Should You Hire a Fly Fishing Guide?

I was having a conversation with an acquaintance the other day who told me that he was planning a vacation to an area where there are some great opportunities for fly fishing. I asked him, “Will you be hiring a guide for the river?”

My friend thought this was unnecessary. “I know how to cast and fly fish, why would I need to spend money on a guide?” he asked.

When heading off to unknown waters, it’s often a very good idea to seek out a local guide for at least one of the days you will be fishing even if you are a seasoned angler. Most guides want you to be successful and can put you on to the fish quickly with their local knowledge of the water and fly patterns that are most commonly taken by the fish. Often, they will have their own “secrets” that you won’t find on Internet forums and message boards.

If you are a novice, a guide can help you with casting problems and will probably be able to teach you about reading water.

Not only that, a fly fishing guide can help keep you safe. Many rivers and waters have their own dangerous areas and knowing where they are and how to deal with them is often something that can only come with intimate knowledge of a river. One day, while fishing the Sixemile Water River in Northern Ireland, I was wading in knee deep water when my guide warned me about a deep drop off right beside me. If I had not hired my guide, it’s quite possible I would have taken a wrong step and perhaps suffered some injury, or at least a ruined day with broken gear.

When you are talking with a guide with the idea of hiring him or her, be honest with them about your fly fishing experience. If you’ve only been out a few times, don’t tell them you are an expert and can wade fast water. It will only make for a frustrating day for both of you.

Be sure to ask your guide if they provide gear and what type. Will you need to bring along your own waders? What kind of waders does the guide recommend? Will they provide the flies and if so, is there an extra charge for that? What about lunch? Some guides will provide a boxed lunch while others would like you to bring along your own. Don’t judge a guide by whether or not he provides lunch, however. Some just aren’t that great in the kitchen but are terrific on the river.

Calling up fly shops that are local to where you want to fish can be a very good way of learning who is recommended in the area. Be sure to find out whether your guide is trained in basic first aid and let them know of any special medical requirements of physical restrictions you might have.

With the two of you working together, you should have a great day regardless of the conditions you are fishing in.

ou are invited to learn more about the sport by visiting All About Fly Fishing. Be sure to check out our resources on fly fishing guides.