We will try to give you some insight into the life of a guide in this section. We are going to make sweeping generalizations and assumptions, and there will be many, many exceptions to what we describe.

We will break it down into 3 basic groups:

Lodge Guides: Any guide that works for a lodge. These guides usually receive room and board as part of their compensation. They are also provided a vehicle and boat most of the time. Lunches, shuttles, etc. are taken care of for them. Tips are usually the best of the 3 groups (perhaps $80 per day average), but base pay is usually the lowest. Some are salaried, as low as $1,000 per month, and have to do other work when guide days are not available. Others receive $100 to $200 per day.

This is a good position for a beginning guide. It is a good environment to learn in, and the initial investment is minimal. The main downside is that most lodges are not open long enough to support a guide year round, and almost all lodge guides must find other work to get through the off season.

Shop Guides: These guides work for a fly shop of some kind, typically just one shop. They will often work in the shop itself when they are not guiding. Pay is usually good, tips are ok. $200 to $300 per day is average base pay, tips average in the $60 per day range. Lunch and shutlles are usually provided, but vehicles and boats are not. Neither are flies, which can be a problem with some clients.

The season is usually a bit longer for the shops, but most guides will find other work in the off season. Room and board can quickly become more expensive than the extra daily pay is worth for some, but for others it is worth it.

Independent Guides: These guides are their own business. They are self insured, make some of their own bookings, etc. They are responsible for their own lunch, shuttles, vehicle, boat, etc. If they work for a shop, they usually get $300 per day or so. If they book their own trip, it is usually $400+.

This is the goal of most guides. It offers the best chance to make the most money in the long run. Once you start hiring other guides, then you can make even more money. The key is finding customers and making reservations.

Most days begin early for a guide. They must get to the lodge, boat ramp, shop; wherever they are meeting their clients. Their equipment must be ready, lunches, drinks, etc ready to go. They must be awake and presentable and eager to start the day. Most guides will spend 8 hours minimum with the clients, and an hour or so on either end of the day for travel, cleanup, etc.

Once the clients arrive, guides must check their gear, licenses, sunscreen, glasses, hat, etc. Then the fishing begins. Some people don't realize that a guide never fishes. I repeat, never fishes! The fishing is done by the client(s) only!!. The guide rows, changes flies, lands fish, fixes wind knots, tells stories, smiles alot, gets drinks, sets up lunch, cleans up, answers questions, etc.