Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to catch salmon, steelhead and brown trout?

A: Salmon (both coho and kings) run up the tributuaries of Lake Michigan in the fall. Steelhead can be found in the same tributaries in the fall, winter and spring, however the better steelhead fishing is in the winter and spring. Brown trout run in the fall and can usually be found in good numbers from November to March.  This fishing is very dependent on the weather and flow rates of the rivers and varies greatly from year to year.

Q: How long is a guided trip?

A: It depends on the type of trip. A typical wading trip for salmon or steelhead will start 1/2 hour before sunrise. We would need to factor in driving time to the location if you are driving with me or we could meet at the river. The trips will go for about 4 hours of actual fishing time for a 1/2 day trip and 6-8 hours of fishing time for a full day trip. A typical full day local wading trip from start to finish is going to be 6-10 hours depending on which options you choose. A local kayak or canoe trip will be similar. End times are mutually agreed upon while we are on the water. I do not book multiple trips in the same day so I am not rushed to get you off the water at a set time (this is particularly beneficial to you if the fish are biting and you are willing and able to continue fishing). I also offer trips at a flat hourly rate to work with your schedule. 

Q: What gear do I need?

A: You are welcome to bring your own fishing gear or I can supply it. For wading trips you will need your own waders. Polarized sunglasses are required. Appropriate clothing for the conditions is also your responsibility. Please see my Fishing Essentials page for more details.

Q: Do I need a fishing license?

A: Yes, a Wisconsin Fishing License is required. You will need an Inland Trout Stamp for small stream trout fishing or a Great Lakes Trout Stamp for fishing the tributaries of Lake Michigan. (I recommend you get both stamps as they help with conservation efforts). You can obtain your license online HERE.

Q: What is this multi-day option?

A: For the adventurous person I offer a multi-day fishing expidition to the famous driftless region in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin. This trip would include camping and multiple days of fishing (evening fishing on day 1, all day fishing on day 2, morning fishing on day 3). In addition to the guiding fee there will be an additional service fee to cover food and travel expenses. Other options are available - please contact me for more details!

Q: Do you provide lunch or other snacks?

A: Lunch is generally not provided. I do provide snacks and beverages (water, soda, etc.)

Q: Will you do talks for my company or organization?

A: Yes, I do speaking engagements on a variety of topics. My most popular is salmon and steelhead fishing, but I can do others as well depending on your interest. Contact me to discuss logistics and rates.

Q: Do you guarantee I will catch fish?

A: No guide can guarantee you will catch fish. Weather and external factors can put a damper on a fishing day. If the conditions make it impossible to fish or for you to reasonably have a shot at catching a fish we will reschedule the trip to another date at no additional cost. Fly fishing for steelhead is particularly tricky as the fish can be there one day and gone the next. This is the nature of this fishing and people will go years without catching one. I am here to dramatically improve those odds but they will never be 100%.

Q: Do you fish on these trips?

A: I am here with the sole purpose to help you catch fish, not for me to catch them. Some guides will cast for you, hook the fish and then hand you the pole and let you "reel them in". That is 33% fishing and that is not what Fishing Pharmacist is all about. I want you to experience how to REALLY fish and to provide you the skills you need to continue this great hobby when I am not around. That said, I do occasionally need to experiment while we are out there if the fish are particularly picky or hard to find that day, but that is minimal and will not interfere with your fishing. I will only "fish" if necessary to help you catch more fish. I do offer mentored fishing where we both fish at a reduced rate for those who are interested.

Q: Is tax included?

A: If you use your own gear, there is no tax. If I provide the gear the normal Wisconsin sales tax rate applies but is included in the trip pricing.

Q: Can I keep the fish?

A: You can keep the fish when in season, however I strongly encourage catch and release which is what most of my customers do. There are times of the year and locations where catch and release is mandatory.

Q: Do you have gift certificates available?

A: Yes. I will personalize a gift certificate and email to you in PDF to print and give to a loved one or friend. These are really popular for Mother's Day and Father's Day (or for any day for that matter)! Please email me to request a certificate. Please include the name of the person you want to receive the certificate, your name and phone number, and the type of trip you want and I will call you to finalize the details and collect payment prior to sending.

Q: Do you take credit or debit cards?

A: Not at this time. Cash, Venmo or Apple Pay are accepted.

Q: Do I have to wear a life vest on your trips?

A: Yes. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are required for all kayak or canoe trips and will be provided. PFDs are optional for wading trips.

Q: Can I bring alcohol on a trip?

A: It would be safer if you didn't, but if you decide to have a beer after we are done I will not stop you from having one. Fishing Pharmacist Guide Service does not provide alcohol of any kind to our customers.

Q: Do I need to give you a deposit or pay in advance?

A: No. At this time I am not requiring a deposit. If you need to cancel I ask for 3 business days notice prior to the trip in non-emergency situations. Payment is taken at the conclusion of the trip unless you are purchasing a Gift Certificate. Payment for Gift Certificates is made in advance of sending the certificate. 

Q: Will you cancel the trip if the weather is bad?

A: Yes, but it will need to be really bad. Rain is not a reason for canceling a trip (some of the best fishing occurs when the weather is anything other than warm and sunny). I will reschedule if the water conditions are dangerous and we don't have any other options. 

Q: Do you have insurance?

A: Yes. Fishing Pharmacist Guide Service, LLC is fully insured. A copy of our certificate of insurance coverage is available upon request.