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Russell was born into the Vogt family, as a 4th generation resident of Kittitas County in the small agricultural community of Ellensburg, Washington.  It was here he was raised by his mother Mary, an elementary school teacher and his father, Bud a retired member of the police officers guild. 

Russell’s first introduction to the sport of fly fishing came at the early age of fourteen when his Uncle, Doug Pope first instructed him in the fine art of trout fishing with artificial flies.  Rocky Ford, Crab Creek and many of the surrounding desert lakes were some of the fishing playgrounds where Russell first matched wits with the Rainbow Trout.

Throughout his high school years, Russell spread his wings and explored the reaches of the Yakima River.  He especially became found of the upper river and spent many days fly fishing the Farmlands area down thru the small town of Throp and sections of the Upper Yakima Canyon.

Upon his gradation from Ellensburg High School in 2000, Russell was treated to a fly fishing adventure to the Big Sky Country of Montana.   He was fortunate enough at this early age to fish many of the great streams of Yellowstone Park such as the Madison, Gallatin, Firehole and Yellowstone Rivers.  The challenge of new water was thrilling however it could not take the place of his first true love in the Evergreen State, the Yakima.

In 2007, Russell uprooted his life from Ellensburg and moved to West Glacier, Montana taking a position with Great Northern Whitewater as an on staff fly fishing guide.  Here, he treated clients to the splendor and beauty of the Middle fork of the Flathead River as well as teaching them the finer points of catching trout with flies.  In the autumn of that year, Russell returned to his native Ellensburg.

The months of spring always bring about new and unexpected changes. In 2008, Russell joined the Professional Guiding staff of Worley Bugger Fly Co. offering his services and expertise to our constantly expanding and returning clientele.

Russell first walked through the door of the Worley Bugger Fly Co. back in 1999 and I always found him to be a pleasant and enthusiastic young man as we discussed broad topics related to fly fishing.  I could tell right away he was passionate about the sport and that passion would stay with him long into his adult life.

Guiding positions within our staff don’t come easy and aren’t available often here at the Worley Bugger, but in 2008 Russell because of his passions, fly fishing abilities and his wiliness to work hard was asked to join our team.  Since then he has excelled in the position and continues to provide our clients with a fun, exciting learning experience year after year.