– Leif Kvinsland @ Red's Fly Shop
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
Meet Leif Kvinsland
Leif Kvinsland, affectionately known as "Leifers," is the most senior guide on the Red’s Fly Shop team. With over two decades of experience, he is a cornerstone of our operation and one of the first employees hired after Steve Joyce, Tony Robins, and Richard Leider acquired the shop in 2002. Known for his patient proficiency, Leif embodies what it means to be a top-tier guide. His humble demeanor masks exceptional skill as both an angler and a caster—qualities that shine when you see him in action. Leif approaches guiding with quiet confidence and a focus on providing guests with memorable experiences.
Early Beginnings
Leif’s journey into fly fishing began at the age of 10 with an instructional class at Sunriver Lodge near Bend, Oregon. A few years later, he deepened his passion while fishing the Crooked River as part of an intro to fly fishing class. These experiences sparked a lifelong love for the sport. Originally from Port Orchard, WA, Leif moved to Ellensburg in 2002 to attend Central Washington University and has called it home ever since.
"True skill as a guide isn’t about showing off what you can do—it’s about having the patience to help someone else succeed. Prowess is knowing when to step back and let the moment be theirs."
Guiding Expertise
Leif ran his first guided trip on the Yakima River, where his adaptability quickly made him a favorite among clients. Over the years, he has guided extensively on the Yakima River and its tributaries, excelling in stonefly and hopper dry fly fishing.
Whether working with seasoned anglers or novices, Leif tailors each trip to his clients’ unique goals.
Personal Passions
When not guiding, Leif enjoys snowboarding, snowmobiling, golfing, and hunting birds and big game. One of his fondest memories is watching his 4-year-old son, Sig, catch his first trout on a dry fly in a mountain creek last summer—a moment that reflects his love for sharing the outdoors. Married to Brooke, with two children, Sig (5) and Helle (4), Leif also finds time to sell real estate, play piano, and pursue team roping. The family shares their home with three dogs: Tav, a shorthair; Rebel, a black lab; and Tuf, an English Pointer.
Wisdom and Inspiration
Leif’s philosophy is rooted in patience and respect for the craft. He advises beginners to “give the targeted fish or animal more respect than you think in regards to the ability to avoid being caught or shot.” His dream trips include snowboarding at Baldface Lodge in British Columbia and an archery elk hunt in Montana. Known for his love of George Strait’s music and his skill with a Sz10 pink hopper, Leif hopes his clients leave with a deeper passion for fly fishing and the natural world.