Meet the Guides
Born and raised on a cattle ranch in Southwestern North Dakota, Al Lefor is no green-horn. As founder/owner of Great Divide Outfitters, Al is one of the most experienced river guides in the area and has been a licensed river guide for 25 years. His favorite river, is of course the Big Hole because of it’s unique nature. Whether you prefer to fish pools, riffles or rapids, there’s something for every fisherman on the Big Hole. From wild-flowered alpine meadows, to canyons and cottonwood bottoms, it’s little wonder why Al loves the Big Hole river.
Favorite Dry Fly: Carlson’s Purple Haze
Favorite Nymph:Oversized Bead-Head Pheasant tail
Favorite Streamer:Pumpkin Bugger, Olive Rabbit Tail Bugger
Art Bivins grew up on the central coast in Santa Maria, California and received a Forestry Degree from San Jose College on a football scholarship. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he was introduced to commercial Salmon fishing in Alaska. After thirty-eight years of hard work, Art acquired a 58ft Purse Seiner, a crew of five and a life-time of experiences he wouldn’t trade for the world. Retirement as a river guide in Divide, Montana has become his life’s calling, and he’s been living that dream for the past five years.
Favorite Section of the Big Hole:Fish Trap in the Spring, Jerry Creek to Maiden Rock in the Summer.
Favorite Dry Fly:Golden Stone Fly, Blue Winged Olives
Favorite Nymph:Stone Flies in black and brown, Bead-head Pheasant tail.
Favorite Streamer:Pumpkin Bugger on overcast days in May.
AL: Is there much catching going on in your area of the Big Hole by wade fishers?
If so, would you be willing to mark some “Xs” on the map of a fisher from Sheridan,
~Mark
Great to see Art with a big “yella belly” in his hand. Ben and I talk often of the fun we’ve had on the Big Hole with Art. He’s one heck of a guy!!!