Shan George Tilford Sedgwick, affectionately known as "Shan Man" simply because it rhymes, is one of the longest-tenured guides at Red’s Fly Shop. Shan’s journey into fly fishing began humbly in Two Dot, Montana—a town immortalized in a Hank Williams Jr. song—where his uncle and dad took pity on his attempts to fly fish with a cane pole and taught him the art properly. It took two years for Shan to catch his first fish, but that moment sparked a lifelong passion. Now based in Yakima, Washington, Shan brings decades of experience and a treasure trove of stories to the water.

Shan’s fondest fishing memory takes him back to the Klickitat River, where he shared the water with Joe Rotter, Rockne, and Rodney Pinon during Red’s early days. Guiding on the Yakima River Canyon was his first foray into the profession, and over the years, he’s expanded his expertise to waters like the Naches, Klickitat, Methow, Grande Ronde, and countless others. Whether it’s guiding anglers on small creeks or lakes, Shan has a knack for making every trip special.

Shan’s wealth of experience is matched by his down-to-earth personality and quick wit. A former Costco manager who led a large team with loyalty and skill, Shan brings both leadership and a sense of humor to every trip. Married to his wife Robin for over 30 years, he’s the proud father of three boys and the owner of an adorable poodle named Sammy.

His advice for beginners is simple yet profound: “Enjoy the fishing; the catching will take care of itself.” With his old man strength, a trusty Pat’s Stone fly, and a commitment to creating memorable experiences, Shan ensures his guests leave with smiles and stories they’ll remember for years. And if he could have dinner with anyone? Richard Nixon—because, as Shan says, “I have so many questions.”