Meet your hosts…

  • A Spirit of Adventure

    From the Gulf Coast to the mountains of Montana, Sarah Cornette's passion for exploring waterways has defined her life. After falling in love with Montana's wild beauty, she became a seasoned guide on iconic rivers like the Middle Fork and Main Salmon. Inspired by her travels throughout Central and South America, she earned degrees in Spanish and Education, sharing her love of language with students. But the call of the river was strong – she balanced teaching with guiding fly fishing trips and managing a guest ranch on the legendary Blackfoot. Even winters took her south, managing an island estate in Patagonia. Now, Sarah brings her adventurous spirit, diverse skills, and warm hospitality to The Complete Fly Fisher, ensuring your Montana adventure is truly unforgettable.

  • World-Class Culinary Experience Meets Fly-Fishing Expertise

    Matt's culinary journey began on the East Coast, mastering family cooking traditions from Italy and France. After earning a business degree, the kitchen beckoned – he honed his craft in Jackson and Missoula, embracing farm-to-table cuisine at renowned eateries. Yet, Montana's rivers had their own allure. Matt transitioned to become an executive chef at a guest ranch and an experienced fly-fishing guide throughout the state and Chile. He's not just a talented chef – Matt's banjo skills have been showcased in a renowned bluegrass band across North America. Together with his wife Sarah, their passion for adventure has taken them around the globe, always with a fly rod in hand.

    Now, Sarah’s attention to details and Matt's culinary knowledge blends well with their fly fishing experience to provide our guests with a first class hospitality team at The Complete Fly Fisher.

Meet the Owners

We are montanans. We love this valley and are committed to preserving it, enjoying it and sharing it with you.


  • Owner & media pioneer in the outdoor industry.

    In 1989, John Barrett began creating television programming that would change the face of outdoor television. It began with a series titled, “Fly Fishing the World,” an award-winning project that was the first fly-fishing-only television series ever produced. The show began airing on ESPN in 1990 and became one of the most popular outdoor programs for more than 23 years, exposing the greatest fly-fishing locations on earth to millions of viewers worldwide.

    Barrett spent his adult life searching the world for anything that could be caught on a fly rod. Along the way he was joined by recognizable names such as Robert Duval, Kevin Costner, Liam Neeson, Walter Payton, Chris Evert, John Denver, Henry Winkler, and Michael Keaton, just to name a few. The success of “Fly Fishing the World” on ESPN led to the network requesting more productions from Barrett which included “Fly Fishing America,” “Trout Unlimited“ television, the “Fly Fishing Masters,” “L.L. Bean’s Guide to the Outdoors,” and other specials and series that included fly fishing as a core part of the projects. Barrett was also instrumental in the inclusion of fly fishing in ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games.

    In 2018 the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) unanimously voted John Barrett into their Hall of Fame.

    Today John is now part of the new ownership group of the Complete Fly Fisher, and when he isn’t spending time with this beautiful daughter and wife, he can be found on the banks of the Big Hole River.


  • Owner & avid fly fisherman

    Paul has fished, guided and lived in Southwest Montana since 1995. “I am excited to be part of this ownership group that will continue the great legacy of the Complete Fly Fisher. The unique setting and first class lodge operation of CFF will allow us to offer anglers from around the world a magnificent fly fishing experience in one of the greatest trout fishing locations in the world, Southwest Montana.”