Meet the Guides

Founder

Scott Donovan, the founder and lead guide of Camp Anglers, is a seasoned expert in the art of putting clients on trophy fish, boasting years of experience in the field. His deep understanding of the southern Illinois area allows him to craft unique and unforgettable experiences for clients, not only centered around fishing but also taking advantage of the diverse recreational activities in the region.

Educationally, Scott holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Recreation and Leisure Service Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His commitment to outdoor education is further underscored by his certification as an Outdoor Educator by the Wilderness Education Association. Scott underwent rigorous training, including a 30-day course in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), showcasing his dedication to mastering outdoor skills.

Scott's journey in outdoor leadership includes serving as the lead guide for the FISHTECH Program at Camp Lincoln in Nisswa, MN. Drawing inspiration from his early experiences as a camper at InFisherman's Camp Fish in the early '90s, Scott developed and ran a fishing camp model that mirrored the renowned program.

In addition to his role in the fishing world, Scott is the Director of a prestigious post-secondary boarding school catering to students with complex learning disabilities. Over the past two decades, he has served as an advocate, role model, educator, and leader for students from around the globe. His passion for empowering others and fostering independence provides a meaningful counterbalance to his time spent guiding clients with Shawnee Expeditions and implementing Camp Angler.

Scott's dedication to fishing is deeply rooted, dating back over 35 years when he caught his first muskie with his father, affectionately known as Muskie Mike, on Long Lake within the Lac Du Flambeau chain in Northern Wisconsin. Eager to share his wealth of knowledge, Scott approaches guiding with confidence, instilling a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity in the campers he mentors.

Beyond the fishing experience, Scott prides himself on promoting ethical practices, including Leave No Trace principles, selective harvest, and acting as a steward of the Shawnee National Forest. His commitment to sustainable and responsible fishing aligns with his broader ethos of preserving the natural beauty of the environment he so passionately explores with his clients and campers.

Lead Guide

Chris has been fishing with Scott since they met in 1996, while attending high school in St. Charles, IL. They started chasing muskie on Kinkaid Lake in 2000 and their pursuit of trophy fish has never stopped. Their passion and expertise on southern reservoirs is what makes Camp Angler a true fishing experience like no other. Here is what Chris had to say about how it all began…

“30 plus years ago, I was a young boy still learning and influenced by everyday life experience, which had not yet met a Muskie. It was around this time that my father had taken the family on our annual camping trip on Lake of the Woods, as we fished all day looking for what at the time seemed to be a mythical creature my father caught his first Muskie! It was that day that left a long lasting impression on my life and got me hooked on Muskie fishing. Fishermen are a strange fraternity and it is my goal to pass along my experiences and knowledge of fishing to help others enjoy the outdoors and join in our sport.”

Chris is well known for putting Shawnee Expeditions clients on trophy muskie, but others recognize him as a top rated tournament angler. From multiple top gun finishes across the past ten years to winning a national championship while fishing the Professional Muskie Tournament Trail, Chris Riebe has the ability to stay consistent during even the toughest bites.

Come learn from one of the most skilled muskie anglers we know. Chris guides from a 20 ft Warrior tiller boat and can accommodate 3 anglers.

Lead Guide

Pat Donovan, a seasoned outdoorsman with a lifelong passion for the outdoors, traces his fishing roots back to the scenic landscapes of Wisconsin and the pristine waters of Canada. Under the guidance of his father, he learned the art of fishing, honing his skills and developing a deep appreciation for nature.

One of Pat's most cherished fishing experiences took place on Little Vermillion, a lake that reopened after years of closure for broad stock development. Located south of Sioux Lookout, this hidden gem became the backdrop for Pat's adventures in fly-in fishing trips spanning over two decades. Specializing in trophy pike fishing and landing massive walleye, Pat has become a skilled angler, drawing from the wealth of knowledge passed down through generations.

A significant part of Pat's fishing journey has been the camaraderie shared with his brother, Scott Donovan. Together, they navigated the waters, creating lasting memories and strengthening their bond through a shared love for the sport.

Beyond the thrill of the catch, Pat is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and education. He understands the delicate balance between enjoying nature and preserving it for future generations. This commitment extends to his family, where he instills the same values in his son, who has grown up surrounded by the wonders of the outdoors.

In recent years, Pat and his wife, Jill, have taken their love for adventure on the road. With the purchase of a 5th wheel camper, they explore new horizons, often finding solace at Kinkaid Lake in the Shawnee National Forest. Here, they fish, hike, and revel in the beauty of the outdoors as a family—a testament to Pat's belief in the importance of connecting with nature and creating cherished moments with loved ones. Pat Donovan, a true aficionado of the outdoors, continues to share his passion for fishing and conservation, leaving a legacy that transcends generations.

Pat Donovan's passion for fishing extends beyond personal adventures to a commitment to nurturing the next generation of anglers. Over the past 24 years, he has shared countless fishing escapades with Scott, Chris, and Matt, exploring the diverse waters of the Midwest and Ontario in pursuit of muskie, bass, crappie, pike, and walleye.

In the recent chapter of his fishing journey, Pat has shifted his focus towards guiding young anglers during Camp Angler Sessions. His 24 years of experience and wealth of knowledge make him a valuable mentor, dedicated to helping young enthusiasts achieve trophy catches. Pat's unique ability to connect with campers goes beyond just fishing—it's about providing a genuine educational experience filled with fun and excitement. Parents and campers alike appreciate his approachable demeanor and willingness to share his expertise.

Outside of the fishing realm, Pat's talents extend to woodworking. As the owner and operator of Northwoods Custom Craftworks, he showcases his skills in creating custom, one-of-a-kind furniture. A true tradesman, Pat seamlessly blends his craftsmanship with his love for the outdoors, creating unique pieces that reflect his passion.

For those looking to share the boat with Pat, it's not just about the catch—it's an opportunity to engage in captivating conversations about all things fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, Pat's enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendly nature make each fishing trip an unforgettable experience. Come, enjoy the time on the boat with Pat, and immerse yourself in the joy of fishing and the camaraderie that comes with it.

Lead Guide

In the professional world, Matt works as a Laboratory Scientist. He completed a BS in Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago then went on to complete his MS in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. The same curiosity that brought him to study technical sciences draws him to match wits with large freshwater predators in local waters. His passion is to share and teach the techniques, science, and conservation aspect behind chasing sought after gamefish like Largemouth Bass, Musky, and Striped Bass.

From the time he could walk Matt was dragging a fishing pole to a nearby creek, pond, or lake. Matt’s background encompasses fishing using a broad spectrum of techniques, presentation, locations, and target species. Growing up with the Great Lakes in his backyard Matt chased everything from the Pacific Salmon species of Kings and Cohos, to Steelhead, Brown Trout, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass. Each summer Matt spend several weeks visiting family on the east coast and chasing Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish, and False Albacore. On yearly or biyearly vacations to southern Florida, his attention turned to targeting Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Jack Crevalle, Bonefish, Kingfish, and many more. Matt settled in southern Illinois after finishing graduate school and has spent the last decade and a half cracking the codes of southern Illinois reservoir secrets. Before starting his family, Matt was part of 6 tournament victories including 3 state championship titles, and over a dozen 2 nd and 3 rd place finishes on the IL Muskie Trail. He is also co-owner of Llungen Lures, a fishing lure manufacturing company that produces United States made lures for trophy predators.

Matt works under the Shawnee Expeditions umbrella to share the Shawnee wilderness with customer as well as running his own fishing charter business, So IL Sportfishing. For over 20 years, he has been volunteering, teaching, and leading events to help introduce the outdoors to children. Through highschool and college, Matt volunteered with the Fishin’ Buddies, Inc. youth program to teach knots, lures, casting techniques, as well as access opportunities to the youth of Chicago. Continuing into adulthood and through his professional career, Matt teaches and promotes the outdoors through his leadership and participation in the Kid’s Event from the Shawnee Muskie Hunters and the growing Independence Day Bluegill, Catfish, and Bass catch-a-thon.

In the coming decades, Matt looks forward to bringing children the transcendent Shawnee National forest experience through developing curiosity, building confidence, experiential learning, as well as the imprinting of these lifelong skills and memories to all of the students of Camp Angler.