This past March, I had the opportunity to attend fly-fishing guide school with Jim Mitchell of Montana Hunting Fishing Adventures and Bitterroot Fly Company—and to say it was transformative would be an understatement.
I started the program on March 10th with one simple goal: to become a better, more knowledgeable river guide in my own backyard. While I’ve spent plenty of time on the water, I was still fairly new to guiding on the local rivers—the Bitterroot, East Fork, West Fork, and Blackfoot in particular. These waters are diverse, dynamic, and at times downright tricky. I knew I needed more than just a guide license—I needed real, on-the-water experience with someone who understood the rivers like the back of their hand.
Jim delivered that and more.
Over the course of the program, he walked me through every element of what it takes to be a true professional in this line of work. We covered entomology, reading river conditions, understanding fish behavior, recognizing local bird species, identifying landmarks, and picking the right flies for the season and water conditions. We didn’t just talk theory—Jim put it all into context on the river, which made the learning stick in a way that no book or online course ever could.
But it wasn’t just about the fish. One of the biggest takeaways was learning how to provide clients with the best possible experience, regardless of how the fishing was. Jim emphasized professionalism, safety, and customer service—how to read the mood in the boat, how to adjust plans on the fly, how to make every client feel valued. From the moment they step into your boat to the moment they leave, the guide sets the tone for the day.
That even includes something as simple as lunch. Jim showed me that lunch isn’t just a break in the day—it’s an opportunity to add something special to the client experience. He’d roll out a folding table on a gravel bar, cover it with a tablecloth, and top it off with a wildflower in a soda can vase. It might sound small, but it speaks volumes. That extra care—those thoughtful details—turn a river lunch into something memorable. It taught me that being a guide isn’t just about knowing where the fish are; it’s about creating moments that your guests will carry with them long after they’ve left the water.
We also spent a lot of time honing technical skills: advanced rowing techniques, river navigation, anchor placement, safety drills, knots, equipment prep, and how to handle everything from gear failures to surprise storms. There’s a rhythm to rowing a boat well, especially on swift or technical stretches, and Jim had a way of breaking it down that made it approachable. By the end of the course, I felt ten times more confident behind the oars.
Weathering the Storm—Literally
Now, as great as the program was, Mother Nature definitely had her own plans. What was originally scheduled to be an eight-day course ended up taking nearly a month to complete. Spring in Montana can be unpredictable, and this year was no exception. We faced windstorms, snow squalls, freezing rain—you name it. Some days, it just wasn’t safe or productive to be on the river.
But oddly enough, those delays became a blessing in disguise. They gave me time to absorb what I was learning, reflect on the material, and prepare questions between sessions. When we were able to get back on the water, I felt more ready and more focused. The weather may have stretched the timeline, but it also gave me a deeper appreciation for the challenges guides face—not just on sunny days, but on the tough ones, too.
It also gave me more time to get to know Jim. He was flexible, encouraging, and always maintained a positive outlook, even when the forecast didn’t cooperate. That attitude, in itself, was a lesson in guiding. As a guide, your job is to be a steady presence for your clients—even when the conditions aren’t ideal.
More Than a License
What impressed me most was Jim’s teaching style. Every day, he’d ask, “Do you have any questions?” And every day, I found myself saying no—not because I didn’t have them, but because he’d already answered them in advance. He’s incredibly thorough, but never overwhelming. He presents the material in a way that’s digestible, relevant, and experience-driven. It’s clear that he cares deeply about his students, and his passion for the craft comes through in everything he does.
And behind the scenes, there’s someone else who deserves just as much credit—Jim’s wife, Bonnie. She’s the glue that holds it all together. Bonnie manages bookings, runs the fly shop, and handles the countless details that make the whole operation run smoothly. From the logistics of scheduling to keeping the shop stocked and organized, she does it all with grace and professionalism. It was clear from day one that this is a team effort, and the warmth and care she brings to the business is felt throughout the entire experience. Simply put, she’s amazing.
Even though I probably could’ve earned my guide license without attending a formal school, this experience catapulted me into the profession. It helped me not only check the boxes, but truly understand what it means to be a river guide here in Montana. And maybe just as important—I walked away with a mentor and a friend. Jim’s professionalism, humility, and generosity of knowledge left a huge impression on me.
If you’re thinking about guiding, or if you’re just looking to become a better boatman, fisherman, or steward of the river, I can’t recommend Jim Mitchell’s guide school enough. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
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