Thad Ferrell
Head Guide
Thad Ferrell was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He spent his childhood traveling out West to fish with his parents. They planted a seed. And whether the branches lead to climbing, biking, hiking, fly fishing, or floating the rivers of the West that he was introduced to as a boy, he knew this was where he wanted to put down roots.
Always thinking about fly fishing, and after a very narrow brush with death in 2017, Thad decided to move forward with his dream of starting a guide service. Not only does he run Kingfisher Fly Guides on the San Juan River, but he also guides for various fly fishing guide services around Southwest Colorado.
In addition, he is a head guide for Four Corners Guides, having earned his Level 4 Packraft Instructor Certification from the American Canoe Association in 2024, and his Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue certifications (renewed every three years). Through Four Corners Guides, Thad also does yearly trainings with master kayak instructor, Kent Ford, and Fort Lewis College Outdoor Pursuits Director, Brett Davis. In 2023, he began his advanced paddling training.
Now a father himself, Thad shares his passions with his own children and wife, in addition to those he guides down the river. Thad runs various multi-sport adventure courses for Four Corners guides. Follow Thad on Instagram.