“What distinguishes Jack from the many other guides I have had in the Bitterroot is that he doesn’t just help you catch fish — he does that in spades — but that he is also an articulate, keen-eyed and gifted teacher. I learned to fish on the Bitterroot, and Jack’s perceptiveness and patience quickly nailed my mistakes and taught me how to correct them – all the way from casting and mending, to setting the hook, to playing the fish and to landing and releasing it. As a teacher myself, I appreciate the importance of this skill. I also know what a rarity it is among most other guides working the river: they’re strong rowers and know where the fish are, but they can’t really articulate what you’re doing wrong or explain how to fix it, and that can be frustrating if you’re having an off day.
That said, Jack is not just a guide for beginners. I have friends in the Bitterroot who are as experienced as any and who fish all over the world, but they always insist on getting Jack when they’re here, if he’s available. No matter what your level, Jack will help you catch fish; but more importantly, he will help you to be a better fisherman and to enjoy the beauty of the sport, the spirit of the river and the spectacular setting that the Bitterroot affords. Jack just takes the experience to a whole other level.”
David A. from California
David was here for business but had time to fish 2 days with Jack. The last day was on the Clark Fork before he took off from Missoula International Airport for home in CA. Here are a few photos David sent us. Thank you!!
Thanks to our good friend John Bolton, both Jack and I were on the Clark Fork River with him in late September. Here is a photo log of our day. Great fish, lunch, scenery, weather and friends. A long and happy list to be thankful for.
Below is a slideshow (wait for it to load) of all the images, click on it to go to our website for more photos.
Finally after a pretty dry winter, we are getting more snow. Most of Montana was below 100% snow water equivalent, but that has changed and is forecasted to improve. A wet weather pattern is expected for early March. That is GREAT news for our rivers.Click the image for a larger view.
This has been a crazy summer for many people for many reasons. Mike fishes with Jack quite a bit each summer. He and his wife have a home in Hamilton. This summer, they had to be out of Montana more than usual. Today, Wapiti Waters floated Mike and some friends on the Clark Fork and you never know how it might fish. They hit it just right. Mike said it was one of the best days he has had on a Montana River. His friend, Jim, thanked Jack for sharing that day on the river with him. They deserved a great day and got it. Thanks to the fishing gods and the recovery of the Clark Fork after removing Milltown Dam.
Paul’s mom and sister live in the Bitterroot That gives him good reason to come visit and, of course, fish. They live in Washington state and Paul works for the state park system. This year he brought his life-long friend, Tom. Jack opted to take them on the Clark Fork this year to show them something they hadn’t seen. It was a pretty day and a pretty good day of fishing. Paul sent these photos. Thank you Paul!
