Fishing Guide Loses Livelihood

Fishing Guide Wade Isaman (originally from Seattle) lost EVERYTHING he needs to make a living (including his drift boat) on the afternoon of April 20, 2017 on Red Creek Rapid of the B Section on the Green River Utah. The river below Flaming Gorge Dam is currently at high water flows of 8600 CFS (typically 800-900 this time of year) making drift trips more difficult to maneuver. As the anglers neared the Class III rapid a gust of wind came up sending them into a spin and too far left to get through the largest and most dangerous rapid in the area safely. Wade, his friend Dylan, and their 2 dogs miraculously made it out alive after falling in the frigid raging river and being tumbled for a few hundred yards. The water is ice cold and their waders quickly filled up dragging their legs behind them while thrashing through the waves. Fortunately another guide was on a float trip up river with his girlfriend and were able to take them down the rest of the way. Wade and Dylan were both soaked head to toe and so full of adrenaline that hypothermia did not set in.


That evening over some hot soup they shared their story recalling how fast it happened. They were visibly in shock, staring or tearing up at times, and increasingly becoming more distraught as the reality of the situation set in. Throughout the night they frequently expressed their amazement and gratitude to have made it through ok. During the incident they both had thought several times that this was the end- thankfully it was not their time to go. They were a little bruised up the morning after from hitting some rocks and although a bit melancholy were able to find the silver lining and appreciate having survived the incident (and the dogs too!).  Wade has yet again renewed gratitude for making it through the high flows of the river- in 2015 he suffered emotional trauma after putting in his best efforts to save a trapped pontooner that ended up losing his life. Wade performed CPR for several hours on the man throughout the length of the river that was at high water flows at the time. The man's 10 year old son survived the incident.

Adding to Wade's recent trials he hit a deer last week and his guide vehicle is currently at the mechanic. Earlier this year he had to have surgery for kidney stones in his ureter and owes $12,000 in medical bills. Wade could really use some extra love from all of us during this difficult time!

Along with his Clacka Craft Drift Boat, Wade also lost his oars, some life jackets, 4 fly rods and reels (5-6 wt), his guiding fly box with all of his flies (primarily nymphs and dry flies), his net, his iPhone, tippet, hemostats, nippers, floatant, weights/split shot, indicators, etc. He basically needs anything and everything for Western US trout fishing. The gear and boat value lost is an estimated $12,000. Wade is booked throughout the rest of the season and needs the replacements ASAP. The man has a heart of gold and is so humble- he would never ask for anything. Let's show him how kind the human race can be!


In addition to needing funds for boat/gear replacements, and to pay medical bills, Wade also needs fishing gear itself. If you are interested in helping Wade out with replacements of fishing gear please send your donations to:

Wade Isaman
PO Box 334
Dutch John, UT 84023

THANK YOU, God bless, and please send your prayers- the most valuable thing of all!

You can find Wade online at Facebook and at the website for Trout Creek Flies- Green River Outfitters- Utah.