How Much Do Fly Fishing Guides Really Make in 2024?

Fly fishing guides are often romanticized as individuals living the dream – spending their days on the water, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and sharing their passion for the sport with others. However, the financial realities of being a fly fishing guide can be quite different from the idyllic image often portrayed. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much fly fishing guides actually make in 2024, and explore the factors that influence their earnings.

The Average Salary of Fly Fishing Guides

According to data from ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a fly fishing guide in the United States as of June 2024 is $19.71 per hour. This translates to an annual salary of around $40,000 for the average trout guide. While there are a select few guides who can make six-figure incomes, they are exceptions within the industry or are guiding fisheries that charge a hefty daily rate.

The average annual salary for fly fishing guides varies by state. In Washington, the average annual salary is $47,898, while in Delaware it is $44,865. However, it’s important to note that these figures may not tell the whole story, as they don’t account for factors such as cost of living and the unique challenges faced by guides in different regions.

Factors Influencing Fly Fishing Guide Salaries

Several factors can influence the salary of a fly fishing guide, including experience, location, and the type of fishery they guide on. Guides with more experience and a proven track record may command higher daily rates and attract more clients. Guides working in popular destinations or on high-end fisheries may also earn more than those working in less well-known areas.

Another factor that can impact a guide’s income is the percentage of daily fees they keep. Many lodges, shops, and outfitters take a significant cut of the daily guide fee, often ranging from 40% to 60%. This cut is justified by the outfitter’s expenses, such as marketing, credit card fees, and other overhead costs. However, it means that guides who work as independent contractors are responsible for their own business expenses, which can eat into their earnings.

Tips can also play a significant role in a guide’s income, especially for those working in regions where tipping is more common. An Alaskan guide working through the summer may earn less than $100 per day in base pay, which equates to only $6 or $7 per hour. In these cases, tips can help carry the guide through the season. However, not every culture believes in tipping, and not every client shares the guide’s perspective on what constitutes a good or reasonable tip, so tips are not always reliable income.

The Lifestyle and Challenges of Being a Fly Fishing Guide

While the idea of being a fly fishing guide may seem like a dream job, it comes with its own set of challenges and lifestyle considerations. Many guides prioritize quality of life over wealth, recognizing that the profession often lacks financial security. Guides who work as independent contractors are responsible for their own business expenses, which can include fuel, licenses, insurance, tackle, and other gear.

For guides who have families, the lifestyle can be particularly challenging. Many guides need to travel between fisheries, spending lengthy periods away from home and loved ones. This can put a strain on personal relationships and make it difficult to maintain a stable home life.

Retirement planning is another challenge faced by many guides. Most guides don’t have a long-term plan in mind, and many are realistic about the fact that their savings may not be enough to sustain them in retirement. As one guide put it, “When I was like 17 and working in a fly shop, I asked the owner if there was a retirement plan for fishing guides. He turned and said one word: ‘death.'”

Despite these challenges, many guides find immense satisfaction in their work. As one guide put it, “I continue to guide because what it lacks in financial security it makes up in spiritual security.” For those who are passionate about fly fishing and sharing their knowledge with others, the rewards of the job can outweigh the financial challenges.