- Joe Rotter @ Red's Fly Shop
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
A LIFELONG JOURNEY
Joe Rotter’s fly fishing journey began with his Uncle Sid Burns, who first taught him to cast a fly rod at Domke Lake in the upper Lake Chelan area. Born in Eatonville, Washington, Joe moved to Ellensburg to attend Central Washington University and never left, finding his home in the heart of the state’s premier trout waters.
For Joe, fly fishing is more than a profession—it’s now a family tradition. His fondest memories are of fishing with his kids in local creeks and mountain lakes, watching their skills evolve as they grew into proficient casters. They are nearly grown now and his sons will occasionally work in the shop during the busy season.
A Veteran Guide with a Passion for Wild Trout
With 24+ years of guiding experience, Joe has become a cornerstone of the fly fishing community, teaching seminars at national events and online. He has guided on some of the region’s most iconic waters, including the Yakima, Naches, Klickitat, Methow, Grande Ronde, Snake, and numerous lakes and creeks. Joe’s favorite fish to chase are wild trout, and his go-to technique is dry fly fishing. “I won’t fall on my sword to do it,” he jokes, “but that’s always Plan A!”
"I've had other jobs... shortly after college I pursued a career. That lasted a few months then spring rolled around... The rest is history!"
A Teacher at Heart
Joe’s ideal client is someone eager to learn and commit to the process of becoming a better angler. He believes that mastering the basics—especially casting—can make all the difference. “Become a good caster,” he advises. “Everything will seem easy after that. Less tangles, more fish, more fun.” His “superpower” as a guide? Untangling line before it even gets tangled—a skill every fly fisher can appreciate.
Life Beyond the River
When Joe isn’t guiding, you’ll likely find him backcountry hunting, skiing, trail running, or mountain biking. He’s also a skilled goat wrangler, caring for his pack goats Marco, Polo, and Pablo, alongside his Goldendoodle, Timber. At home, Joe is a devoted husband to Kelly and father to three kids—Faith, Jensen, and Jacob which are all in college or nearly there! Time flies.
Joe's dream trip is chasing Giant Trevally in the Seychelles, where the thrill of landing one of these brutes in crystal-clear water would be the ultimate high. But when he's not thinking of exotic destinations, Joe's heart is rooted in the eastern Cascades. "There is no adventure like the ones in your own backyard," he says, embodying a deep love for the local fishing and hunting scenes that have shaped his life. If Joe could have anyone over for dinner, it would be Steve Rinella, whose influence through MeatEater and his advocacy for responsible hunting and conservation has resonated with Joe.
When it comes to guiding, Joe’s ultimate goal is to instill in his guests a deep appreciation for the fine details of fly fishing and inspire a commitment to continual improvement. "Many anglers can’t get over the hump," he explains. "But once you’re there, it gets easy." Whether you’re casting for your first fish or fine-tuning your technique, Joe believes the journey of learning never truly ends. One of his favorite tools for success is the TJ Hooker fly—a versatile pattern that can imitate a streamer, nymph, leech, or crawfish, making it an essential go-to for nearly every underwater scenario.
Joe’s trips are about more than just fishing. They’re about learning, growth, and developing a genuine love for the art of fly fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, a day spent on the water with Joe Rotter offers not only an opportunity to land a fish but also to deepen your understanding and connection to the sport.