FOUNDER & CO-OWNER
Isaac Cole
Isaac Cole spent parts of his childhood enjoying the mountains and rivers around the country, from exploring Salt Lake City to fishing on the shores of the Sea of Cortez in Baja, California. Isaac considers both of these places and their wild nature integral to shaping who he is and what is important to him. Besides fly fishing, his other great passion in life is filmmaking. After high school, Isaac studied film at New York University’s Tisch School of The Arts. The four years he spent in the big city were inspiring and eye-opening, but he missed the rivers and mountains.
When Isaac returned home to Utah, he began his endeavor as a fly fishing guide and has loved every minute of it since. He created Pale Morning Drift, a uniquely personalized, boutique fly fishing experience. His personability, expert technique and intimate knowledge of local waters make him the perfect guide, whether you’re a novice fisherman or have been around the bend a few times. While the location, weather, and season may vary, his goal remains the same: to help slow down life for a moment to enjoy the river, the birds, the trees, and yes, even the wind. With Isaac, catching fish will be the easy part. For him, seeing the joy on someone’s face when they catch their first trout with a fly rod is as good as it gets.
“Fly fishing is good for your mind and soul, and I love sharing this feeling with people.”
-Isaac Cole
CO-OWNER
Aaron Loomis
Aaron’s love for fly fishing began in 2015 in his home state of Utah. Over the years, fly fishing has gone from a weekend hobby into an obsession. This means spending time on local waters multiple times a week and taking many road trips to trout streams and lakes in the western US. Whether it’s nearby or several hours away, his time outdoors is always spent with his trusty fishing dog and partner in slime, Ruca.
Fishing to technical water with big, seasoned trout is what he finds the most enjoyable. Some of his fondest memories are of the season he spent in Craig, Montana where he learned how to fish long leaders to picky sippers on the mighty Missouri River. He loves the visual hunt and challenges that come along with this art form.
Aaron always said that being born and raised in Utah is a blessing. When he’s not poking around the Rocky Mountain states, you will find him chasing bonefish and permit in the salt. One of his favorite places to do this is in Central America’s, Belize. To him, and many others, this little gem of a country is extraordinarily special.
“Fly fishing is truly therapy for the soul, and I am always excited to show the beauty and wonder that comes along with it.”
GUIDE
Nikki McGee
Originally from Minnesota, Nikki McGee made Utah her home back in 2006. What was supposed to be a 4-month climbing adventure turned into a complete lifestyle shift into what she never dreamed her life could be. She’s spent the past 17 years, pursuing a career in the outdoor industry, primarily focusing on rock climbing, experiential education, fitness, and, of course, fly fishing.
Her profound love and respect for our outdoor spaces and their healing properties, Nikki see’s her ability to share these passions with others as the greatest blessing in her life. Having found healing through climbing, fishing, and yoga, Nikki saw it as her mission to help others heal trauma through these modalities as well. So in 2016, she founded Elevated Mountain Guides, a therapeutic adventure nonprofit aiding local youth and adults in trauma recovery through rock climbing (and soon-to-be fly fishing).
GUIDE
Zach Lassek
Zach Lassek moved to Park City in 2016 from Colorado. He picked up fly fishing his Sophomore year of college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and it has been an integral part of his life ever since. After spending some time in Denver working a job in sales at an online company after college, Zach decided he wanted to be closer to the things he loves to do outdoors – fly-fish, mountain bike and snowboard… with some golf in the mix as well. As a Navy brat growing up he has been fortunate enough to live all over the world but considers Park City home. Zach’s positive energy, stoke for fishing and life in general make him a valued member of the PMD team.
DESTINATION HOST
Whitney Rushton
With 20 years of experience as an avid fly fisherman, Whitney has dedicated her life to the pursuit of adventure and the thrill of the catch. Her passion for exploring new and uncharted waters has taken her to some of the most remote and beautiful fishing destinations around the globe. Driven by a deep love for the sport, her ultimate goal is simple: to experience the world one cast at a time and to catch as many big fish as possible along the way, making her the ultimate trip host!
THE FOUR-LEGGED GUIDE
Charlie
An Australian Cattle Dog, Charlie was born on a bison ranch in Colorado and has been Isaac’s partner in adventure ever since. She was introduced to fly fishing before she had even learned how to use the restroom outside. Charlie loves nothing more than sitting on the bank, patiently waiting for someone to throw her a stick.