People probably think the obvious about the benefits of being a guide. Not being stuck in an office, working outdoors on a beautiful Montana river, and not having a boss are just a few things that come to mind. Some people like my mother don’t even think guiding is a “real” job. She was appalled when I quit my career as a Wall Street banker to become a fly fishing guide 20 years ago. I can assure you being an outfitter/guide is a job. Guides work long hours seven days a week during the season. I’m usually up at 5 a.m. and sometimes don’t return home until 9 or 10 at night. In the morning I’m busy prepping gear, lunch, and calling my guides to insure they have their assignments for the day. I may even have to tie a dozen of the hot fly pattern that’s running low. During the day I strive to make every trip the best ever for my customers. I don’t always succeed but am proud to say I put in a maximum effort always. I control the things I can, but there are many things I cannot. Weather conditions, fish, and angler ability are among them. I am usually successful at getting folks into fish given the challenges presented. When we do have success most credit goes to client skill, the Bitterroot River, and its cooperative trout. I try to never complain about my job as the benefits far outweigh any downside and there’s nothing else I’d rather do.
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