Jonathan Heames

Jonathan Heames returns to the Isla Monita staff again this year and brings with him 13 years of guiding experience in the waters of southwestern Montana and Yellowstone National Park. He is a licensed outfitter in the state of Montana and works with Trouthunter on the waters of the Henry´s Fork in Idaho, specializing in dry fly fishing for quality trout. Jonathan is an FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor and his friendly personality combined with his level of commitment to the sport ensures that anglers of all levels are on the trout and have a great time on the water. His experience comes from chasing fish with his fly rod from Mexico’s Yucatan and Baja to both coasts of Florida, the western United States up to Alaska, and Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina. He logs over 150 days of fishing each year and when not fishing, he can be found with his bird dog at his side looking for the upland birds of the west. Jonathan speaks excellent Spanish which ensures a really well-integrated and friendly staff so as to ensure that guests get the best of everything!

Jonathan Heames
Sarah Heames

Sarah Heames is an outstanding young woman who will be working with Isla Monita for her fourth season this year. Sarah graduated in 1999 with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Since then she has worked in the hospitality management industry, mostly with Marriott Hotels in the U.S. Currently she resides in Montana and works for the Bar N Guest Ranch in West Yellowstone. She had a great season in 2006/2007 and she will be working as Domestic Manageress of the Lodge. She is also a keen and able flyfisher. Sarah also happens to be married to Jonathan Heames, the Island’s Master Guide!

Sarah Heames
Karl Jones

Karl Jones hails from the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in Oregon he worked and learned the trout and steelhead rivers of Oregon from his father (also a fly guide) before moving to Montana and Idaho. Eventually Karl's extensive search in Latin America for excellent fishing venues led him to Isla Monita. Currently he resides Missoula, Montana and guides flyfishing there the other months of the year. Trout fishing is a way of life between saltwater and bird hunting trips. A day on the water with Karl Jones is both an exciting fishing adventure and an afternoon well spent with a superb outdoorsman, fly fishing guide and oarsman

Karl Jones
Ivan Miller

Ivan Miller has been guiding the Madison, Gallatin, and Yellowstone Rivers as well as the waters of Yellowstone National Park for the past 6 years out of West Yellowstone, Montana. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, he spent his early years on the San Juan River and the Rio Grande. He is skilled in both instructing beginners and guiding expert fishermen and has a special affinity for seeking out large trout with streamers. An expert flyfisherman and a bowhunter, Ivan maintains an easy going demeanor and a quiet intensity.

Ivan Miller
Evan Phillippe
Evan Phillippe grew up fly fishing the mountain brook trout streams and
limestone spring creeks of the eastern US. After learning his way around the
small, crowded, and often very technical fisheries of the east coast, Evan moved
West in 1999 to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. A
never-ending search for bigger fish and deeper snow led Evan on guiding and
skiing adventures through Steamboat Springs, Winter Park, and Durango, Colorado
before he moved to Missoula, MT in 2003. Evan has worked for the Grizzly Hackle
Fishing Company for the past four years and will return to Missoula in the
summer of 2008 to further pursue his passion for fishing and guiding the
freestone rivers of western Montana.
Evan Phillippe
Patricio Suazo
Patricio has worked at Isla Monita for over 25 years. He was born beside the lake long before the road was built and when the only transport from one end of the lake to the other was by boat. There is no one with better knowledge of the lake and the nearby rivers. He is an expert fisherman and superb guide. His lack of English is more than compensated by his uncanny insight into where the fish are. Patricio is also the most renowned of boat builders in the region and all of our lake boats were designed and built by Patricio. Their quality is illustrated by the fact that when Isla Monita has fully depreciated any of Patricio's older boats, the locals snap them up at prices often higher than their price as new. Patricio is also the main contractor of local staff for the Island, due to his knowledge and prestige. Patricio Suazo
Americo Hernandez

Americo has worked for most of his working life with Isla Monita. He is an expert boatman and a fine fisherman and guide. His infectious laughter whenever a fish is hooked is always certain to bring extra warmth to the fishing. Americo is also Isla Monita’s construction expert and all of the buildings on the Island have been designed and built (or modified) by Americo, all reflecting his instinct for harmony and style, whilst incorporating maximum strength and efficiency. Americo also built the community centre in the village of Santa Lucia which was a donation by one of the partners of Isla Monita and is the finest building in the village.

Americo Hernandez
Manuel Suazo

Manuel is Patricio Suazo’s brother and has also worked for over 25 years at Isla Monita. He was also born on the lakeside. Like Patricio, Manuel knows every nook and cranny of the lake, the island and the nearby rivers. Apart from being expert fishermen and guides, Manuel and Patricio make the excellent barbecues with their wellknown and delicious brochettes which are always enjoyed by guests beside the rivers or the lakes at the lunchtime breaks. One of our English visitors resident in Chile who returns every year has to be persuaded that he cannot monopolize Manuel’s services for the entire week! (We think that the barbecue lunches are as important as Manuel’s excellent guiding skills!).

Manuel Suazo