We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shelen Boyes. Check out our conversation below.
Shelen, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about my business is that fly fishing is only for experts or a very small, elite group. In reality, it’s an incredibly accessible and rewarding sport, and my goal as a guide is to make it approachable for anyone who’s fly curious—even beginners. Many people also don’t realize the depth of connection it offers—not just with the river and the fish, but with the environment and the experience of being fully present outdoors. My business isn’t just about catching trout; it’s about creating memorable, meaningful experiences in New Zealand’s backcountry that anyone can enjoy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shelen Scout Boyes, a fly fishing guide based in Queenstown, New Zealand. I’ve been fly fishing for nearly 10 years, and since 2017, I’ve been exploring the rivers and backcountry here, helping people of all experience levels connect with fly fishing and the outdoors. What makes my approach unique is that I focus on creating personalized experiences. Whether that’s a first-time lesson for someone completely new to the sport, a multi-day backcountry adventure, or workshops specifically designed for women in fly fishing. Beyond just the technical side, I love sharing the mental and physical benefits of being immersed in nature, and I’m passionate about building inclusive communities around this sport. Right now, I’m also working on expanding women-focused trips and workshops, as well as sharing the stories behind these experiences through different media outlets and community events.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is with my father. When my sister was born, she didn’t show any interest in the outdoors, but I was the biggest tomboy you could imagine, and he treated me just like he would have a son. He took me on long hunting trips, told me bedtime stories every night—which I always chose to be about fishing—and taught me how to navigate a traditionally male world without feeling intimidated. That early encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my passions, like fly fishing and guiding, and to carve out my own space in the outdoors.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Suffering taught me patience and perspective in a way that success never could. There have been days guiding when the rivers were impossible, the weather turned against us, or nothing went right—and those days forced me to slow down, adapt, and really listen to my gut instinct. Success feels great, but it doesn’t teach you how to stay calm in the face of disappointment or to find small moments of joy even when things aren’t perfect. Those tough days are the ones that shaped me into the guide and the person I am today.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
One cultural value I protect at all costs is respect for nature and the outdoors. For me, fly fishing isn’t just a sport—it’s a responsibility. I make sure every experience I guide honors the rivers, the fish, and the land we’re on, and I teach my clients to do the same. That respect is the foundation of everything I do, and it’s something I’ll never compromise.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m on my own in New Zealand’s backcountry with no cell service and just my fly rod. For the past three years, I’ve spent Christmas alone—my family is back in California, and my partner works overseas most of the year. I finish work, drive out to a track, and walk into a backcountry river, arriving at a hut around 11 p.m. That’s when I kick off my boots, make a hot cup of tea, and finally breathe. The next three to four days are absolute bliss, with only the animals, the trees, and the trout as my companions. It might seem scary to be out there alone—I definitely keep most of the details from my mom—but this is how I refill my cup.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.troutscoutlimited.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troutscoutlife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troutscoutlife/
Image Credits
Ambyr Gallengly
