I've been fishing the same two rivers in southwest Washington for about 45 years, and guided for 6 of those years. Every year I still hire a guide for at least one trip on each river, sometimes one day each for winter fish and one day for summers. Having a guide give you a "refresher" once or twice a year is worth many times the price. I use Bruce Gipple for winter steelhead (N. and E. Forks of Lewis) and Ted Howell for summer steelies on the N. Fork. Every year. Without fail. And I learn enough to allow me to catch a couple more on my own.