Our Shop Staff

Gord Silverthorne
At a young age Gord’s father asked him what we wanted to do when he grew up. It was quite simple to Gord and he responded with “I just want to own and operate a fishing lodge”. Gord’s addiction to the sport of fishing started while growing up in Northern Alberta as he was surrounded by excellent lakes and rivers that provided Northern Pike, Walley, Perch, Whitefish and native Athabasca strain Rainbow Trout.

Never forgetting his dream Gord seized the opportunity and in 1995, opened Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Company in Fernie, British Columbia. And after 13 years, the adventure and excitement of owning and operating a successful, thriving fly-fishing business continues each day.

Gord’s passion for fly tying took him to the sunshine of Mexico in 2001 where he operated a small fly tying business. During the winters in Mexico, Gord pursued Salt Water Fly Fishing with many excellent adventures.

To this day, Gord always wonders what great pools are just around the next corner.

Wayne Osborne
Born with a fishing rod in hand, Wayne began fishing from the time he could walk with his father and grandfather on the Gold Coast beaches in Australia. As soon as he was old enough to get a driver’s license, his sportfishing pursuits ventured off shore with the purchase of his first boat.

Twenty odd years as a dominant figure on the tournament circuit produced numerous victories, nineteen national records and Wayne became one of only two anglers in Australia to achieve Master Angler Status in four separate divisions of ANSA (Australian National Sportfishing Association ).

Skippering his own forty foot purpose built game boat, guiding Marlin seeking anglers through Queenslands fish rich tropical waters, he released around two hundred billfish per year with fish up to 1300 lb. Bye catches included large Yellowfin and Dog Tooth Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphin Fish plus many more species.

Fly Fishing became the next progression. Because home was Tropical Queensland saltwater fly fishing for ten - twelve weight gut busting Tuna, Trevally, Mackeral, Cobia, Barramundi, etc. became the norm. Other Tropical locations like Christmas Island became regular haunts chasing the large Bonefish and huge Giant Trevally that frequent the vast and magnificent sand flats.

Fernie is now home, where something completely different like Trout fishing is providing a new experience. But if you cold water Trout Anglers would like to expand your fly fishing horizons Wayne will be happy to take you on a tropical adventure you'll never forget. Be warned though it could become addictive.