Meet Ayrton Stewart | Fly Fishing Guide & Air Traffic Controller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayrton Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayrton, how do you think about risk?
Anyone can take risks. Successful people do so understanding who they are as a person. The discovery of one’s true self approaches opportunity with realistic confidence void of fear.

Fear is unavoidable and comfort is tempting. Discomfort shapes a soul to overcome fear. This is where we learn about our true selves.

There’s a natural course our lives take when our passions align with our being. Then risks become adventures.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Becoming an Air Traffic Controller was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Thankfully the skills I obtained have transformed my passion into a career.

I didn’t want to control but the needs of the Marine Corps dictated otherwise. I had to learn how I learned best. I had to put service to the organization above myself. Then I was put in a position where I could develop leadership and teaching skills.

Air Traffic Controllers are adaptable in their minds. They’re skilled in storing information to use later in time. They understand the big picture and can micromanage the details.

This prepared me to be a fly fishing guide. All of my clients are new to the sport and simply here trying. It’s my job to teach them towards success, observe and understand my surroundings, and adapt in a way that provides the best chance. My goal at the end of a trip is to grow the sport with new anglers that appreciate a complex process and the wildlife within it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I recently did this! We fished many of the Western Colorado Rivers; both on foot and in a raft. He got to appreciate how different the fly fishing is here from North Carolina. He learned new techniques. We enjoyed beer and food at places like Brush Creek Saloon, Ristorante Ti Amo, and Pick Ups Pizza in Eagle, CO. It’s a lovely town to spend time in when the ski season is over. Colorado is so wild and always ready to take you on an adventure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Christ’s goodness has done much to shape me as a man. He’s made me fearless.

My parents for letting me forge my own path by gifting me with little more than true wisdom and love.

Bob Nock gave me an opportunity that I wanted but didn’t feel ready for. I took it anyways and he’s been a great encouragement ever since.

The Marine Corps and all those I served with played a huge part in developing my work ethic and passion.

Website: https://eagleriverflyfishing.com/

Instagram: @kansas_sherpa_fly_fishing

Other: To book a trip call Bob Nock with Eagle River Anglers @ (970) 471-2709 and request Stew! I’d be happy to help you learn about fly fishing and understand if it it’s your new hobby. If you’re an experienced fly fisherman there’s great opportunity to improve your skill!