Founder and Director of Operations for Bozeman, Montana-based Yellow Dog Flyfishing (www.yellowdogflyfishing.com), Jim began working in the fly fishing industry at the age of 14. Over the years, he has worked as a guide, sales rep, travel coordinator, and as past National Sales Manager for Scientific Anglers. He’s guided extensively in Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon, and has fished worldwide in over 50 different countries.
In 1999, Jim founded Yellow Dog, a fly fishing booking and travel company that has grown to become one of the largest and most recognized entities in sporting travel. As Yellow Dog’s Director, Jim spends a lot of time scouting and researching destinations throughout the world. Aside from his ongoing work with Yellow Dog, Jim is also the co-founder of Confluence Films, a film production company that created the fishing movies DRIFT (2008), RISE (2009), CONNECT (2011), WAYPOINTS (2013) and PROVIDENCE (2016).
In 2017, Jim was awarded the American Museum of Fly Fishing’s “Izaak Walton Award,” given out once a year to honor and celebrate individuals who live by the Compleat Angler philosophy. The award recognizes “a passion for the sport of fly fishing and involvement in the angling community that provides inspiration for others and promotes the legacy of leadership for future generations.” In 2018, Jim was the recipient of the annual “Lefty Kreh Industry Leadership Award,” presented to one individual each year by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA).
Jim’s writings and photos appeared in numerous magazines and publications, and his photo work and galleries can be viewed at www.klugphotos.com. Fly Fishing Belize (released in October 2014) is Jim’s first full-length book project. Jim lives in Bozeman, Montana with his wife Hilary and children Carson, Finn, and Gus.