Meet Your Guide: Matt Thornton

Matthew Allan Thornton grew up on the rivers of Oregon, first picking up a fly rod at nine years old under the guidance of his stepfather, a New Zealand mountaineer who treated a fly rod as an essential part of his food plan. That early influence set him on a lifelong path.

In 2014, Matthew became a professional guide and soon expanded his experience to Alaska, immersing himself in remote water, fish behavior, wild people, and wild places. Today, he is a licensed captain with deep expertise, yet his focus remains simple: facilitating meaningful memories in the places we love.

Matt also founded and serves as Executive Director of The Wilderness Calling, a nonprofit focused on conservation, education, and building legacy. Its flagship effort centers on working alongside ODFW and NOAA to map the exact ocean migration routes of steelhead.

"Rule one: have fun. Along the way, you will catch fish and become a better angler."

Matt's Guiding Program

Matthew's guiding year follows the seasons — each chapter defined by a specific fishery, species, and set of techniques honed over decades on the water.

Season	Fishery & Species	Details
Jan 15 – Apr 15	Steelhead	Swung fly guiding, combined with Kelt Steelhead tagging efforts in partnership with ODFW and NOAA
May	Trout & Steelhead + Hosted Belize Trip	Spring fishing on the Deschutes River, followed by a hosted destination trip to Belize
Jun – Sep	Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling & All 5 Salmon Species	Based at Crystal Creek Lodge, with access to a vast network of rivers via bush planes and jet boats
Sep – Nov	Summer Steelhead	Deschutes River — swung fly steelhead trips

Matthew guides steelhead on a swung fly on Oregon rivers, fishing in a way that demands patience, discipline, and time. In Alaska, he guides trout and salmon with the same level of care and attention to detail, creating experiences that extend well beyond the day’s fishing.

Each trip is thoughtfully designed, drawing from a lifelong connection to rivers, a genuine interest in people, and years spent traveling and working in wild places.

Beyond the River

When he is not on the water, Matt is a musician, playing bass and continuing to explore the creative side of his life. Music and rivers have long been the twin currents shaping his path.

At its core, Matthew’s work is about connection: to the river, to the fish, and to the people who share in the journey.

 

Book a trip with Matt or learn more:

Book a Trip with Matt The Wilderness Calling