Our Team
Idaho Steelhead Guides is a small, locally owned and operated business in the small town of McCall in Idaho’s West Central Mountains. Our team of professionals is passionate about the rivers and their fish, and it is our goal to not only enjoy the art of fishing, but to protect our backyard.
The Salmon River is our home. We do not spread our resources amongst multiple environments or regions, and rather have chosen to focus our expertise on our home waters – and for good reason. The Salmon River is the longest free-flowing river in the Lower 48 states, and the fish that call it home are uniquely special.
We have designed our company to tailor closely to each guests’ goals in order to achieve the desired experience. While we match your trip to your abilities, we also enjoy pushing the limits to better yourself as a fisherman. Part of what sets Idaho Steelhead Guides apart from the rest is our passion for teaching and educating our clients, all while offering the best guided service on the water. Improving fishing techniques with an astute attention to conservation and river stewardship is always at the forefront of our trips. After all, the protection of the river and its fish will allow us (and you) to continue to do what we love. We utilize new, modern equipment and techniques – from rods and reels, to line and flies, tackle and boats.
The owners and staff at Idaho Steelhead Guides are friends, fishing buddies, and we work hard together as a cohesive team. Our attention to detail does not go unnoticed – from our riverside cuisine to professionalism on and off the water. Our small business thrives on the client experience, and it is our honor to share the beautiful Salmon River and its fish with you. Join our fishing family for a trip that will leave you craving to come back for more.
Chris Demo | Owner & Guide
Chris originally grew up alongside a river in upstate New York fishing for bass, pike, and trout. After a trip to the western US in 2007, Chris fell in love with the state of Idaho. Quickly recognizing the unique fishing opportunities presented in Idaho, Chris ignited his passion for pursuing the anadromous fish that migrate to Idaho’s rivers. Since moving to Idaho, Chris has guided thousands of river miles in pursuit of smallmouth bass, sturgeon, and of course steelhead. His in depth knowledge of the Salmon River is a huge asset to the company as well as our guests’ experience while out on the water with him. From personally hand-tied flies to a genuinely fun attitude, a day on the water with Chris is guaranteed to be an authentic fishing experience. When Chris isn’t out with guests you can find him on the river just the same with a fly rod in hand(s).
Steven Becker | Owner & Guide
Steven grew up locally in New Meadows, ID and was drawn to fishing at an early age. He received his first fly rod for his ninth birthday and fly fishing has been a huge part of his life ever since. Growing up with trout in his family’s pond, he spent hours, days, and weeks trying to trick them into taking his presentations. Some of the first flies he tied were nothing more than a little brown thread on a hook to imitate the fish pellets that made the trout go wild when fed. Although that was great fun, now Steven enjoys tying classic steelhead flies and trying to trick steelhead on a swung fly. Working as a wildland firefighter in the summers, Steven spends his falls and winters on the water searching for steelhead, and in the mountains hunting and skiing.
Lauren Demo | Owner & Office Manager
Originally from Western Washington, Lauren’s life has always been centered around being near the water. After college, she followed Chris to a little town in the middle of Idaho called McCall, not knowing what to expect. She hasn’t left since, and can’t see a better place to call home. She’s still working on keeping up with the guys on the fishing front, and spends most of her time running the show behind the scenes – booking trips and orchestrating your fishing experience. Idaho Steelhead Guides and our sister company, Salmon Raft, keeps her extra busy during the spring, summer, and fall; and her winters are spent skiing and catching up on the endless list of projects around the boathouse.
