Author: tamaracksguideservice

It is Fishtober anglers. The end of the season is upon us. I begin my last 21 trips for 2023 on the Yakima River here in Washington. My homewater. The water I learned on. Where I cut my teeth, became an excellent angler, and became a good guide. I have fished this river since the winter of 2004. I have put more days on this water than most in 19 years. I have guided full time since 2015. I’ve done over 1000 guide trips on this watershed. I’ve floated the Yakima to the sum of 15,000 to 20,000 river miles now. I’ve caught thousands of fish. It has been one of the great joys of my adult life to be able to fish and live with the Yakima River.

I have taught thousands of people how to fly fish. I have worked with over 50 clients for 8 years, losing count of how many days we’ve fished together over the seasons. My regular client roster is massive now. Few…hundred. I turn away trips and have a waitlist. I’ve worked very hard over the past decade to make this dream of being a fly fishing guide a reality. My passion for my work, my business, and my clients is of the utmost degree. I am proud of what I and my anglers have done here on the Yakima.

I have spent hundreds of hours on conservation on this watershed. My literal blood and tears poured into these fish and the places they live. I am proud of the work I’ve done to give back to the river, the community of outdoorsy people, and my angling community.

I love all my clients. You have all supported me, been there to help me when I needed it, and we’ve shared countless hours enjoying, learning about, and chasing these wild trout here on the Yakima. I can not thank you enough for supporting your local trout bum guide all these years. You have made this beardy dudes dreams come true.

That being said, anglers. I am tired. I know every inch of this river system by memory. Photographic memory anglers. It’s seared into my brain mush. I know the lines at each flow increment, I know how the river is going to move my boat hundreds of yards ahead. It is almost autopilot these days. I know each and every crevice a fish can be in at any time of the season, and I’m pretty sure I can get them to eat most of the time. It’s been a constant flow of the Yakima for years.

I’m just a poorer kid from rural eastern Washington. I graduated high school with 75 kids. The biggest city I had ever seen was Seattle until I was well into my 20s. I started traveling trout bum style when I could back then. I went to all the famous Montana rivers, caught fish all over Montana, went to Alaska, went to BC, went to Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, I’ve fished damn near all I can and could. I’ve been on another 10,000 river miles all over the west. I’ve floated lakes and caught anything that would eat a fly. I’ve explored and fished all I really care to have fished out here these days. I have my favorites. I’ve made revisits, and I’ve encountered some of the most amazing and mesmerizing experiences of my life during it all.

But I want more. And I’ve tasted more. And my drive for adventure, adrenaline, and new discoveries is all but at a rolling boil now. I can’t sit still anymore. I haven’t had a summer off in 10 years. I haven’t fished out of my comfort zone or skill set in many seasons. I want to chase fish for me. I want to have my heart thump, my blood run, and my angling put to the test. I want something foreign and fresh, something I can’t read and don’t understand. I want to figure it out all for myself with my skills, a flyrod, and my noggin. I want to explore.

I am doing that for myself moving forward. I am changing things up. For me, for my clients and for the Yakima. I’ve put a lot of pressure on this river over the years. It’s time it had a little less from me. My clients are also mostly, at a plateau for this watershed. We are mostly at a level where we can figure it out, learn and practice advanced and mastery level skills, and chase trophies on this river. Awesome. We did good anglers. Nows the time to step it up.

While I get to fish on my own in the summer, I encourage my clients to do more of the same. Go fish for yourself. Fish with other anglers, build up the community, push for the changes and things you want from your fisheries. Explore and discover with the skills I have bequeathed to you all and chase trout. I am not always necessary for fish to be enjoyed.

There is so much more out there for anglers to enjoy with a fly and rod. And I am also an angler…not just a guide. I want to fish too. And I haven’t got to do that much these days and it’s starting to wear on me.

So I head south to Florida anglers. With some help from my friends at Hog Island Boatworks, I am fishing south and working towards a winter guiding program somewhere in the southern saltwater for 2024. I get to explore and chase new things now. I am excited and I wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of my clients.

Don’t worry you all get to come along. I can’t wait to share the new adventures. And will be seeing lots of my Yakima clients in new places before too long. I am also working on a summer program for Michigan fisheries for 2024! There’s so much more coming anglers!

Now. Back to the Yak. There’s been concern about what that looks like next year. Don’t worry. I will be right back here on the Yakima for Skwalla Holla 2024. March and April. I am already getting dates lined up for anglers next season here on the Yak. We have trophies to chase! I’ll have limited dates but I’ll be running 75 to 100 guide days in 2024 on the Yakima from March 1st to May 15. And From Sept 1st to October 25th.

What about updates and that Tamarack!? I will be doing those when I’m here and also wherever else I am! Social media, and that gets a bit of an overhaul this winter. With new content and new stuff. More merchandise like flies, stickers, shirts also are coming, as well as destination trips to places like Alaska, Florida Keys, Michigan, and Idaho!

Don’t be too bummed anglers. It’s time for me to change it up. New stuff for me and new experiences for clients! And new clients, different people, new things to teach and learn!

And my summers back. I have three wonderful children I want to spend more time with before they are all adults. I have 2 teenagers and a tween. Who have summers off too. With a winter program and a full fringe season on the Yak I can share time and experiences with those three baby troots of mine.

I also am coming up on 40. I am in need of time for me. Also for my partner. Guide life takes a lot out of you. Spending time chasing experiences and life goals with her is important and a priority.

Things grow and change, just like river conditions and seasons. I am no different. I have worked towards this goal, and I am finally close. Thank you anglers. Truly from my heart thank you.

I’ll be back.

I’m not leaving.

I’m just going fishing.

See ya on the saltwater anglers.

Tamarack

Today we had frost. It was cold. It is Autumn. Our leaves are changing. We have cold water amd trout lurking for fall insects amd unsuspecting crayfish and baby salmon. It’s brutal in the fall when you’re a trout. Salmon come in, make a mess, the water slims down, predators abound, the fish prepare for the winter, bugs and small fish are on the menu.

I love the fall fishing. And my season is fully booked. I’ve got a few days open and might fill one or two but it’s enough and I’m good.

I move this October. I am leaving Washington. I will be relocating to Michigan with Kristen working on new adventures. I will be back on the Yak in March and April for trips. And again next fall. But winters are now reserved for rest, new ventures, and southern saltwater. Summers are for new trout water, chasing bass and pike, muskie and gar, small brook trout, teaching kids to fish for bluegill and spending more time fishing for myself in the summer. More time with my kids and less time with clients in the summer.

I’ll be guiding in Michigan next summer with a whole new thing fishing wise happening over there. Returning for trophy trout chasing in the west pre runoff, post summer craziness and high flows.

The fall is here and changes are coming. I get to fish with so many of my regulars this autumn and I am so excited and thankful for the support. I’m leaving, but I’m not leaving you. More options in new places, returning to the homewater when its good, and opening up the world of fly fishing to more anglers and different experiences and encounters with fish, people, and places.

See ya riverside anglers.

Tamarack

It’s last call on guide days anglers.

I am starting the last 8 week push of the season before I head south for the winter.

I’m looking to book 8 to 12 more trips out of the remaining dates. I am working for that motor and trailer that will be going on my New Hog Island Saltwater Skiff! I am very excited anglers and every trip this fall makes traveling and eventually guiding Southern fisheries more a reality.

Everyone…all my clients have been and continue to make this trout bum guides’ dreams come true. I am always thankful for my clients support and patronage. It has been an absolute pleasure and hoot to guide full time on the Yakima these past 10 years. I am excited to continue my career trophy chasing trout on the Yak and guiding new states and waters over the next 10 years.

Thank you to everyone.

Hope to see you out there before I leave until April anglers. Dates below are open. Love to see you in the boat!

September Dates:

5th 8th
10th-12th
14th
18th 19th
25th – 27th
29th

October Dates:
2nd-4th
8th
11th-13th
15th
17th 18th
23rd

See ya riverside anglers.

Well anglers. We are coming down to the last bit of trout season. The last 2 months are upon us. I’ve got plenty of dates into October open and am looking to book every day I can heading into the end here.

I’m headed south to pick up a new Hog Island Skiff on October 25th so my last trip is already booked Oct 24th.

Let’s get the available dates out there.

August: 25th and 26th

30th 31st

September: 4th-8th

10th thru 12th, 14th

18th-20st and 25th thru 27th and the 29th just opened.

October: 2nd thru 4th

11th thru 13th

15th thru 19th

23rd and that’s it!

Book your dates today it’s the last your get until April.

We are at the 3/4 mark of the season. August brings in the hot summer days, warm nights, early mornings, and the push to the fall.

Summers are fun. Lots of people out, hopper fishing, swimming… did I mention lots of people? It’s the busiest time of the season for outdoor recreation. Everyone is outside in some form.  From concerts to camping, boating to fishing, hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, atvs, you name it; someone is doing it around here. Each weekend, the place fills with outdoor lovers. 

I will say- on a side note to all the fun times of summer:  it seems that a lot of people are on edge. So, just be courteous and kind to fellow recreators. Things are tough still. I just got done with a multi boat float with a lot of stressed out financial advisors and money people.  They needed a day to unplug and catch some fish.  You could feel it.

Stress is really noticeable when you work this gig and live this life. I don’t have a lot of it.  And I’ve learned to manage it pretty well. But my lifestyle affords me less stress all around.  I know I facilitate that kind of connection and unplug for most if not all of my clients. I may not understand the why or how or even care to know what the cause of the stress is.  What brings you riverside and how you choose to communicate it- is up to you.  I have a different and unique vibe with each of my clients and try and give them the day they need.  I know it ain’t easy all the time.  Shit gets tough, and let’s be honest, everything is f’ing expensive. 

Sometimes, this lifestyle can show a very carefree kind of life.  It’s not what you see on the gram and online that’s all queued and done up.  It’s work. It’s a grind, but it has its perks and cons just like anything else.  I get to fish and live this way, and it’s a choice. So I don’t complain much. Except when fish are being shits.  I don’t take what I do for a living and where I get to fish and play for granted.  I want every experience with clients to feel fulfilling and connective. It’s why I move clients around on the calendar when fishing is poor, why I get frustrated with fishing, and I work diligently to stay on top of things when it comes to guiding.  I want your time in the boat to be enriching.  Which means the river and I have to perform and produce. This gig is a mixed bag of things that come together to make good guide.  But in the end it’s still 20% fishing and 80% people.

I don’t have a lot of work this summer.  And that’s okay.  Last year, I was incredibly busy. I worked almost every day. I’m okay with my last full-time season on the Yakima being slightly leisurely. I still want trips, but it’s also been a funky season river conditions wise. And sometimes those are just the cards you are dealt as a guide.  I could say it’s climate change, or regs, or a multitude of other things that cause inconsistencies with the Yakima. It doesn’t get me anywhere, and sometimes you just gotta keep chunking away at it until it breaks, changes, or something is figured out.  It’s not the first season the Yak has been real persnickety with anglers and guides. But those early mornings have picked up, and fish are hungry.

The hot weather and water is another reason to take August easy. Already, hoot owl and closures are blanketing rivers in the west. Four more rivers closed in Montana this past week due to low water and high temps.  Closures in Oregon summer steelhead rivers just arrived due to low runs and 80-degree water temps.  Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia has closed due to hot water and seeing dead fish. It’s not the greatest news. And also a reason to take it easy in August.  The fall will come, and the fishing will be great. It always is. And it’s booking up.  I’ll take a few days in August that book, but I’m not trying to cram days in the heat, and put pressure on fish that I want around this fall before I leave for the year. There are early morning half day floats open for August 11th-14th, 22nd thru 27th.

Yes, I am leaving in November. A lot is changing and happening over the next 12 to 18 months for my business, me, my future.  It’s been in the making since 2019, then covid sent it back a bit. I’m gonna kinda skid and snake it into existence this year. I’m done waiting, and I need the change both personally and professionally.

My partner Kristen and I are headed to the southern gulf and Atlanta fisheries for the month of November. I have never fished or even been that far south. I am more than excited.  I am also partnering with Hog Island Boat Works, which makes my 16 ft. LTD Driftboat that everyone rides in, and they are helping me with getting a 17 ft. Shallow Saltwater Skiff.  It is basically like a sponsorship.  I will be traveling to Florida to pick up my new boat this November, where Hog Island is going to be making their skiff.  They are currently all made in Steamboat but mostly ship south.  I’m procuring a motor and trailer for the boat and a few odds and ends and working on my captains license over the winter.  The new boat and license will open more guiding and water up for me, which has always been the goal when I hit 10 years into guiding.

After Florida, I will be wintering in Michigan. I know- it sounds absolutely crazy to be in Michigan for the winter.  Especially since I freaking hate snow and being cold. But there are other things afoot in Michigan waters that I am also chasing.  I don’t want to live in Washington full time anymore.  I have lived in a few places and Washington doesn’t have enough fishing for me. I want more.  So Michigan seems like as good a place as any.  Slowly over the next 2 seasons I will work the south in the winter, and split my trout season from April to October between the Yakima in Washington, Idaho if work opens up, and Michigan. Summers will shift to Michigan fisheries as it gets hot in the west.  Bass, pike, and musky are now options, new clients, new experiences, travel trips for regular clients. And coming back to my homewater to fish and enjoy it with having done more and different which keeps the familiar interesting.

It’s a step. It’s a little scary, but it’s happening.  I am also 37 and can’t row a boat forever. Plans to have passive income, retirement, and other ventures are more easily accessible elsewhere compared to Washington. Like I said, both personal and professional reasons.

And anglers… there is so much more fishing out there than this little slice here in Washington. I’ve had the privilege of traveling and bumming it up all over and getting to experience a lot of different fishing. From Alaska to Colorado and damn near all the good stuff in between.  The Yakima is just a little bitty fraction of a fraction of fly fishing.  I can’t tell you how much things change the farther east and further away from Missoula MT you get.  Fly fishing is older back east.  And down south, which I have little knowledge of, seems like a different planet and vibe altogether.  Like Alaska is.  Just mind bogglingly different. The Yakima has always been a bit of a black hole for angling here in the PNW being one of if not the only good fishery in the state.  After 10 years and hundreds of trips, it’s just time. Never wanted to only guide the Yak.

I will, however, continue to guide the Yak.  Business wise, it takes care of itself.  I have worked very hard to build up a client roster and core clientele that book and fish with me.  I won’t say goodbye to that or teaching and developing more clientele here on the Yakima. It’s just not gonna be the only river or place I do it moving forward.

I will run 75 to 100 trips on the Yakima River in 2024, probably 50 to 75 in 2025, and that’s where it will stay moving onward.  Things change, but that seems likely. Eventually, most of those days will be booked prior to the season starting. Which has always been the goal. The dates will be set way ahead and during prime times like late March thru Mother’s Day Caddis and Labor Day thru Halloween.  That should be plenty of dates and they will fill.  Summers will shift to Michigan, especially May and June for Bass and other warm water species.  And the late fall and winter will be down in the southern saltwater and freshwater. 200 to 270 guide days a year if I want to be busy but more than likely under 200 split amongst the places with other things in the works too. 

That’s what’s happening and what I’m working towards right now anglers.  Enough money to buy the motor and trailer for the new skiff, the winter cushion I usually have, and scoot through the winter fishing salt and lake run rainbows and tying flies like usual. Those will be up for sale this winter like previous seasons. Little more robust this winter. 

There’s been a lot of questions and texts and sad faces, and I’ve been busy and quiet with responses while I plan things out.  But heading east is a certainty. Now that we’ve got the winter planned, and I’m finalizing all the details with the new boat and Hog Island, I can answer questions more surely.

The schedule is pretty full.  Maybe 10 to 15 more days booked between now and October, and that’s enough to get everything done.  It really wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for the support and patronage of my clients and followers. You all have made this Trout Bum’s dreams a reality. I am excited to share it with you as it moves and shifts.  Exploring new water, new species, new things, places, people, and I get to come back to the homewater and share new things have new perspectives, new stories and more options for all the anglers that come out. 

There ya go anglers.  Thank you again for all your support.  Book trips, fill up those last dates and let’s end this season on a high note.

See you riverside anglers. And in new places soon.

Tamarack

Well anglers June is almost done. It’s the halfway point of trout season. When summer rolls in and we chase the sunshine until Autumn. It’s been a regular season so far.  Busy with 50 guide days or so. Which is about average for me. Another 100 to 125 days still to go. We’ve got some two a days, and a pretty much full July with September booking up quick.

I’ve got to see a lot of my regulars this front half of the year. We’ve had some average and below average days.  It’s been a weird one, with lower water, then hotter temps in May, finally flows coming up, fish being finicky…the same shit just a new year.

It’s the Yakima. It’s nothing new. But it’s still incredibly frustrating. It’s part of why I’m a little weird and cranky these days. It’s also why I am fishing other places a lot more this season.

The Yakima has been my water for almost 20 years and I’m finishing up guide year 9. It’s time for different. I’ll always find myself riverside on the Yakina for a chunk of trout season for the rest of my career. And my guide season takes care of itself these days. I worked really hard to get here and it’s nice to see the benefits of it all.

I’m taking this season a little slower. No 10 to 20-day runs of trips. 7, maybe 10 in a row. Then I rest, and I fish for myself. I spend a good chunk of my fishing with Kristen, but I have several days to myself this season, too. I guided hard last season amd lost a little bit of my love for it. So I’m making sure I don’t get burnt out this year.

I’m spending more time traveling this year. With trips to Idaho and Montana a few times already this year. I leave for Idaho either Kristen again tomorrow evening until after the 4th. Chasing cutties in the highlands of Idaho. In airplane mode, just me and my partner, no boat, just a river and some tandem and solo wade fishing. At our pace, no pressure from friends or clients. No performing with a boat. No Instagram, no trying to book trips. Just fishing and trout bumming.

Work hard to play hard. I fish when I’m not fishing. So does my partner. We chase fish.

I’ve had the pleasure of being a trout bum for a while. It’s been a direct and leading factor in my life for a while now. A lot has happened off river over the years, my constant, my solace, the place I go to be myself, find myself, enjoy time with others, make my living, is the river. The life lived by its side. Simple, a little rough and grimy at times. But you know what…I get to fish. And not just for the gram, or to push some pair of sunglasses, some truck, or even fly fishing gear…I just get to fish.

In my experience, I put more days on water than most. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted. Work as a guide. Get enough money to pay bills, eat, and get to and from fishing. Damn anything else, really. Fuck rent and a house, forgo a handful of the creature comforts and convenience of modern living, give me a boat, some flies, gas money, some herb, and let’s fish.

Work takes care of itself, and I finally get to expand. I’m at a point where money is saved. Left over. Debt gets chipped away, new things get saved for, and the trout bun life keeps on floating and being happy.

I’ll be out of contact until the 5th of July starting tomorrow. If you’d like to reserve a day, please be patient until after the holiday.

I’ll have more blogs and content while on the Joe. Taking some time up there to be creative and write some of the more meaningful experiences from the guide season so far.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July. I’ll be fishing on one of my favorite rivers with my favorite person.

See ya riverside anglers.

Tamarack