Thanks to majestic scenery and world-class fishing, Jackson Hole is home to some of the country’s best guided fly fishing trips. What is the role of your guide on your fly fishing trip? David Ellerstein, owner of Jackson Hole Anglers and expert on fly fishing in Jackson Hole, says that a good fly fishing guide is part cheerleader, part concierge, part guru and part educator. He explains.
Who Are Jackson Hole Angler’s Guides?
“At Jackson Hole Anglers,” Ellerstein says, “we employ some of the very finest fishing guides in the nation. They come from a wide variety of locations and backgrounds, and are all passionate instructors, excellent guides and expert fishermen.” All of his guides, he says, are individuals who have spent their lives on rivers just like those in Jackson Hole, and love nothing more than seeing new people pick up the sport of fly fishing and experienced fishermen improve their skills.
What Is Your Guide’s Role?
A fly fishing guide’s job, Ellerstein says, is primarily related to three things - safety, fun and learning. “First and foremost,” he says, “our guides’ job is to keep the guests safe on the river, whether they’re wading in the water or floating in one of our boats.” A river is fast-moving water, he says, and there are potential hazards in any river system. Every guide, he says, must be an expert not only on fly fishing, but also on river safety.
Next, Ellerstein says, your guide will be focused on making sure that you and your family have fun and get to experience what you want to experience. “If you’re looking to catch 40 fish,” he says, “we’ll set up your trip so that you’re in the best position to make that happen. If you prefer a leisurely float down the river with some stops for swimming, that’s something we can accommodate too. And if you’re looking for a challenge and maybe a couple of really nice catches, it’ll be your guide’s job to find the perfect spots for you and provide you with expert advice to help you hone your skills.”
Finally, he says, your guide is there to teach you about fly fishing. If you are new to the sport, he says, your guide will teach you the fundamentals. And beyond just that, he says, your guide will also explain the catch-and-release ethic, talk about handling fish humanely, and explain how Jackson Hole has been able to maintain a healthy trout population even in the face of heavy fishing pressure.
What Can You Expect to Learn?
One of your guide’s primary responsibilities, assuming that you are a beginner, is to provide you with a basic understanding of fly fishing mechanics. This includes casting (the way you get the fly into the water) and presentation (the way the fly appears to the fish). In addition to fly fishing basics, Ellerstein says, you can expect to learn about the river you’re on and how rivers work. “On our trips, you learn how the water works,” he says, “and how it affects not only the fish, but also the other aquatic life, the local animals and the surrounding ecosystem.”
To the more seasoned angler, the guide offers local knowledge, professional advice and tips on how to improve your craft. “I don’t think there’s anyone who goes out with us - regardless of their level of experience - who doesn’t walk away knowing something they didn’t know before about the sport of fly fishing,” Ellerstein says. “I think we do a really good job of tailoring our trips to our customers so everyone gets exactly the experience they’re looking for.”