FAQ

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 guides who are far better than me, but here we are at home. I take pride in sharing the Skagit with you.

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 don’t plan to work the clock on a trip; I plan to work the day until we are ‘done’ and make the trip memorable and fun.

You will need one of either a Fish Washington License, Annual Combination Fishing License, or Annual Freshwater License, and a 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. Bring a cooler to take your catch home in. Ice is available at most local stores.

You may bring some alcohol. Drugs, including marijuana, are strictly prohibited by federal law.

Launch times and locations will vary depending on the time of year, but we’ll usually meet between 4:00am and 8:00am. We can adjust meeting times based off your needs, wants, or schedule. Just ask!

Salmon trips will launch from any of:

• 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

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

I run an 18-foot Wooldridge Alaskan LT with a tiller-controlled 115/80 Mercury Jet.

Its shallow draft and open design make it great for fishing all along the Skagit, and we can skip over the skinniest of waters with ease. There is plenty of room for two guests and gear.

It also doubles as my duck hunting boat, part of the choice towards a smaller boat. Where we hunt, large boats have access issues and are more prone to getting stuck.

The motor pushes the boat up to 37mph, so we can still get around quickly.

I will fillet and bag your salmon at the end of the trip free of charge.

Specific start times will vary depending on the year and target species (4:00 am for sockeye, 8:00 am for late-season for coho, for example). You are welcome to request a later start time to suit you, if needed.

I don’t have a hard stopping time, but 6-8 hours is usually sufficient if the bite is slow. We’ll fish for that timeframe or until limits are hit.

I offer a “Humpy Special”, available for the first month of the humpy season on odd years. They are a discounted, short trip with 3 trip times available per day. Trips are set at 2 hours each or until limits are reached.

I don’t openly offer standby or evening trips, but I would tantalize the idea depending on my schedule.

I may tentatively agree to a standby lake fishing trip in the afternoons AFTER any salmon trips.

You can always give me a call.

I’ve had people ask about nature and bird watching tours. If you are interested in one of these, please let me know. Rates are $450 with tax included, same as a 2-person fishing trip as these tours take a day away from those.