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Chilaska: Biography and Philosophy | |||||||||
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I was born on the banks of the snake river in Southeast Idaho. Trout streams, sage brush plains, snowy mountain tops and Shoshone Indians were my neighbors. Besides the drum beats coming from across the field from the wigwam of the local wise man, the beat of a different drummer beat in me. After traveling the country for some years I settled in Alaska and made it my home. I have always been in search of similar sights and sounds of the snake river country of my youth. Remote Alaska and southern Patagonia provide endless visions of an Idaho of the past. |
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Living the life of a trout bum is not the only world I know. Architecture, furniture making and home building are not only passions, but ways to make ends meet. Western designs, rustic cabins and new age homesteads are my preferred projects, but necessity has taken me to construction camps in the arctic and into the shadows of sky scrapers. Any project building something beautiful within range of a good trout stream sparks my interest. My Iliamna lodge is my best achievement so far and continues to provide new projects every year. | ||||||||
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Probably the most important thing about me as a guide is my outlook on life. I appreciate beauty and humility. I fish because it is beautiful to me. I don't enjoy guiding guests who fish for their egos or from greed. I prefer to fish remote, clear and moving waters. Always with barbless hooks and releasing everything except the very occasional fish hurt during the fight. Small streams are always fished lightly and I don't enjoy seeing how many fish can be caught in a day. I like to move during the day and feel exploration, nature and a stream side nap are part of fishing too. |
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I think fishing is a continual learning experience. No one technique or fly is the only thing that will work on a certain day or on a certain piece of water. Fishing involves all your senses and a lot of luck. The feel of the line in your fingers, a subtle pull on the rod or just that something that concentration and experience tells you there is a fish about to take your fly. Fishing with a guide helps you learn this, but it doesn't guarantee you will learn it quickly. |
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I rarely fish with clients unless they prefer I do. I myself like to fish alone. I want as little distraction as possible. That's how I guide also. I'm not a tool attached to your vest. I'm a helpful companion to spend a pleasant day with you. Providing just the right bit of advice or silence as the situation calls for. Always providing the best transportation and necessities as well as a few luxuries now and then. |
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I know there are fishermen looking for this style of guiding. If you are a quiet and thoughtful fly fisher or outdoor adventurer, I hope we can spend a day or two on the water together in some beautiful remote setting fishing for wild trout. I guarantee along with the finest fly fishing you will find a truly memorable experience. |
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