My Name is Matt Mendes and I am a Native American Fly-Fishing Guide, located on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon. I am also a father, husband and own Spin the Handle, a Steelhead and rainbow trout focused fly fishing outfitter on the Deschutes River. I specialize in two-handed casting instruction and swinging flies for steelhead and throwing dry flies for trout in the spring and summer. Established in 1997, I have over 25 years of fly fishing expertise.

Home water?

The Deschutes River on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon.

What 2-3 lines do you use the most and why? 

I mostly throw the SA Scandi and prefer the Floating Sonar Leaders to swing classic hairwing patterns, but do use Sinking Sonar Leaders when the temperatures drop.

Where would you most like to fish?

I would love to spend time swinging flies on all of the rivers in Northern British Columbia for Wild Steehead but the Deschutes and its summer steelhead runs have my heart. I would also like to start exploring the Atlantic Salmon rivers from Eastern Canada into the realms of Norway and Scandinavia.

Two Truths and a Lie.

I am an American Indian 

When I’m not swinging Spey rods for steelhead I chase chukars over my English Setter “Magic” and hunt elk / deer in between seasons with bows & rifles 

I can’t cast and I am a lousy shot