John Meier is the owner and lead guide of Oak Leaf Angling.  John has been a fly fisherman for over 40 years and is a license and insured guide in Wisconsin (056084940) and Montana (33533).  His father taught him how to cast when he was 14 years old.  He fished the rivers and streams in Southeast Minnesota and Southwest Wisconsin until he left for college and later served in the Army.  His fascination with fly fishing was rekindled while on leave from the Army in 1999 and started his focus on fishing for trout during a trip to the Big Horn River.  Since then John has pursued dozens of species of fish on the fly in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, Alaska, Vermont, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.  John has extensive experience rowing on the Bighorn and Yellowstone Rivers and is well versed in teaching and mentoring anglers of all levels.  He completed the Sweetwater Guide School in 2017, Advanced Tactics Guide School in 2019, and is certified in CPR and First Aid.     

 

John retired from the Army in 2008 as a Major in Infantry and Operations.  His Army training and experience includes winter survival, mountaineering, desert operations, and advanced trauma care.  This unique background enhances John’s proficiency and readiness as a fly-fishing guide.