Everyone is welcome
Rooted in community and always ready to welcome one more.
Crow Creek first opened its doors as a fly shop in 2011, joining the Roslyn community of small businesses. You’ll find us right in downtown Roslyn, in the middle of all the action. Purchased in 2025 by J. Michelle Swope, it is now the only woman-owned fly shop in Washington State. We are proud to continue the shop’s mission of helping people get outside and fall in love with fly fishing while bringing more people into the conservation fold.
Inside the shop, you’ll find high-quality gear, local knowledge, and genuine conversation. We are more than a place to stop and grab flies; we are a space to bring our community together. The shop continues to grow and support local efforts on and off the water, providing a welcoming hub to learn, share, and explore. On the river, our guides are experienced anglers and instructors who make sure your goals for the day come first.
Meet the Crew
J. Michelle Swope
J. Michelle Swope grew up fishing in the great Pacific Northwest, where her love for fly fishing took shape at an early age. She caught her very first fish at two years old on the Elwha River andy the age of seven, a chance encounter with two fly anglers on a local lake sparked a fascination that would shape her entire life. After spotting two anglers fly fishing on a local lake, she ran to her father and declared, “I want to do that.” Her father replied, “I don’t know how, but we’ll figure it out.” Two days later, she came home to her first fly rod. A week after that, a fly-tying kit followed.
From that moment on, J. Michelle immersed herself in the world of fly fishing. She read every fly fishing book at the library, begged for trips to Seattle to visit Patrick’s Fly Shop, and experimented with tying her own flies, sometimes borrowing too freely from her mother’s sewing kit or even the family dog’s fur. What began as a childhood curiousity turned into a lifetime passion built through repetition, learning, and thousands of hours on the water. That foundation became a career and a calling. For more than 30 years, J. Michelle has guided and taught anglers with a style that’s encouraging, practical, and genuine. She teaches casting, fly tying, rowing, and reading water, and is known for helping people feel capable quickly, whether it’s their first day holding a fly rod or their fire time stepping into salt water. Her travels have taken her fly fishing across the United States and beyond, including the Yucatán Peninsula, the Arctic Circle, the Kenai Peninsula, Argentina, and Christmas Island, experiences that continue to shape how she teaches and guides.
In 2025, J. Michelle took a major step in her fly fishing journey by purchasing Crow Creek Fly Shop and Guide Service in Roslyn. Under her ownership, Crow Creek has grown into a hub for community, conservation, and adventure in the South Puget Sound, while also offering destination fly fishing trips to Mexico, Argentina, and Christmas Island. These days, she spends much of her time matching the right guide with each customer, making sure every trip feels comfortable, well-matched, and sets the stage for a great day on the water. Her goal is simple: create great days on the water and make sure people want to come back!
While she continues to explore incredible destinations, the Pacific Northwest remains her home and heart. J. Michelle has fished these waters her entire life and is deeply committed to protecting the ecosystems that allow fish to thrive. She takes pride in helping others experience the beauty of Washington’s beaches, rivers, and streams, fostering a connection to the local environment that lasts long after the day on the water ends.
Follow her on Instagram at @olywomenonthefly and learn more about Crow Creek Fly Shop and Guide Service’s website at crowcreekguide.com!
Associations & Conservation Work
J. Michelle Swope is a Trout Unlimited Certified Business owner with Crow Creek Fly Shop and Guide Service and a proud American Fly Fishing Trade Association member. She is an active Trout Unlimited member, participates in the Washington State Council of Trout Unlimited, and is a member of the Yakima Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited. She runs a spawning and conservation survey project on the White Salmon River on the Columbia, contributing directly to the protection of wild fisheries.
J. Michelle is also a founding member of United Women on the Fly and serves as a board member and Advocacy Committee Chair for iFishiBelong, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing access, inclusion, and advocacy within fly fishing and outdoor recreation.
David Spratt
Dave’s lifelong passion for fishing began in his childhood, growing up in central Washington. His love for fly fishing took root in the 1980s, chasing steelhead across southeastern and western Washington. Over the years, Dave has explored some of the most renowned fly-fishing destinations throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, Florida, and Mexico.
With years of fishing experience, Dave has held previous roles as Fishing Manager at Orvis Seattle and Crow Creek Fly Shop. Today, he brings his expertise to Crow Creek Guide Services, where he shares his knowledge and enthusiasm with anglers of all skill levels.
“The upper Yakima River watershed is a truly special place. It’s an honor to guide both new and seasoned anglers on this remarkable fishery.”
Billy Crawford
Billy grew up on the East Coast and has been fishing for as far back as he can remember. He started saltwater fly fishing around age 11, and would spend hours practicing his cast in the backyard. Some of his favorite memories were fly fishing with his family, targeting striped bass in the waters around the east end of Long Island.
About 10 years ago, Billy was invited on a fishing trip to Montana. It was his first time flyfishing in a river, and he became amazed at how much more there was to explore with a fly rod. He quickly became obsessed with all things trout and fly fishing, which eventually led him to guiding.
Billy holds a double masters in education and development. He likes to teach the key concepts of fly fishing while creating a comfortable and relaxed space for people to grow. His interests include exploring the intersection of fly fishing, conservation, and social justice.
“I really love how simple flyfishing is, and how deep one can get into the sport. There’s always something to learn or work on, it is truly a lifelong journey.”
Justin Whitlock
Hi! I’m Justin. I was introduced to fly fishing about 14 years ago and have been “hooked” ever since. Dad joke sorry. For the last 4 years or so I have guided multiple bodies of water including the Yakima. Every chance I get you’ll catch me on the river if I’m not working. I currently live in Idaho with my fiance and our little boy Ryder as of 2025. I look forward to fishing with each and every one of you while sharing many stories!
Kyle Branch
Kyle was born and raised in Washington state. His focus in his younger years centered around sports but whenever he could he would get out to fish. His early years in fishing revolved around throwing spinners and jigs for trout, bass, and crappie. Kyle’s introduction to fly fishing came at age 15 when he got his first fly rod. However, it wasn’t until a few years later that he really got hooked and began his fanatical fly fishing adventure. Now living in upper Kittitas county he spends every spare moment chasing fish. Kyle has a background in instructing and with that background comes his passion for guiding. Whether teaching some first timers the basics of casting or hunting trophy trout with experienced anglers you can expect Kyle to continuously coach and help his guest in anyway he can.
Jordan Thompson
Born and raised in Issaquah, WA, Jordan’s passion for fly fishing began when he attended Central Washington University. He loves any and all methods of fishing but really loves the intricacies and skill associated with fly fishing. He has now been guiding for 11 seasons and does not plan on stopping anytime soon. Jordan loves teaching first timers and passing along all the knowledge that others have given him. You’ll find him on the Yakima and local creeks chasing trout, klickitat chasing steelhead and chasing Bass and Tiger Musky across eastern Washington. Jordan currently resides in Ellensburg, WA with his wife, Katelyn and one year old son, Wyatt. On his days off he’s most likely fishing with the family or chasing his two German Wirehair birddogs around after some birds.
Lucas Martinez
Lucas was born and raised in northern New Mexico. At around 7 years old, his dad showed him how to cast using an old fly rod and told him to practice in the backyard. Fly fishing has held his attention ever since. His early fly fishing days were spent on small rivers and creeks in the mountains of northern New Mexico, sight fishing for Rio Grande Cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout.
Lucas attended college at the University of Southern California and holds a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance. While living in Southern California, he spent time fly fishing for bass, sight fishing for Corbina in the surf, and exploring the many fishing opportunities of the Eastern Sierra Nevada.
After 20 years in Southern California, Lucas made the move to the PNW to work as the fishing manager of the Orvis Seattle store. During his time there, he taught many fly fishing classes covering a wide range of skill levels, topics, and techniques. Since moving to Seattle, Lucas has been most interested in fishing a spey rod. So, whether he is on the Yakima River targeting trout, the Hoh chasing winter Steelhead, or a river in Montana looking for bit brown trout, you’re likely to see him swinging with a two-handed rod with his dog, Sierra, by his side. Lucas has spent time fishing in New Mexico, California, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. With over 30 years of fly fishing experience, extensive teaching experience, and deep enthusiasm for fly fishing, he is excited to be a part of the Crow Creek Fly Shop and Guide Service and guide clients to a fun and informative day on the water!