Fishing and Hiking Guide

“I wish I had spent less time doing the things I love”…Said no one, ever.

That’s the attitude Sun Valley Mountain Guide Paddy McIlvoy takes towards every one of his outdoor passions. From fly fishing to hiking, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing, Paddy knows how to get out there and explore. “I enjoy getting to share the things I love to do for a living!” Paddy is a huge asset to the Sturtevants family and we feel lucky to have him both as an employee and adventure partner! We love his fun loving and “perma-stoke” attitude, as well as savvy knowledge of all the amazing resources here in our backyard.

Paddy has lived in this Valley for 10 years and is known for making the most of everything that our area has to offer. Originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, Paddy has a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Adventure Education from Prescott College. After college, he dedicated himself to adventure. “I’ve Sea Kayaked the entire Cortez side of the Baja Pennisula; caught 23 of the 42 native North American trout species; and grown over 1,500 varieties of tomatoes (as well as breeding a number of new varieties). Mostly, I just like to play outside as hard as possible, as much as possible.”

When Paddy isn’t guiding with Sun Valley Mountain Guides, he’s a SVSEF Development Team Nordic coach and he has a small heirloom tomato and pepper business called ‘Crazy Guy Tomatoes.’ He also leads outdoor trips for the Community School. Paddy was voted “Best Fishing Guide” in Best of the Valley in 2013 and we’re proud to have him on the Sturtevants team!