NH Guide License # 007
Licensed to Thrill!
About Us
Your Guide
I served as President of the New Hampshire Guides' Association from 2007 to 2009; have been a member in the US Power Squadrons since 2002 and have earned the rank of P - and I am a member of the FFF Guides Association. I am certified in SOLO Wilderness First Aid and Red Cross CPR.
After many years of guiding anglers on NH waters in all forms of fishing, I now limit my guide service to fly fishing. I have dispensed with the ice gear, the heavy tackle, spinning gear and downriggers, now focusing exclusively on fly fishing rivers & streams, lakes & ponds.
Where we fish
I service Central and Northern NH and am most familiar with the Pemigewasset River in Bristol, then south to Franklin to the confluence with the Winnipesaukee River where it becomes the Merrimack River - then south to Sewalls Falls in Concord. Southward again on the Merrimack in Manchester near the airport. Of course for trolling I have thorough knowledge of the Big Lakes in the NH Lakes Region. In Pittsburg I troll on Lake Francis and 1st Connecticut Lake (half & half trips only in Pittsburg - see rates). In North/Central NH, the Ammonoosuc River in Bretton Woods.
You should know that...
Many fly anglers prefer using their own rod, but if you need a rod I have plenty of various sizes and weights to choose from that I can loan you for the day. Otherwise, I can supply all the other gear you might need except waders. In summer we wet wade so waders aren't needed, but I can loan you wading shoes. I tie most of my own flies and will provide all you need free of charge.
You MUST have a valid NH Fishing license BEFORE we begin. I cannot sell you one or take you without one. They can be bought on-line at the NH Fish & Game website. Click the NH Fish & Game logo below to go to the website for license purchase.
If you are new to fly fishing I strongly suggest you take a half day lesson on fly rod casting before your trip. Learning to cast a fly rod isn't hard, but it does take a little practice to get the hang of it - it's nothing like a spinning rod. I have an associate guide I work with who is an FFF Certified Fly Casting instructor. Drop me a line and I can put you in touch with him to arrange a lesson. You will enjoy the experience so much more if you have at least basic casting ability. Not necessary if we are trolling.
Buy your license on line here
Fly Fishing ~ Fly Trolling
Fly Fishing Rivers & Streams
Springtime offers varied trout species depending on water body - Rainbows, Browns and Brookies are all possible. Summertime is more a bass outing with predominately river Smallmouth Bass. Whatever your preference - Stillwater or moving, Dry Flies, Streamers or Nymphs I can put you on a spot. Typically, I guide on what would be considered "Big Water". Large wide rivers with plenty of casting room and a diverse selection of fish. There are a few small streams with native Brook Trout I can take you if you like.
Trolling With Fly Rods
What is fly trolling you ask...Trolling with fly rods is a traditional New England/Atlantic Canadian method of fishing. Since the early 1800's, this is the original way it was done 100+ years before they ever invented downriggers or the spinning rod. This highly effective method is limited to springtime from a little after ice-out to about Memorial Day (early to mid May is best) but still good even through mid June in Pittsburg. Species sought are Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Rainbows, Brookies and Browns depending on water body. There is no casting involved so anyone can do this. Its a great way to be introduced into the sport of fly fishing. Beginners are very welcome!
Memberships:
NH Guides' Association
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dedicated professional
fishing,hunting and
outdoor guides in NH.
FFF Guides Association
Worldwide Fly Fishing
Organization.
US Power Squadrons
Nations premier civic
organization promoting
boater education and safety.
NH Licensed Fishing Guide
Finding The North Star
Ever wonder how to find the North Star?
The North Star (aka Polaris) has for centuries been a key directional guide point for finding one's way for explorers, mariners, navigators, guides and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors or at sea. The name North Star was chosen so that we can "show you the way". I never keep secrets from my clients and am happy to share knowledge, techniques and tips to further your experience long after we have parted ways.
Finding the North Star is actually pretty easy, the main constellations to learn are Cassiopeia and Ursa Major (the Big Dipper). The Big Dipper and Cassiopeia are opposite one another and rotate counterclockwise around the North Star. You are probably already familiar with the Big Dipper, a seven star constellation in the shape of a dipper and Cassiopeia is kind of shaped like a squashed letter 'W'. Neither of these constellations ever sets and are always visible on a clear night, all night and they are best used together to pinpoint the North Star. The two stars forming the outer lip of the dipper use as pointer stars as they directly line up with the North Star. Mentally draw a line from the Big Dipper's outer bottom star to its outer top star. Extend this line about five times the distance between the Dipper's two pointer stars and you will find the North Star along this line (see diagram). Just so you know, many make the mistake believing the North Star is a very bright star but its not - its about low/medium brilliance in the sky which is why its often missed.