Our Guides

All of our guides are passionate, experienced and knowledgeable about angling.

They take pride in their work and ensure that every trip is a lasting memory.

Man sitting on boat with fish.

Tony Nootebos

Owner and Guide 

Tony is the proud owner of STS Guiding Services. After 30 plus years of experience and passion, having grown up fishing with his brother John and father Gerry on most lakes, rivers and streams in the area, he formed Harrison Bay Guided Services in 1996. Thanks to his extensive knowledge the business quickly grew to see twenty fully insured and licensed fishing guides join his team. When he isn’t guiding Tony can be found in the guide shop, on the golf course or fishing with his family who he lives with in Harrison Hot Springs. 
A man is holding a large fish in the water.

Vic Carrao

Vic is the past owner of STS Guiding Service and has been guiding the Fraser River and Fraser Valley region for the past 26 years. Vic's love for white water, adrenaline and exploration lead to where Vic spends much of the summer and fall fishing sturgeon and running the Fraser Canyon from Hope to Hells Gate. When Vic is not on the water you will find him busy working on boats, motorcycles or riding with his wife Teresa. Vic Carrao has worked in many aspects of the fishing industry over the past 30 years. Guiding, retail sales, trade show representative, teaching fly casting. For the past 10 years, Vic has been on Pro Staff for Canada's Largest Lure Manufacturer, Gibbs/Delta. Vic is the past President of the Fraser Valley Angling Guide Association, past Director of the SFI, past Director of the Mission Harbour Authority and has been volunteer tagging sturgeon for the FRCS since 1999. Vic's passion for the Fraser Canyon and sturgeon will undoubtedly translate into a trip of a lifetime,
A man holding a large fish in front of a coleman cooler

Doug Elias

Fishing Guide

Doug is a local boy who was born and raised in Abbotsford, moved across the bridge to Mission in 1990. Doug is a retired Corrections Officer and has been guiding for STS since 2007. Doug started his fishing career fly fishing local and interior lakes, taking courses from some of British Columbia’s top fly fishing instructors like Kevin Longard, Phil Rowley and Gord Honey. Soon Doug was spending many hours learning the art of tying flies and fishing still waters. Doug is also an accomplished sturgeon and salmon angler so if you’re looking for a great trip Doug is your guide.
A man and a child are holding a large fish in a boat.

Chris Burdekin

Fishing Guide

Chris was raised on Vancouver island in Sayward, British Columbia. Chris spent his childhood fishing the salt chuck with his father and grandfather. He later moved to Mission, where he spent every spare moment spay fishing the Harrison River, and local tributaries of the Fraser River for salmon and steelhead. Chris then had the opportunity to go on a fishing trip with STS Guiding. It was at that moment that he realized his true passion, fishing for sturgeon. When Chris is not on the river guiding or exploring new fishing spots, you will find him spending time with his wife Sarah and their two children.
A man is holding a rainbow trout in a net in a river.

Anthony "Merr" Spangers

Fishing Guide

Growing up in the area, Merr has been fishing the rivers of the Fraser Valley, as well as local and interior lakes, with Tony and his dad since he was a kid. He describes himself as optimistic, patient and always ready to fish, even under hard conditions. Merr enjoys helping our clients to catch fish as much as he enjoys catching them himself – he isn’t satisfied until his clients are busy battling fish!
A man is holding a large fish in the water next to a boat.

Jeff Sayewich

Fishing Guide

Fishing all his life, Jeff joined the STS Guiding Services in 2007 and has no plans of stopping. Patient and open-minded, Jeff is happy showing our clients why he loves fishing so much and helping them to experience an unforgettable day. In his spare time, Jeff continues to improve his fishing skills around the Province and spends time with his wife.
A man is holding a large rainbow trout in his hands.

Patrick Vidito

Fishing Guide

Pat began fishing in Chilliwack with his dad when he was a teenager and still remembers the “good old days” when they would fish at Nicola Lake. With 20 years experience fishing and guiding all around beautiful British Columbia Pat joined STS Guiding Services in 2006. Spending the fall months teaching our clients to fish Pat guides in the Queen Charlotte Islands in the summer months. He currently lives in the area with his wife and their two dogs.
A man is kneeling in the water holding a large fish.

Dan Hartlen

Fishing Guide

Danny grew up in the area and has been fishing the Fraser River and its tributaries for over 40 years, 25 of which have been spent guiding with the STS Guiding Services team! Always looking for the next “hot spot,” there are not many spots in the Valley that haven’t been fished by Dan. In his spare time, Dan enjoys hockey, swimming, golf, and hiking – though most of his hikes are around water, checking out new fishing locations! Dan’s good humor and constant pranks along with his great ability to find fish consistently make for a great day on the water.
A man is standing on a rocky shore holding two fish.

Frank Kozel

Operations Manager

Frank has lived in the Fraser Valley most of his life and is our Operations manager and guide for STS Guiding Services. Over his many years of sport fishing Frank has learned the art of fly fishing, spent countless hours Sturgeon fishing, bait fishing and spoon fishing. He really takes his fishing seriously! When not working for STS, sport fishing or running the tour boat he is pursuing his other passion as a professional musician playing guitar and singing in a few local bands. You will also find Frank helping in the office, making sales calls, doing boat maintenance / repairs, or he might even be your shuttle driver for the day. Whatever it is, he’s committed to help make your experience with STS Guiding Services the best it could possibly be.
A man is kneeling next to a large fish in the water.

Matthew Peters

Fishing Guide

Matt was born and raised in Chilliwack, so he has been a frequent fisher of the Vedder and the Fraser River since he was a kid. Matt enjoys taking others out to have the unique experience of reeling in a big Sturgeon. When he’s not fishing you’ll find him at the golf course or spending time with his family
A man with a beard is holding a large fish in his hands.

Dan Dueck

Fishing Guide

Dan was born and raised in the Fraser Valley and developed a passtion for fishing that started in his very early years!  From fishing sunfish after school at local ponds to salmon fishing the local rivers, he loves it all.  He first started Sturgeon fishing over 20 years ago and has developed a deep love of chasing these mighty giants!  He spends as much time as he can on the river learning more about these fish and their habits.  One of Dan's favourite part about being a guide is meeting new people and starting an awesome conversation that often start while on a boat.
man on boat holding juvenile sturgeon

Brant Corder

Fishing Guide

Brants grandfather’s passion for fishing (and epic stories) ignited a lifelong love for the sport for him. His early days were spent fishing the local lakes and rivers around Winnipeg, Manitoba. Brant moved to British Columbia when he was 10, where he took his fishing skills to new heights. The Fraser Valley became an endless array of fishing adventures, especially the Fraser River and tributaries. In 2017, the love and dedication for fishing leveled up and he started a career in becoming a sturgeon fishing guide, sharing his extensive knowledge and love for fishing with others, and guiding them through memorable fishing adventures. You can find this guy on his days off in our local backwaters, fly fishing for cutthroat or out on the Fraser River sturgeon fishing or rock hounding with his family.
man in river cradling sturgeon

Ted Swaine

Fishing Guide

Since joining STS in 2007, Ted has combined his deep knowledge of local river systems with a genuine love for exceptional guest service, crafting unforgettable fishing experiences for clients from around the world. Ted’s strong connection to the Fraser Valley’s stunning landscapes and his unwavering dedication to conservation, make him a standout guide. Ted’s personalized approach ensures that each trip is not only safe and enjoyable but also an enriched learning experience. His contagious enthusiasm for fishing and the region’s wildlife, paired with his expert knowledge, gives guests an unmatched perspective of the Fraser Valley’s rivers. Ted’s unique blend of experience, hospitality, and local insight guarantees a day on the water that’s truly exceptional.
man with sunglasses in river holding fish

James Carey

Fishing Guide

James has been on the water since he was old enough to walk. He began working with his family's company on the Fraser River at a very young age. He took every opportunity to fish for salmon, trout, steelhead, and sturgeon with his grandfather and uncle. James' love for the outdoors quickly developed into a daily passion that ultimately led to a career in guiding. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, and enjoying nature. James also loves to help others discover the incredible fishing opportunities that exist in our backyard. A day out on the water with James as your guide promises to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.
man with fish

Nathan Rasmussen 

Fishing Guide 

Nathan is a third generation BC fisher. He has honed his skills in BC and international waters, specializing in big river fish. Nathan excels in reading the water and understanding fish behaviours. He has been fishing the Fraser River for sturgeon since he was 12, starting with the provincial tagging program and catching sturgeon ever since. As a bilingual French and English speaker, Nathan enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills while having a successful day on the water. 
man in river at tail of adult sturgeon

Dale Servatius

Fishing Guide

Dale is an avid outdoorsman who has guided for the past 30 plus years in both region 2 (Fraser Valley) and 4 ( East Kootenays ).

Dale’s passion for guiding now is in the Fraser Valley on the Fraser River and its tributaries for both sturgeon and salmon. In his spare time, one will often find Dale with a fly rod in hand, either locally or in the East Kootenays, hunting and hiking, or in the gym. Dale brings a lot of passion , enthusiasm, local indigenous knowledge and history of the area for your fishing experience.
man with fishing rod

Terry Harbidge

Fishing Guide

Terry is a seasoned fishing guide with a deep passion for the sport and the great outdoors. Growing up in the Kamloops area, he honed his fly fishing skills on the legendary Thompson River and the region’s stillwater lakes. His love for fishing led him to the Fraser and Harrison Rivers, where he has been guiding for over a decade, specializing in Sturgeon and Salmon fishing.

With extensive experience in fly fishing, salmon fishing, sturgeon fishing and river navigation, Terry provides expert guidance to anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re after the thrill of a massive sturgeon or the excitement of a salmon on the fly or spinning gear, Terry’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication to the sport ensures an unforgettable fishing experience
family with sturgeon in water

Lance Van Kessel

Fishing Guide

Lance has been hooked on fishing since I was a kid—there’s just something about the river that’s always felt like home. Growing up near the Fraser and Harrison Rivers, chasing sturgeon, salmon, and trout became more than a hobby—it turned into a lifelong passion. Now, as a dad of three, I love sharing that same excitement with my kids and with guests on the water. Guiding gives me the chance to pass on the thrill of the catch and the beauty of these incredible rivers.