This is a tough question! I don’t think you can say that there is only one ‘best’ guide. It really is dependant on the specific fishery that you are evaluating. For example, Clancy Holt has got to be way up there when you are talking about the Cowlitz and lower Columbia, Scott Amerman is the man down in his part of Oregon, and Bob Ball is clearly one of the very best on the Oly Pen.

If I had to only choose one guide, my vote would go to Bob. Not because he runs this site, but because of his skill, and ability to consistently put big fish in the boat. I used to think I was pretty good at fishing kwikfish for fall salmon, until I took a trip with Bob. I discovered that I was but a rank amateur!

The last point to consider is that each guide will appeal to different folks due to their compatibility with the clients individual personality. Someone who is dead set against releasing wild steelhead might have a tough time with some guides, and not with others.

SA