Guides + Instructors
Lance & Kirsten Gray
We have more than 50 years of combined experience in fly fishing.
Lance started fly fishing with his father and brother Lincoln at age 7. In his teens, he began tying flies commercially for shops around Northern California. At 17, he went to work at Powell's Fly Shop in Chico, where he worked in the fly shop and built rods. He guided Powell’s, conducted fly-tying and fly-fishing schools, and traveled.
In 1993, Lance and Kirsten started Saltwater Innovations, a company that manufactured and distributed products for saltwater fly fishing. Lance’s Crystal Popper, Gray’s Billfish Fly, the KO Charlie line, and the Raghead Crabs are all Saltwater Innovations products. Kirsten worked behind the scenes, handling the day-to-day operations and running the company's manufacturing floor.
In 2003, they launched Lance Gray & Company, a full-service outfitter offering guided trips, fly-fishing tours, workshops, and a travel agency.
Lance conducts presentations at fly clubs and fly-fishing shows. While volunteering with veterans, Kirsten and Lance support local groups like Cub Scouts and 4H.
Lance is a signature tier for Aqua Flies. Lance and Kirsten are pro staff members for Sage, RIO, Simms, Fishpond, Yeti, Sitka, Outcast, Galvan Fly Reels, Knives of Alaska, and Umpqua Feather Merchants. Lance is a featured writer, with articles published in Angling Trade Magazine, California Fly Fisher, Fly Fishermen, and American Fly Fishing.
Lance is a columnist. His column “The Foraging Angler” is published bi-monthly in the California Fly Fisher Magazine.
Kirsten is a fantastic photographer. Her images have been published in many fly-fishing/outdoor periodicals, such as Fly Fishermen and California Fly Fisher, and on websites throughout the fly-fishing industry.
A passion for the sport of fly-fishing, vast knowledge, easy-going teaching style, and zany wit make Tim a really fun fishin’ buddy.
Tim Fox
Tim & I are lifelong friends. We worked together at Powell’s in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He then ventured off to work at the original California Fly Shop that was in Fairfield, CA, in the 90s. He is the former manager of The Fly Shop in Redding, CA., until he retired and became a fulltime guide.
A genuinely brilliant fly tier, fly fisher and hunter, these passions are exceeded only by his love for his family.
Kirsten and I are privileged and very excited to announce that Tim Fox has joined our team of guides—he is a great fit in our fly family.
Kirsten and I are very proud to announce that Alex Ramirez will be joining the LGC’s list of guides. Alex’s passion for fly fishing began at the age of 10 while chasing wild trout on the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. What started as a childhood adventure quickly became a lifelong pursuit that has shaped both his personal and professional life.
Alex entered the fly-fishing industry working for a respected Northern California fly shop, where he shared his enthusiasm for the sport by teaching fly casting, stillwater tactics, and fly-tying classes. His dedication to education and helping others improve their skills quickly earned him a reputation as a knowledgeable and approachable instructor.
Seeking new opportunities, Alex relocated to Southern California to manage a fly shop, where he immersed himself in the region's growing saltwater fly fishing scene. During this time, he refined his skills targeting coastal species and became a lead instructor and guide specializing in local surf and bay fisheries.
Alex later joined Outdoor Specialty Products, a leading West Coast sales agency, where he managed and supported accounts throughout Southern California. Building on that experience, he launched his own rep agency, representing more than ten premier fly fishing and fishing brands across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii. Over the next 11 years, Alex developed lasting relationships throughout the outdoor industry while helping grow some of the most recognized brands in the business.
After more than a decade on the road, Alex returned to his true passion—teaching, guiding, and sharing the sport he loves. Today, he operates guided fly-fishing charters throughout the rivers, delta waterways, and estuaries surrounding Lodi, California, targeting striped bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Whether helping a beginner make their first cast or introducing experienced anglers to new fisheries, Alex is committed to creating memorable days on the water and fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport of fly fishing.
Alex Rameriz
Kirsten and I are proud to welcome Dean Growdon to our list of wonderful guides. Not only a great guide, but he is also a consistent instructor with a passion for fly-fishing.
Dean grew up in the small mountain town of Westwood, CA, where he spent countless days exploring the lakes, streams, and wild waters of the surrounding area. This corner of Northern California has always held a special place in his heart, and he takes great pride in sharing its beauty, history, and outdoor traditions with others.
Dean’s passion for fly fishing began at a young age. After retiring from a 30-year career in public safety, he returned to his roots and dedicated his time to better understanding the waters of the North State. Dean attended the guide school at Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitter in 2023 and now spends his time guiding/clinics at Eagle Lake.