Over the years I have guided numerous clients and many of them have asked about how they can enhance their experience on a guide trip. Most of my answers have been the same standard answers; practice casting, be prepared for different types of weather, make sure your equipment is in good shape, come at this time of year, tie this certain pattern, and so on. Aside from the standard ideals, here are some additional thoughts I’d like to share.
Clients that I’ve guided have ranged from ages 5 to 95, from beginner to expert. Although each trip is always a little different, the goal is always the same, to catch fish. I can’t recall how many times I’ve asked, “what would you like to do today?” or “where would you like to fish?” and the reply for the most part is “We want to catch lots of fish and lots of big fish.” Believe me there’s nothing that I or any other guide would rather do all day long, every day, with each of our clients. There’s one little problem with this, reality. Let’s face it, it’s fishing. Some days guide and client work together as hard as they can, and still only produce a so-so day. This brings me to my first tip. Be realistic. There are many other factors at work here when dealing with fish. Weather, water conditions, techniques, and hatches all play a role. Fifty fish over 17 inches, although possible, is not very likely within one day’s fishing. Also remember that each body of water is different and expectations in numbers and sizes should also change.

Usually in Yellowstone Country there is always a river, lake, or stream that is fishing well at the time you are here. However hardly ever are all of them fishing well at the same time. So Be Flexible. Don’t get a certain body of water locked into your mind. Most folks only have a short time to fish here and want to make the most of it. To do this, you need to go where the fishing is good and not simply a place you heard about or had done well in years past. Each year is different. Let your guide help you in this decision. They have been out there every day and know what’s good and what’s not.
Ask questions and ask as many as you can. Your guide’s knowledge of the area and of fly-fishing can be valuable to you in the future. Asking questions about the river you are being guided on is apparent. Also ask about any other rivers you are thinking of fishing, as well as any little secrets you think your guide might share with you. (This doesn’t always work but it’s worth a try.) Take the time and be ready to answer questions that your guide might have in response. These questions can help the guide outline what you want to get out of your guide trip. Other than asking questions about fishing, also ask about the area. There is a lot of history and geologic features in the surrounding area. From old mining towns to geysers, inquiring about these wonders will be sure to enhance your experience.

The most successful trips I’ve taken have been with women and younger kids. They seem to catch more fish and more big fish than anyone. Lets face it guys, our egos and restlessness seem to restrain our ability to catch fish. This leads me to the final and perhaps the best tip I could give anyone when taking a guide trip, Relax and Have Fun. I believe this is the biggest factor for successful fishing and should be at least 90% of why we fly fish. If you are not relaxed you are setting yourself up for a fair day at best. This holds true for the guide as well. Over the years I have seen fisherman that are not relaxed become frustrated and have a much harder time with casting, mending, and over all presentation. If this happens, it’s wise to have your guide stop the boat if floating, or just sit on the bank and talk about anything but fishing for a while, take a look around and enjoy the awesome scenery. The indicator, streamer, or dry fly will still be there to look at when you start again.

As guides, we love showing you the fisheries and landscapes of Yellowstone Country. Each guide trip is unique, and following the above tips will make your next guide trip that much more enjoyable.