprofit, providing outdoor recreation opportunities for disabled/injured veterans and first responders. For nearly two decades Heath has been hosting backcountry hunts and river trips for folks and will tell you that “I have been blessed with a lifetime of exceptional friends, wonderful stories, and memories”. Heat loves sharing the rivers with you, the bend of your rod, and ultimately create lifelong memories with new friends. Never forget, “Fishing is supposed to be fun”.
Zack Tinbrink
Zach, a seasoned fishing guide from Wyoming, has made the move to North Idaho to discover fresh waters. With a wealth of river knowledge and expertise, fishing with him guarantees a continual learning experience. His friendly demeanor and relaxed coaching approach ensure you’ll not only have plenty of opportunities to catch fish but also gain a new fishing buddy in the process.
Brian Kerins
Brian moved to Bonners Ferry in 2009 and though he might not readily confess it, he is undeniably a true “trout bum”, and belongs to a distinct breed of individuals who find solace and joy on the river. Despite maintaining a responsible adult occupation, Brian’s heart lies with the waters he has frequented since his arrival in Idaho. As a local, Bran dedicates most of his leisure time to exploring and fishing the very waters he now guides others through. His intimate familiarity with the area and its aquatic inhabitants is unmatched, making him a trusted companion for any angler seeking a memorable experience. Spending a day with Brian is an immersion into the rhythm of the river, leaving you yearning to return to what may soon become your newfound favorite spot in the Northwest.
Aaron Gordon
Aaron started Long Drift Outfitters in 2019 with his wife Rachel and their two beautiful daughters, Addy and Emi. Aaron started his guiding career in Colorado in 2000. Aaron moved to Idaho in 2006, and spent 13 summers guiding full-time on the Selway, Lochsa, Coeur d’Alene, and the Main and Middle Fork of the Salmon River. He now spends most of his summer days guiding on the Kootenai River in Idaho, with an occasional guest-appearance on one of the aforementioned rivers. Aaron loves sharing his passion for the outdoors with his guests. In the off-season Aaron is the band director at Sandpoint High School.
