Tipping Fly Fishing Guides. How much and why.

Should I tip my fly fishing guide? Why is it important? How much should I tip? 

First off, yes, you should always tip your fly fishing guide! And that goes for any guide; fly fishing, mountain biking, travel/tour, rafting, you get the idea.  

As a former tour guide and wife of a full-time fly fishing guide, tipping is so dang important! Yes, we do what we love, but let’s face it; we’re not buying a second home on guide pay. Or for that matter, home number one. 

Thanks inflation and Bend, Oregon housing prices. 

So why do fly fishing guides guide?

Love. They get into the business because they love the sport and the lifestyle. Guiding allows them to share their passion, skills, knowledge, and obsession while making a few dollars.

While we're stuck in our cubicles with our endless stacks of TPS reports, they’re out there stepping into the water at daybreak surrounded by bluebird skies, wind gently whistling through the pine trees, fish rising all around, and clients eager to listen, learn, and enjoy the day.  

Or, they’re showing up on their 12th day of working in a row, meeting clients mid-morning when it’s already 82 degrees out while dealing with a city-guy that’s saying “I only wanna catch big fish!” 

Ay caramba.

Either way, it’s a rewarding profession that allows for time outside, sharing their knowledge and passion, and pays some bills. And let’s not forget about all the good deals on gear, because all guides are gear junkies.

Ready to become a guide? Me too! 

But wait, amongst all the fish-filled outdoor glamor, there’s also a seemingly endless amount of expenses, gear, logistics, and hard work that comes with it.

Here’s four reasons why you should tip your fly fishing guide.  

• Because they work their ass off for you! Grabbing the gear you need, arranging the shuttle, pre-packing the right flies, buying the gluten free vegan sugar-free whatnot you quested, rowing a heavy-ass drift boat on a multi-day trip, and teaching you how to become a better angler. And not to mention the dinners they miss with their adoring, sexy, and down-right f&cking fantastic spouse. Yep, he’s missed a few.

• Fishing requires patience, and so does guiding. Detangling your line. Again. Showing you how to ditch the rainbow because of all that wrist in your cast. Again. Or listening to your political rants, stories about your latest health crisis, or how your latest trip to Europe was such a disappointment. 

• “Money, money, money. Money!” Guides use mostly their own equipment. Let that sink in for a moment. Those rods you’re casting, flies you’re throwing, boat you’re floating in, vehicle you drove in - plus gas, cooler keeping your beer cold. All that equipment, and plenty more, came out of their own wallet. So if you break a rod, I’m telling you what, you best throw down some cash to replace it.

• You get to fish everyday! Wrong. It’s called guiding, not fishing. You’re fishing, but your guide isn’t. They’re instructing, rowing, making friendly conversation, and making sure you get the most out of your day. They’ll fish on their days off. Yeah, the winter season is popular in our house.

Ok, guides work hard. But, dang nabbit, so do you! You saved money, made plans, and are ready to land a few fish. Hell yeah! So it’s more than justifiable to have generous expectations of your guide.

Here’s five things you should expect from your fly fishing guide. 

• Super smarty pants. They should know the water they’re taking you to and know it well. What’s fishing well, where, when, and what techniques to use. They should also have some knowledge of the area, like geology, local plants and wildlife, maybe some history. That always makes for great conversation.

• Will you be my friend? You’re spending four to eight hours or even multiple days with your guide, so they better do a good job of becoming your friend. A day of fishing with laughter, conversation, and a friend is the freaking best!

• Teach your clients well. You should expect and receive some legit instruction. It blows my mind how many guides just tie on flies, point, and that’s it. No. That’s good enough. They should walk you through casting, presentation, reading the water, proper fish handling, and answer all the questions you have. 

*Note: Clients, for the love of all that is holy, listen to your guide and take instruction. Guides know what they’re doing and are trying to help you become a better angler. 

• Getting you into fish is a priority. Most guides make this their number one priority, that’s why you’re here. They’re going to take you to the honey holes, tie on the right flies, and do whatever it takes to get you into fish. But, catching and landing is also 100% up to you! So add listening, practicing, and having realistic expectations to your arsenal. And as a side note, Brad Pitt’s exceptionally yummy and all, but he aint that great of an angler. So don’t ask your guide, “ A River Runs Through It must be your favorite movie?” Nope.  

• Read a client like the water. Guides work in the hospitality business and should be able to relate to you, find out why you’re here, what your goals are, what you’d like to improve on as an angler. Or maybe you’re just here to go with the flow. Whatever you’re looking for, you should expect someone who cares, is honest, isn’t afraid to challenge you a little, and has at least a few jokes up their sleeve.

Why is it so easy to weigh fish? Because they have their own scales!

Where do fish keep their money? In a river bank.

It’s the end of the day, you just had a mindblowing full day float on the lower Deschutes, caught several fatty-fat trout, your cast improved, and you’re ready to book another trip with this same guide. So, now comes tipping. 

How much do I tip my fly fishing guide? 

I’m so gosh darn proud of you for asking this question. Here’s some simple tips. 

Easy, 20%. Think of it like a restaurant. 

If you paid $400 for a trip, you should tip $80.  If you paid $800, tip $160.

Or, use these even easier numbers.

One client - 

Full day - $100

Half day - $80

Multi day - $150 per day

Multiple clients – 

Full day - $100 (plus $30 for each extra client. $130 for 2 clients)

Half day - $80 (plus $20 for each extra client. $100 for 2 clients)

Multi day - $150 per day (plus $50 for each extra client. $200 per day for 2 clients)

How to tip.

Cash is king! This is always the best and easiest way to tip.

However, with technology and smartphones you could ask your guide if they use Venmo, Apple Pay, Zelle, etc. 

Some shops will allow you to leave gratuity when you pay for your trip or after your trip is over. This is not common, so always check with the shop first. 

Don’t be embarrassed or awkward about tipping. Just say thank you and hand them cash.

At the end of the day how much you tip is up to you.

And know that a tip is never expected, although a tip is always truly appreciated - and hopefully deserved. If your guide worked hard and made your day then show them by leaving a fatty tip. 

If you don’t tip, it’s incredibly, extremely, horribly insulting to your guide and there better be a good reason. 

If fly fishing guides were in it for the money, they wouldn’t be guides. They’re in it because they’re passionate about fly fishing, they want to share it with you, and help make you a better angler. And if they have, then tip! And if you can afford it and they’ve deserved it, then tip big, giant, fat stacks of cash and book another fantastic fish filled trip!