Each year, for thirty-eight years, the Orvis Company has recognized excellence in sporting experiences through its Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters, and Guides Program (ELOG). Awards are based on a number of criteria, the most important of which is customer feedback: the reviews from the customers who have experienced these operations are the ultimate arbiters of success. Also taken into consideration are the operation’s environmental commitment to and stewardship of their resources, and their partnership with Orvis in providing the finest sporting experience possible.
These awards were handed out last evening at the 2024 Orvis-Endorsed Partners Meeting at the Orvis Rod Shop in Manchester, Vermont. It was wonderful to get everyone together to recognize these incredible guides and operations. Click here to see the lists of nominees for each category.
Here are this year’s winners, along with customer comments that caught our eyes. Click on the highlighted name of the guide or the operation to learn more about each winner.
2024 Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide Of The Year
Dustin Coffey, Blowing Rock, NC
Dustin Coffey was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the river was, literally, his front yard. He’s been a fly fisher for almost four decades, the last 18 years of which have been spent guiding in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and East Tennessee. Whether drifting down one of the many world-class tailwater fisheries or chasing brook trout on a wild freestone creek, he has the knowledge and expertise to help clients enjoy memorable days on the water. Here is what one customer had to say about time on the water with Dustin:
I’ve been out with many guides, but none better than Dustin. He is an excellent teacher and has a way of explaining casting that is easy to understand. It doesn’t get any better than this! It was a fantastic experience.
2024 Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year
Hunter Lively, Greystone Castle Sporting Club, in Mingus, Texas
Hunter guides at three-time Orvis Wingshooting Lodge of the Year (2011, 2015, and 2022) Greystone Castle Sporting Club, which features large fields of sorghum, millet, and switch grass to help wingshooters enjoy incredible days with great gun dogs, flushing pheasants, bobwhite covey rises, and good friends. Here’s what Here is what one satisfied bird hunter had to say about time in the field with Hunter:
Our guide Hunter could not have been better. He worked the dogs perfectly and always had us in good position. It seems strange but we agreed that his encouragement and even temper improved our shooting!
2024 Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge Of The Year
The White River Inn, in Cotter Arkansas
Located in the “Trout Capital of U.S.A,” the White River Inn offers year-round fly fishing for four species of trout. The fish count per mile is incredible, bordering on unbelievable, but the huge browns are what bring anglers to the White–where more brown trout over ten pounds are caught and released, than any other single river in the World.
Equally important as the fishing and the scenery is the experience at the lodge. The 7000-square ft. western red cedar lodge stands firmly on the edge of a 300-foot bluff high above the White River. Bald eagles, hawks and ospreys glide by at eye level, almost close enough to touch. One guest was astonished by every part of the experience:
Our stay at White River Inn was a tranquil retreat, thanks to the warm hospitality of hosts Steve and Elisabeth. Their expert guidance and comforting meals made our fishing experience unforgettable. The serene views and peaceful rooms provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Highly recommended.
2024 Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year
Highland Hills Ranch, in Condon, Oregon
Highland Hills Ranch is now a three-time Orvis Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, demonstrating their continued commitment to providing guests with exceptional wingshooting, service and hospitality. The ranch offers the rare opportunity to hunt for the Grand Slam of Wingshooting–pheasant, chukar, valley quail, and Hungarian partridge–all in the same day, in their native habitat. Sitting on 3,000 acres in North Central Oregon, the ranch features some of the most picturesque views along with some of the best and most diverse wingshooting possible. One guest was simply blown away by what Highland Hills has to offer:
Just returned from a two-day hunt at this stunning lodge. The setting in the hills of northern Oregon near the Columbia Gorge is drop-dead gorgeous. The land was planted with Milo, wheat, and cherry orchards which are aesthetically pleasing and are a perfect habitat for the birds. Our guide was remarkable in her handling of the dogs which were perfectly trained. Each meal each day was five-star as was the service and hospitality of the Macnabs. We had the most relaxed and congenial dinner conversations. Truly a great American experience.
2023 Endorsed Fly-Fishing Outfitter of the Year
Breckenridge Outfitters, in Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge Outfitters offers year-round guided fly-fishing adventures and a full-service fly shop in Breckenridge, Colorado. They pride themselves on providing the best knowledge, guidance, and equipment to explore the finest fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains, including Gold Medal rivers and exclusive private ranch rivers, ponds, and lakes. Here’s what one satisfied guest had to say:
Such an awesome experience for my first time ever fly fishing. My guide (Matt Hayes) did an excellent job. Very professional and very helpful/insightful! He managed to get me into some fish with the tougher conditions due to the higher water levels. Think I’m hooked on fly fishing now.
Congratulations to all the winners, as well as to all the remarkable nominees in each category.
Click here to see winners from past years, as well.
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