Boundary Waters Canoe Guides | Ely MN Guides

Jim Blauch:  Jim has been exploring the woods, paddling waterways and discovering wildlife since childhood. As a wilderness guide and previous owner of Four Seasons Adventures, he has introduced many people to the diversity of flora and fauna, natural history, and ecosystem ecology of northern Minnesota - not to mention lunker fish!   Jim holds degrees in wildlife management, chemistry, environmental studies, and graduate research in environmental biology. He has extensive interests and experience in wilderness ecology, natural history, backcountry skiing, skijoring, winter camping and wilderness preservation.  Customers rave about his fishing knowledge and instruction, wealth of local information, wilderness navigation abilities, enjoyable campfire stories and not to mention taste bud tantalizing meals.  He will provide you with an unforgettable wilderness adventure.

St Croix Rod - Pro Staff
Northland Tackle - Pro Staff
Scientific Angler - Pro Staff
FFF Certified Casting Instructor
FFF Guide Association
FFF Life Member

CERTIFIED Federation of Fly-Fishers Guide - available for lessons or guided day trips

Chris Parthun: Chris, a veteran paddler of more than thirty years, brings a wealth of experience to our guiding team. He first canoed the Boundary Waters while in high school back in 1969 and has been returning ever since. Growing up backpacking and canoeing, as well as hunting and fishing with his father, taught him respect and appreciation for nature. Wilderness paddling has become his greatest passion and has enabled him to become an expert on gear, backcountry camping, and wilderness etiquette. In addition, Chris’ clients have marveled at his mouth-watering culinary skills. With separate degrees in Environmental Studies and Geography, Chris enjoys integrating his knowledge of the environment with an appreciation of where things are. Chris’ trips will always have you coming away with a better understanding of the wilderness, and a heightened appreciation for stewardship of our natural resources. His experience and dedication to his trips and our clients make him a joy to be with on any adventure you may want to take. 

Josh Bullivant:  Josh is a avid outdoorsman and  spends most of his time fishing and hunting.  His strong love for the outdoors led him to Ely to pursue a degree in Wildlife Management from Vermillion Community College.  While going to Vermillion he got his start in guiding during the summer months.  After Vermillion College, he attended University of Minnesota - Crookston where he received his degree in Natural Resources Management.  Josh's degrees and love for the outdoors makes him a very knowledgeable & experienced guide for the local area lakes for fishing, information regarding the eco-systems and the history of the BWCA.

JB Lures - Pro Staff
Rig'em Right Waterfowl - Pro Staff
G & H Decoys - Pro Staff

Jake Mattila:  Jake, a true woodsmen, was born and raised in southern Minnesota.  His quest for becoming a wilderness guide began when he was just a kid and barely old enough to hold a fishing rod.  Growing-up fishing the mighty Mississippi, hunting the bluffs of southern MN, and camping and canoeing along his favorite rivers has seasoned him to become a friendly and knowledgeable guide who is sure to make you laugh appreciate his good nature.  During the off-season, Jake enjoys taxidermy, welding, hunting, searching for antler sheds, and canoeing.  Jake's extensive knowledge of wilderness travel, fishing techniques and great stories are sure to make for a memorable wilderness trip.