New Beginnings, Same Foundation

I started 2026 with a bright outlook on guiding the Shenandoah River and another year of hard work and growth continuing to build Rivergoat Outfitters, LLC.

SO, here I am wrapping up the first quarter of the year and that outlook has gotten brighter. The last 3 months have provided learning moments on and off the water and a couple huge opportunities for growth. Both opportunities are on or around the water, guiding and service. One opportunity is guiding part time for another outfitter on the James and New Rivers while the other involved taking over another river service company local to me to expand my reach and offerings without leaving an established client base high and dry.

I'll start with the part time gig. Through a recommendation by a fellow angler, guide and friend, Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing and Bird Hunting reached out to me. They were looking to grow their guide team for the season and it was hard for me to turn down the opportunity to learn under a well-established outfitter while having the chance to guide on a couple of the best smallmouth rivers in the state. Wes and his team provide experiences on a different level than what I currently offer on the Shenandoah (lodging, catering, multi-day trips, etc.). I look forward to learning some new water, helping people create memories and bringing some ideas "home" to better service my clients as I continue to build Rivergoat Outfitters in Front Royal, VA.

The second opportunity started back in the Fall of 2025 when I was originally approached regarding the idea and it became a reality the beginning of March. Currently, we are working through a transitional period as I take over and learn the ropes of another business BUT I am the new owner of Ashby Gap Adventures which will be operating under the Rivergoat Outfitters, LLC. Ashby Gap Adventures was created by Jeff Kelble and his wife Erika who have a longstanding relationship with river life, guiding and service in the outdoor space. I was immediately humbled with the thought behind this offer and I am grateful for the experiences it will provide me and my clientele on the Shenandoah River. This endeavor has expanded my reach, professional network and service offerings. I think the biggest things to note here are expanded access to the river via access to a 15' raft with frame options offering the ability to guide 2 anglers fishing or row scenic trips for up to 6 people (as a 1 man operation). I'm figuring it all out as I go here, but with enough lead time and proper planning multi-"boat" trips are most definitely on the table. As I get comfortable in operating within this expanded space I look forward to spending more time on (and learning) the river I enjoy so much.

Lastly, I want to say "thank you."

Thank you for reading this far.

Thank you to Jess for the plug with Wesley!

• Check out what Jess is up to over at https://www.ladyfishflyfishing.com/ She's only just beginning her journey in the outdoor space but absolutely crushing it through community based events, destination trips and the willingness to learn!

Thank you Wes Hodges and Jamie Bowles for the invitation to come down and opportunity to join the team this year! I'm super stoked to learn the program and become a better guide and angler.

Thank you to Jeff and Erika Kelble! I hope I don't become a pest as I ask a million questions and learn to provide the quality service which you have built Ashby Gap Adventures on.

• If you're interested in a DIY paddling/tubing adventure or camping on the Shenandoah, check out Front Royal River Adventures

Thank you to my family, friends and clients that have allowed me to get this far. I've only just begun and look forward to helping you all experience the Shenandoah.

-Brian