When I got started fly fishing back in the early '70's my quarry was trout. I practiced on bluegills and caught a few largemouth, but the reason I started fly fishing and the reason I'm still doing it is because of trout. One of the first things I did was get a subscription to Fly Fisherman Magazine and I read every issue cover to cover. At that time the debate about stocking trout had just bubbled to the surface. Montana, as an early example, had only decided on a wild trout management program about 1972. Anyway, enough writers, scientist and angler alike, wrote about the superiority of wild fish over hatchery fish that it became evident that in order to develop fully as an angler I needed to concentrate of trying to catch wild trout. That's why I chose the Kinni as my home water and that's why every time I managed to catch one of its wild, resident trout I felt blessed. I've always believed that I learned from some of the best teachers in the sport.

I still think that's the best way to learn, acquire an angling library and read it and then go fishing as much as possible. There's no substitute for time on the water. But I also know that a good school, class or some personal instruction can greatly aid the beginning angler at the start of this journey: My students catch way more trout early in their careers than I did. It's for that reason that we offer the services of a few knowledgeable and professional guides for customers who want someone to help them out on the stream. You've probably read what I have to say about guides in Mike's Musings, but the folks whose names appear below are all people I know and trust. They can help you.

It's just impossible for me to look at people, customers or guides, as business opportunities. Unlike a lot of other shops, we don't take fees from guides for helping them build their clientele. The folks listed below are damn good people and you'll find them very helpful. When you contact them they'll send you here to pick up a few flies or leaders and that'll be enough to make me happy. I hope to see you soon.

Bob Bickford

Bob owns Great Northern Adventures and guides for smallmouth bass and trout and popularized the use of drift boats on the St. Croix. He can be reached at 651/426-6405.

John Edstrom

John operates Headwaters Fly Fishing Co. and guides for trout, smallmouth bass and steelhead. He can be reached at 763/493-5800 or at www.headwatersflyfishing.com

Jim Kojis

Jim is a trout guide in western Wisconsin with close to 20 years experience. He can be reached at 715/441-6383 or at jikoj@aol.com

Scott Thorpe

Scott is a trout and steelhead guide in Wisconsin, Minnesota and a trout, salmon and steelhead guide in Alaska. He can be reached at www.scottthorpeflyfishing.com

Bob Trevis

Bob guides in SE Minnesota and specializes in finding places that aren't overrun with other anglers. He can be reached at 651/454-1397 or at www.troutchasers.net

Kip Vieth

Kip operates Wildwood Float Trips and Outfitters LLC and guides for trout and smallmouth and grouse and woodcock. He can be reached at 612/723-7438 or at www.wildwoodfloattrips.com