FAQ

I offer guided salmon and waterfowl trips on the Skagit River and its estuary.

My guiding is focused on catering to 1-2 guests. This creates a much more personal trip for you, with my time focused on you. The trip is yours, the conversations are yours, and the experience I pass onto you is yours.

I was raised in Skagit Valley and I guide exclusively on the Skagit River, I understand and know this river. I won’t ever claim to be the best guide—there are far more guides who are better than me I’m sure, but here you are on my turf and my home. I take pride in sharing the Skagit with you.

For fishing, a small group allows me to give you more guidance and to tend your gear, not others, maximizing your time with tackle in the water.

For duck hunting, smaller groups are easier to get into tight areas and present less heads, noise and motion that the birds may clue into. This increases our opportunity.

I don’t plan to work the clock on a trip; I plan to work the day and make the trip memorable and fun.

You will need an Annual Small Game License, Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp. If you wish to take sea ducks and snow geese, you will need a Migratory Bird Hunt Authorization. Licenses can be purchased through WDFW or locally at Holiday Sports.

NOTE: You must complete a state-approved Hunter Safety Course in order to purchase a hunting license.‍

You will need to bring your own firearm and non-toxic ammunition.‍ Please Note: Shotshells must be of an approved non-toxic load. We shoot rather close in; good quality steel shot works just fine. Lead shot is not permitted on my boat or in the marsh at any time.

We will be hunting tidal wetlands. Waders are a must. If you do not have waders, hunting opportunity is limited. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and a hat. Late season hunting can get cold, dress warm. Your exterior clothing (jacket, hat, waders) should be earth-tone or camouflage patterned. If you need to acquire any need gear or ammunition, I recommend going to Holiday Sports.

Bring something to drink, snacks and/or a lunch. Warm coffee goes a long way on a cold morning.

All decoys and general gear are provided.

Alcohol is prohibited on waterfowl hunts due to firearm use. Drugs, including marijuana (regardless of state laws) are strictly prohibited by federal law.

For fishing you will need one of either a Fish Washington License, Annual Combination Fishing License, or Annual Freshwater License, plus your Salmon Catch Record Card. Licenses can be purchased through WDFW or locally at Holiday Sports.

All rods, tackle and bait are provided on fishing trips. You are welcome to bring your own gear, but it is not necessary.

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Bring something to drink, snacks and/or a lunch. Ensure you have a cooler to take your catch home in. Ice is available at most local stores if you don’t have any.

You may bring some alcohol. Drugs, including marijuana (regardless of state laws) are strictly prohibited by federal law.

Launch times and locations will vary depending on the time of year and trip type, but we’ll usually meet between 4:00am and 7:00am. We can adjust meeting times based off your needs, wants, or schedule. Just ask!

For salmon trips, I launch from the following boat launches:

• Edgewater Park Boat Launch in Mount Vernon

• Roger “Gus” Tjeerdsma Boat Launch in Burlington

• Riverfront Park Boat Launch in Sedro Woolley

• Howard Miller Steelhead Park Boat Launch in Rockport

For waterfowl, I typically launch from the following boat launches:

• Conway Boat Launch in Conway

• Headquarters Boat Launch on Fir Island

Navigate to my Book a Trip page. You will find all my contact info there. You can reach out to me by phone, text, or email.

Alternatively, you may pay $100 deposit upfront, provide your contact info and I’ll reach out to you and prioritize your booking asap.

Navigate to my Trips and Rates page to see current trip pricing.

2026 is my introductory year to guiding and I am happy to have your business. I have my 2026 trips listed at $300 for a single person and $450 for two people. All fees and sales tax are included in these prices.

I have no minimum headcount and will take a single person out on a trip, even if the second seat remains unbooked.

I am fully licensed and insured. My licensure includes:

• USCG Captain’s License (OUPV)

• Insurance

• WA Boater’s License

• State Food Fish Guide License

• State Recreational Hunting and Fishing Licenses

• First Aid / CPR Certs

• TWIC

For safety I do not allow clients to bring their own dogs, even if they are trained hunting dogs. I have a dog I will bring along for hunts.

This holds for fishing trips as well, as many dogs are naturally not mindful of rods, fish, or hooks and may damage gear or injure themselves.

I fillet your salmon and breast out your birds at the end of the trip free of charge.

If you prefer whole‑bird cleaning, I can take your birds home, clean and package them, and return them to you. State law requires that birds remain identifiable during transport, so a wing will stay attached until delivery. A simple transfer tag is filled out at the ramp.

Whole‑bird cleaning is available for an additional fee due to the extra time involved.

Yes!

For Duck Hunting—I’m not well-versed in crossing the border with your firearms, but in general, you’ll need the following documents to smoothly get your shotgun across the border:

• Passport (or other valid entry docs)

• Washington non‑resident hunting license

• Federal Duck Stamp

• State migratory bird permit

• Approved ATF Form 6NIA for your shotgun & ammo

• Declare firearm at the border

• Optional: CBP Form 4457 for smooth re‑entry to Canada

For Fishing—You’ll need the following:

• Passport (or other valid entry docs)

• Washington non‑resident fishing license

• Salmon Catch Record Card

If taking fish or waterfowl home, you must declare it. Canada requires:

• Declaration at the border

• Proof of legal catch (license + catch card)

• Fillets must have a skin patch for species ID

• Birds must retain a fully-feathered head or wing.