Right now it costs $180 for a steelhead licence a year. It cost me about $200 a year for full covarage ins. on boat and lots of liability covarage on the passengers. I have a part time guide policy, I think its 500 a year or so for full time guiding. Rates vary and so does coverage. There isnt much in place for required coveage except if you get a park permit.
They have requirements.
As far as a group of private guides and or people giving there blessings...It wouldent work! These groups are not bias and want to keep the good guide lists as short as possible or would rather endorse friends without the same experience as the ones who really know there way around a particular area. Especially when big areas are closed early and the guides of that area have to seek out new water!

Bob D