I was fishing the Skagit today from my sled. Came back in just before dusk, the last sled off the water. Fifteen minutes later a drift boat comes in, and performs the ritual drift boat shuflle.

The remaining guy comes up and asks what kind of day we had. I was honest with the guy, told him we had a great day - didn't catch any stealhead but caught some Dolly's and a couple Silvers. The guy told that they didn't have any luck at all but really enjoyed the trip. At that point I figured out this was a guided client so I reenforced the guides ability if he's fishing this river, and made some remarks about what a great day it was. The client was obviously happy and truly did enjoy his time out there even if the fishing wasn't red hot.

As a side note - I used to guide in Alaska, so I was sensitive not to undermine the guides position with the client.

About this time the guide showed back up and put the trailer in the water to pick his boat up. I thought I'd find out where he'd been and what the water upriver was like. We chatted for a couple minutes. The guide complained about the color of the water, which was a little off but still had a nice green to it. I commented that this is the color it usually is below the Sauk so I didn't really mind it that much. It was at this point that the drift boat guide completely pissed me off. He said and I quote, "It would be fine up here if all you power boat guys would stay down in Sedro Woolley where you belong".

I couldn't believe this was supposed to be a professional guilde. I think this guys spent. He needs to get out and hang his hat up because he's definately worthless as a guide.

Knowing his client was still there, and my ten year old son I played the part of a gentleman and walked away without a word.

What was this guy thinking???