Our Team - The Staff of Country Pleasures

Mike Gifford

Mike has resided in Southern Alberta for most of his life and has extensive experience fishing the Bow, the Crowsnest and the waters of Southeastern British Columbia. In the mid-1980's he guided anglers on the Bow River.

Mike has extensive fishing experience both in freshwater for trout, bass, and pike, and in saltwater for such diverse species as tarpon, bonefish and trevally. Mike resides in High River with his wife, Maureen, and his daughter, Caitlin, both of whom are enthusiastic and experienced fly fishers. If you have not had the opportunity to meet Mike, drop by the shop and do so.

Caitlin Gifford

Caitlin grew up fly fishing and started working in Country Pleasures at the age of 14. Her experience extends from Trout fishing all over Southern Alberta and British Columbia to stalking Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit in the Carribean. She has also developed an unhealthy interest in Steelhead. Currently in her second year of University, Caitlin works full time in the shop during the summer and part time during the winter while working on her degree in Environmental Science. With her experience we are sure that you will find Caitlin informative and helpful. And her friendly manner and sense of humor will keep you smiling.

Brent Piche

Brent grew up in Southern Alberta and has fly fished since he was eight. He spends a significant amount of time on Alberta waters, fishing year round. He enjoys hunting Bull Trout in Southwest Alberta, and fishes the Bow through both the summer and winter months. He is an accomplished fly tier, producing some exceptional and innovative patterns. He seems to have developed some sort of affliction related to Steelhead over the last couple of years which is bad for him but good for you if you need someone to show you how to tie Intruders.

Dee Chatani

Dee has been fly fishing the Bow since 1978. We're not aware of anyone who spends more time on the river than he does. Since the late-80's Dee has guided on the Bow and is recognized as one of the very best guides on our river.

Prior to joining our staff Dee was the product representative, since the early 90's, for top quality manufacturers such as Sage, Scientific Anglers, Idylwilde Flies, Waterworks Lamson and Loon Outdoors. Additionally, since 1998, Dee was the owner/outfitter of Trout Chasers River Company.

In addition to his extensive knowledge of fishing around Southern Alberta, Dee has a vast amount of saltwater experience. Whether you're stalking snouts on the Bow or Bonefish in Belize, jumping Tarpon in Cuba, targeting Redfish in Florida or hunting Permit in Mexico, Dee has the knowledge and experience to enhance your adventure.

You'll find Dee guiding on the Bow during the summer months and for balance of the year, he'll be in the shop. Whether you book him as a guide or utilize his good natured, knowledgeable manner in the shop, we think you'll find Dee a valuable asset to your fishing experience.

Zach Southgate

Zach started fly fishing at the age of seven on small creeks in the foothills as well as on the Elk River in BC. He has now worked two summers with us. Zach fishes a TON!, any free time is spent on the water.

Zach prefers fishing dry flies, but enjoys fishing nymphs and streamers as the need arises.

Feel free to contact our staff by phone (403) 271-1016 or by e-mail.