FAQ

I offer guided salmon fishing and duck hunting trips exclusively on the Skagit River.

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. Smaller groups also tend to see better opportunity for both fish and waterfowl.

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 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.‍ 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.

Bring drinks, 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, are strictly prohibited by federal law.

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 and trip type, 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

Waterfowl trips will launch from either:

• Conway Boat Launch in Conway

• Headquarters Boat Launch on Fir Island

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 115/80 Mercury Jet.

Smaller than many other guide boats, I preferentially picked this platform particularly for its compact size and light weight. Its open design allows for plenty of space for two guests and gear.

I have hauled a pile of 4-5 friends and family in it many times, but it is most comfortable with 3 of us.

We duck hunt up some exceptionally narrow and often shallow channels and a tighter, lighter package lets us get in and out easily and safely. 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.

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

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.

Whole‑bird cleaning is available for an additional fee due to the extra time involved. I can take your birds home, clean and package them, and return them to you.

Federal law requires that a simple transfer tag is filled out at the ramp if you prefer whole-bird cleaning.

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.