Changes at MOF

A letter to my friends and customers

By Dan Mahoney

Ever since I landed a job working in a fly shop back in 2002, I have treated guiding as a profession and worked hard to master the craft. After nine years of rowing for various other outfitters, I started Missoula on the FIy in 2013 and built it from the ground up, growing a viable business that connected Missoula’s amazing fishery to customers that value it.

This work has been an incredibly rewarding endeavor, a great challenge, and one of my proudest accomplishments. I could not have found success without the support of my customers, friends, family, and the great crew of guides that have worked for me. I have enjoyed a life’s worth of good times in the boat with clients and I truly value the memories and friendships forged on the water.

As of last month, though, change is in the air. For the betterment of my growing family, and in order to pursue a new career in ranch brokerage with Live Water Properties, I have sold Missoula on the Fly and handed over the reins to Anthony VonRuden, who many of you know as an outstanding guide and experienced hunting outfitter. I am confident that Anthony will take what’s been established and lead Missoula on the Fly in a positive direction.

Again, a huge thanks to all of you, and the best crew of guides in the West!

— Dan Mahoney, Missoula

A letter from the new owner

By Anthony VonRuden

Hello from Montana,

For those of you who I haven’t had the chance to meet yet, I would like to take this moment to introduce myself. My name is Anthony VonRuden and I’m the new outfitter and owner of Missoula on the Fly.

I’m sure this has come as a surprise to some of you, please allow me to give a little history as to how I came to be where I am today.

I was first given the opportunity to guide for Missoula on the Fly back in 2015. Dan has the reputation for running one of the premier fly fishing businesses in Montana and much of that credit is due to his dedication to providing every guest with the best trip possible. It’s a great privilege to have guided with and learned from Dan Mahoney.

I knew early on that he was building something truly special and it was a brand that I was proud to be a part of. When Dan broke the news to me that he might be pursuing a career in ranch real estate I made it very clear that I would love to continue to be a part of Missoula on the Fly moving forward.

Dan and I have a great relationship and spend a lot of time in the off season hunting together with our bird dogs. That common bond enabled us to really get to know each other and ensures that this will be a smooth transition.

In addition to working as a fly fishing guide I am also a hunting guide and outfitter. In 2017 I started my own hunting business, Montana Big Game Outfitters. I have worked tirelessly to build the reputation for going the extra mile and providing my guests with the best experience possible. Dan was an invaluable resource and gave me some great advice along the way. My ability to successfully grow my hunting business into something that people could rely on for an unforgettable trip gave Dan the confidence that I was the right guy to keep Missoula on the Fly moving onward and upward.

I look forward to building upon the pillars of hard work, positive attitude, and professionalism that Dan has founded this business on. I’m also using this opportunity to add a few more great guides that I’ve met over the years to an already amazing crew of guys that not only love their job but produce day in and day out. You can look forward to catching up with the same familiar faces you’ve come to love as well as learning from some great guides who are excited to be joining the Missoula on the Fly family.