Hope for Jon B

I met Jon Baiocchi a little over three years ago as I was just beginning my journey into the world of fly fishing. As a brand new angler I was nervously fumbling my way through the learning process when I happened upon Jon at my local river one afternoon. As most in our local fly fishing community will attest, Jon is a bit of a legend. Jon has excelled in most things he’s tried. After many years as a pro in the action sports world Jon followed in the footsteps of his father and started his fly fishing guide service, Baiocchi’s Troutfitters. Much to my surprise, the man I met on the riverside that day three years ago was incredibly humble, kind and a wealth of knowledge. In an industry that doesn’t often reward the free flow of information, Jon showed me that you could simultaneously protect the places and things you love while also welcoming newcomers with open arms. His leadership and hard work with Trout Unlimited also helps us all enjoy the same spaces he tirelessly works to protect and enhance. Since that time Jon has become a great friend and mentor on and off the water and has taught me so much about not only fly fishing, but about life in general. I know I’m not alone in that. 


All of this brings me to the reason I call you all here. Our buddy Jon has been silently dealing with a number of personal struggles that I would love to see us, his community, try to help him with.

At the end of October Jon shared that his landlord had unexpectedly told him that she would be selling the house he was renting and demanded that he vacate the property immediately. Although this wasn’t an ideal situation Jon knew that he could find a new place to rent without much trouble. Little did he know, however, that one week later the Camp Fire would rage through Butte County and would result in an immediate housing crisis for many, leaving next to no properties available for rent.

Jon, being the industrious man he is, decided that he would simply weather the storm and spend some time camping in his truck, which he already had equipped for nights spent on the river before early morning guide trips. Again, this situation wasn’t ideal, but Jon has an amazing outlook on life and has said so many times that he was just thankful that he had his truck and the few essential items he needed to do his job as a guide, and a handful of personal items he needed to be comfortable. In short this was a man who was selflessly willing to wait out a few months living in his truck while the people with a greater need filled up the houses and rooms for rent in the area. 

That positive outlook was shattered last night in Sacramento. Jon B was staying the night at a hotel in Sacramento to have a place to clean up for a night and a warm place to sleep. When he woke up to start his day today Jon learned that his truck (which was essentially his home) along with all of his earthly possessions and guide/fishing gear had been stolen. He has been left without a dry place to sleep, a way to work, a vehicle, and without even a secondary outfit to put on. He has lost everything!


This is a man who has tried to not ask for help but has reached the bottom and desperately needs his community to rally around him and help lift him up. As someone who has directly benefitted from the kindness and knowledge of Jon Baiocchi I’m standing before you all asking for your help now. Please consider making a donation of any size to help Jon get back on his feet. There is no amount too small and 100% of the donations raised will go directly to Jon. 

Ask yourself if Jon has ever been there for you and then try to imagine the gravity of his situation. He needs us more than ever and I can’t wait for him to see the support that he has from all of us!!

Thank you from the bottom of our heart!