Stephen Balogh

About me

Stephen grew up in North Texas where he started fishing at a very young age on the numerous lakes and creeks surrounding his hometown. Instead of playing on the jungle gyms, 4-year-old Stephen could be found baiting his own hook and reeling in bass, perch, giant catfish and the occasional behemoth carp. His passion for fishing grew larger and larger through his early school years until college; it then exploded. Stephen attended the University of Arkansas where he studied Hotel/Restaurant Management. He spent more time on the water than in class; whether it was an evening trip to night fish the White River or romping around Northwest Arkansas streams looking for smallmouth bass.<

Stephen’s guiding career started in 2009 during his sophomore year of college at a private rod and gun club north of campus. Eventually, in 2011, Stephen made his way to guide in Unalakleet, Alaska and from there the addiction grew. Since 2013, he has been guiding out of Vail, Colorado for Minturn Anglers where he has established himself as the go-to float fishing guide for both beginners and experts, young and old. A passion for saltwater fly fishing led him to become involved in an amazing lodge on the Mexican Caribbean, The Xflats. Primarily a permit fishery, Xcalak offers an unbelievable amount of opportunities to catch saltwater flats gamefish such as bonefish, tarpon, snook, jacks, cudas, and more.

Riffletrip Outfitters is your one-stop-shop for your fishing needs. Whether you want to chase trophy trout on the world famous White and Norfork rivers in Arkansas, float through incredible trout water in the Rocky Mountains around Vail, CO, or chase the elusive yet sought after Permit in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, we have you covered.